Forest bathing at Banagher Glen

Banagher Glen is a nature reserve about four miles south of Dungiven, on the northern edge of the Sperrins, and one of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland. Mature oak and ash cover the steep glen sides, with rowan, hazel, hawthorn and holly beneath them. The glen sits within the larger Banagher Forest, mostly spruce on the higher peat slopes, and leads up to Banagher Dam and Altnaheglish Reservoir.

Park in the free car park at the end of Magheramore Road and go through the kissing gate. A surfaced road climbs through the glen, crossing several bridges, to the dam and reservoir, about six miles there and back. Some stretches are very steep, but the road surface makes it a reliable walk in wet weather. The oak woods are at their best in spring, when the canopy is fresh. The entrance road is narrow, so drive slowly.