Gortnamoyagh Forest

Travel 3 miles west of Garvagh town and you will begin to enter Gortnamoyagh Forest, which straddles the North Sperrins ridge. Covering 930 hectares of mainly upland, coniferous forest, the elevation ranges from 190m – 250m above sea level. Gortnamoyagh Forest provides a rewarding experience for anyone looking to enjoy unspoilt and often remote areas of forest.

Gortnamoyagh Forest is split into 3 distinct blocks, all of which are readily accessible from the main Garvagh – Dungiven B64 road. The forest is predominately Sitka spruce, with other conifer species such as Japanese larch, Scots pine and Norway spruce.

‘The Rock’ is an interesting feature halfway to the main block and left at Beer’s Bridge, where it is said that St. John who actually lived in this area, flew from the rock to officiate mass in nearby Churchtown and left the impression of the track of his sole on the rock. His footprint can still be seen on the rock today. This may well have become another swearing in place for the ancient warlords of the area, and the kings would have put their foot in the indentation on the rock.

Walking through areas of Gortnamoyagh Forest can provide you the opportunity to see buzzards, kestrels, ravens, jays and foxes, to name but a few.

How to get there

Situated 3 mile west of Garvagh, Co.Londonderry, on the main Garvagh – Dungiven road B62.

The forest is open every day of the year from 8.00am until sunset. Admission is free.

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