
Where to go · County Londonderry
Forest bathing at Ness Country Park
Mixed woodland on both banks of the Burntollet River south-east of Derry, with a big waterfall and riverside paths.
Ness Country Park covers about 55 hectares of mixed woodland and open parkland along both banks of the Burntollet River, south-east of Derry. The river runs through the woods and over a large waterfall, the main feature of the park.
There are more than seven kilometres of riverside walks, so you can make a short loop or spend a long afternoon under the trees. The meadow walk is the easy-access option for anyone who prefers gentler ground. A refreshment hub, picnic tables and a nature-themed play park sit near the main area, which is where families gather; walk on along the river for quieter stretches. Entry is free. After heavy rain the waterfall is at its loudest and the riverside paths can be muddy, so wear boots.
Practical
- Managed by
- Northern Ireland Environment Agency (DAERA)
- Parking
- Car park at the main entrance
- Terrain
- Riverside woodland paths; easier meadow walk
- Nearest station
- Derry~Londonderry, about 15 minutes by car
- Facilities
- Refreshment hub, picnic area, play park
- Opening and entry
- Free
- Official page
- nidirect.gov.uk
Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.
Guides who run sessions here
No guides listed at Ness Country Park yet
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More woodlands in County Londonderry
All venues in County Londonderry
Banagher GlenAncient oak and ash on the steep sides of a Sperrins glen near Dungiven
Downhill ForestSmall mixed wood near Castlerock with an old fishpond and one of NI's biggest spruces
Drumnaph WoodAncient woodland fragment on a ridge near Maghera, with Sperrins viewsPhotos: Banagher Glen, Michael Spence (CC BY-SA 4.0); Downhill Forest, Robert Ashby (CC BY-SA 2.0); Drumnaph Wood, Paddynews (CC BY-SA 4.0).