Ness, Ervey and Burntollet - Derry

Start : Main car park at the Visitors Centre, Ness Country Park. (BT47 3TR)

(S/E) Follow the path North from the car park at the visitor's centre down to the right, past an area of recently created ponds and across Hone’s Bridge.

(1) Cross Hone's Bridge. Follow the path right along the north side of the Burntollet River for around 1 Km.

(2) Cross the bridge to the right, and walk around 230 m until you reach the second bridge.

(3) Cross this second bridge and ascend the steps. The path will then lead you past Ness waterfall across Shanes Bridge. Continue on the path into the woodland, passing the viewing point for the waterfall.

Follow this path downhill until you turn right onto a path leading uphill, this path leads above mature woodland and then reaches a turning point to the left. Keep walking for a little more than 600m.

(4) Taking a sharp left, down a series of wooden steps towards the river turning right to rejoin the path to take you back to the visitors centre. (S/E)

Start : Main car park at the Visitors Centre, Ness Country Park. (BT47 3TR)
The walk starts 4.5 Km North-West of the village of Claudy and 13 Km South-East of Derry City, well signposted from A6 via Oughtagh Rd.

Parking : Main car park at the Visitors Centre, Ness Country Park. (BT47 3TR)

Terrain : Woodland, Riverside paths, wooden boardwalks, steps

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : Visitor Centre, Toilets, Car park, Picnic Site

Dog Policy : Dogs must be kept under control around Visitor Centre & car parks

Note : Please see the website of Ness Country Park for opening times.

Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.

Ness Country Park
This steep wooded glen is a remnant of extensive natural oakwoods and comprises 20 ha, with riverside/woodland paths including wooden steps & footbridges, habitat of many different species of wildlife and birdlife. The site is also an ASSI and is NIEA owned and managed. Recent development work in the park now means the walk extends along both sides of the Burntollet River joining Ness and Ervey Woods. It also includes an area of level meadow, providing easy-access walking for less able visitors. The Park has wildlife ponds, picnic tables, wildflower meadows and a new Visitor Centre where you can view an exhibition on woodland biodiversity.

Ervey Wood
A large section of the wood is also an ASSI extending for over 1km on the northern side of the flanks and floor of the Burntollet Glen, with the Burntollet River running adjacent to its southern boundary. A pleasant walk in all seasons with some steep inclines, although best in spring. It is also owned and managed by NIEA.

Recent development work in the park now means the the walk extends along both sides of the Burntollet River joining Ness and Ervey Woods

Burntollet Wood
Burntollet Wood sits adjacent to Ness Country Park. The wood is still in its infancy and is an Area of Special Scientific Interest containing fragments of rare ancient woodland. The Woodland Trust has planted over 43,000 native trees at Burntollet, mostly oak with scatterings of ash, alder and wild cherry. The young trees will buffer the nearby pockets of ancient woodland, slowly linking habitats together and providing an extended haunt for the Valley’s precious wildlife. In summertime, visitors will be treated to 11 hectares (27 acres) of gloriously coloured wild flowers. Vibrant displays of yellow rattle, birdsfoot trefoil, red campion, and ox-eye daisy await you. The flowers, interspersed with clover, barley and oats, provide a valuable habitat for numerous species of insects and birds.