Forest bathing at Drumnaph Wood

Drumnaph Wood, about 3 km north of Maghera, is one of the few surviving fragments of the great forest that once covered much of mid-Ulster. It was once upland oakwood; today hazel, holly and ash form a closed canopy with some old oaks and elms, including McCartney's Oak, named after a nineteenth century grazier. The wood sits on a ridge above the Grillagh River, looking west to Carntogher and the Sperrins, and new planting, bog and rush meadows surround the old woodland.

Park in the small free car park on Grillagh Road and follow the farm track to the main entrance. Several waymarked trails run from 1.2 km to the 3 km perimeter loop, on grass paths and a boardwalk over the wetter ground, so you can choose a short circuit and take it slowly. There are no toilets on site. In winter you may see Irish hares in the open ground.