Get ready for
exhilirating new experiences at Garvagh Forest
The forest is home to a range of walking, cycling and mountain bike trails to enjoy!
There are four different grades of cycle trails within the forest each offering a different
experience, and walkers can avail of waymarked walking trails.
Points of Interest
Take in your surroundings at Garvagh Forest during your walk or cycle and experience the beauty of nature, as well as a few hidden gems along the way
FLORA & FAUNA
The forest is home not only to plants, but also many birds and animals, including squirrels, hares, finches and coal tits to name but a few. The forest is especially noted for beautiful bluebells annually in May.
MODERN PYRAMID
Originally created as a burial folly for Lord Garvagh, the pyramid is an unusual addition to the forest landscape. Having never fulfilled the task it was designed for, it was sealed shut with no incumbent in recent years.
AGIVEY RIVER
The river, which is popular among fishermen, runs along the boundaries of the forest and brings an abundance of wildlife to the area. You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of it for yourself on your journey through the forest.
Walking Trails
You’ll find trails for all levels of ability in Garvagh Forest, and makes for a fantastic day out for families, couples and solo travellers
Pyramid Trail – 1.3km long
This trail is promoted as an all ability multi-use trail and is relatively flat over most of its length. The trail edges the Agivey River for approximatelty half its length and passes through the main bluebell area under a canopy of trees. It passes the Pyramid within the forest on its return to the car park.
River Trail – 5.0km long
This longer trail shares the route of the Pyramid Trail alongside the Agivey River before continuing alongside the Gortree Burn and skirting Rabbit Hill to the centre of the forest. This route also passes the spectacular Pyramid within the forest on its return to the car park.
Canning Trail – 6.9km
The longest walking trail in the forest skirts almost the entire perimeter of the forest, which was formerly part of Lord Garvagh’s demesne. It ventures into quieter parts at the western end of the forest, and affords walkers elevated views of the surrounding landscape in the northern section of the forest.
Walking trails
DOWNLOAD MAPCycling Trails
Whether you’re a leisurely cyclist or a total adrenaline junkie, there’s a cycling route that’s suitable for you – all promising intriguing sights at every twist and turn
Green Multi-use Trail – 1.3km
This circular route, which is close to the car park, caters for family cyclists and less experienced riders. The trail features gentle gradients and does not include any technical trail features. It is also promoted as a walking trail so cyclists should expect to meet walkers and give way accordingly.
Yellow Skills Loop – 1.3km
The skills area includes a number of technical trail features of increasing difficulty, along braided trail. Skills areas are used to hone skills in a controlled environment, which can then be used on the wider trail network. The design allows for skills to be tested on the outbound journey to the main trails.
Blue Trail – 2.8km
Comprised of a network of trails, this route caters for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers. The route starts on the green trail and passes through the skills loop. It continues in a circular route before returning on a gentle descent back towards the trail head.
WATCH:
Experience it
for yourself
…. and for more
experienced cyclists
Red Trail – 4.7km
This trail uses the start of the blue trail before peeling off to complete a loop which circumnavigates the north western end of the forest, followed by a southern return loop back to the trail head.
The trail features a number of technical trail features in order to provide a more challenging and rougher ride character than the blue trail.
Cycling trails
DOWNLOAD MAPSHOWERS
Shower facilities are located at the Jim Watt Sports Centre, approximately 450m from the forest car park.
Opening hoursPUBLIC BATHROOOMS
Public toilets can be found at Bridge Street, Garvagh, which is located approximately. 550m from the forest car park.
CAR PARKING
There are approximately 25 spaces within the main forest car park, located off Garvagh’s Main Street.
Important information
Familiarise yourself with our Frequently Asked Questions before your visit to Garvagh Forest
How do I report an emergency or incident?
In the event of a serious accident please call 112 or 999 and ask for PSNI and/or NI Ambulance Service.
To report an incident, please call 101
(PSNI Non-emergency) or 028 7034 7234 (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council) or email info@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk
Are the walking trails wheelchair accessible?
The Green Trail, also known as The Pyramid Trail, is suitable for wheelchair use. The surface is compacted gravel and is approximately 1.3km long.
The other trails have a variety of surfaces and gradients which would make wheelchair access more difficult.
Can I bring my dog?
Of course! Dogs are allowed to visit Garvagh Forest Park, but please keep your furry friend on a lead at all times.
Please also remember your bags to clean up after your pooch and use the bins provided!
Are trails suitable for children?
All 3 walking trails are suitable for children and the Green Trail is suitable for children on bicycles. Depending on ability, sections of the Yellow and Blue trails may also be suitable.
Where can I park?
There are approximately 25 spaces within the main forest car park, located off Garvagh’s Main Street. Additional public parking is also available within Garvagh village
Is there a picnic area?
There is a grassed area immediately adjoining the car park which is perfect for picnics!
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