Ballykelly Forest

What You'll Find

Sometimes all you need is a wee forest walk where the kids can explore, collect sticks and enjoy being outdoors without spending a penny!

Ballykelly Forest is a quiet woodland just outside Ballykelly village in County Londonderry. It's actually Northern Ireland's oldest state forest, so there's a little bit of history behind those trees too!

You'll find a network of forest tracks with a few different loops to choose from. The full walk is around 2.3 miles, but you don't have to do it all, which is always handy when you've got little legs tagging along.

The paths wind through the trees, with plenty of opportunities for the kids to spot wildlife, collect pine cones and turn an ordinary walk into their own wee adventure.

It's a working forest rather than a country park, so don't expect playgrounds or lots of facilities. It's more about enjoying a peaceful walk, getting outdoors and letting the kids explore.

A lovely free option if you're in the Ballykelly area or looking for somewhere to stretch your legs along the north coast route.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Exploring the woodland and seeing what they can discover
• ✓Collecting pine cones, leaves and interesting sticks along the way
• ✓Following the forest tracks and choosing which way to go
• ✓Spotting birds and looking out for signs of woodland wildlife
• ✓Having plenty of space for a wee adventure among the trees

Before You Visit

The forest entrance and car park are along Clooney Road (A2), around a mile west of Ballykelly village.

This is a working forest, so you may occasionally come across forestry activity or temporary track closures.

The walking routes mainly follow forest roads, which are generally easy to manage but can be uneven and muddy in places, particularly after wet weather. Wellies or walking boots are a good idea!

There aren't any toilets, cafés or playground facilities within the forest itself, so it's worth planning a stop in Ballykelly village if needed.

The shorter loops are handy for younger children, while families with older kids might enjoy tackling the full route.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Turn your walk into a wee nature hunt! See how many different leaves, cones and woodland treasures the kids can spot.
• ⭐Start with one of the shorter southern loops if you're visiting with younger children. You can always explore further if everyone is still full of energy!
• ⭐Pack the wellies, especially after rain. Forest tracks can get pretty mucky!
• ⭐Bring a wee snack and drink along. There's nothing like a snack stop halfway through a woodland adventure!
• ⭐Check for any forestry closures before setting off, particularly if you're making a special journey.