Learmount Forest

Full Description

Learmount Forest sits in the foothills at the northern face of the Sperrins, just outside the village of Park, and it's the kind of forest that rewards a bit of effort. The paths start down at the banks of the River Faughan and climb from there up the slopes of Meeny Hill, so you get a riverside stretch to begin with and then a proper bit of uphill if you want it.

There are over four kilometres of tracks and paths in all, through woodland with more than fifteen different species of tree, some of them well over a hundred years old. It's free, there's a car park at the community centre where the walk starts, and it's open all year round.

This isn't a play park and it isn't a theme-park forest. It's somewhere for a family walk where the children can splash about at the river first and then earn a view over the top of the village — and where a bike is welcome on the designated route rather than everywhere.

What You'll Find

Over four kilometres of forest roads and paths, rising from the River Faughan up towards the slopes of Meeny Hill.

Mixed woodland with more than fifteen tree species, some over a century old.

Cycling on a designated route only.

Free parking at the community centre where the walk starts, and no charge for the forest.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓The river at the bottom of the walk — always the best bit
• ✓Big old trees to disappear behind
• ✓Paths that go uphill, which makes it feel like a proper adventure
• ✓Bringing a bike for the designated cycle route

Before You Visit

The forest is on the Learmount Road on the outskirts of Park village near Claudy. The walk starts from the car park at Learmount Community Centre.

It's open all year, admission is free and parking is free.

The first stretch down by the River Faughan is the gentlest going. From there the paths climb, so be ready for uphill sections and don't plan on a buggy for the higher parts.

There are no toilets and no café at the forest, so come prepared.

Cycling is restricted to a designated route rather than the whole forest, so keep bikes to the marked way.

Learmount Castle stands beside the forest but it is not a visitor attraction, so don't plan your visit around seeing inside it.

Suggested ages are guidance rather than a rule. The surfaces are forest road and rough path rather than paved footpath, and the walk climbs as it leaves the river, so treat it as a family walk for children who can manage a few uphill sections — and walk just the riverside stretch if you're with smaller ones.

Top Tips

• ⭐Start with the riverside stretch — it's the easiest section for small legs
• ⭐Wear proper shoes; the climbs are on forest surface, not pavement
• ⭐Bring bikes only if you'll stick to the designated cycling route
• ⭐It's worth the drive from Claudy for the quiet; combine it with a walk in Ness Country Park