Davagh Forest
The true definition of a hidden gem, Davagh Forest lies approximately 6 miles north west of Cookstown in an untouched rural landscape of rolling hills and sweeping forests. In an attempt to unlock Davagh’s unique potential as a recreational hub, Cookstown District Council has recently launched a brand new network of walking and mountain biking trails which is set to put this forgotten forest back on the map.
County Tyrone
Distance 1.8 miles
OS Map 13
Terrain forest trails with loose gravel
Nearest Town Cookstown
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference H694862
Route Type Forest, Riverside
Davagh Forest’s short circular walk begins from the upper car park and follows the black waymarker arrows alongside Davagh Water.
This pleasant riverside path meanders through lush green, almost fluorescent, woodland before crossing over Davagh Water and gradually ascending to meet the main forest road. Look out for the red tint of the river when crossing the newly constructed footbridge.
The return leg of this walk uses the wide, surfaced forest road which leads down to meet the car park and back to the start of the trail.
Davagh Water, Davagh Forest
Located approximately 50 miles from Belfast, Davagh Forest is signposted off the A505 Cookstown to Omagh Road at Dunnamore.
If travelling from Draperstown, take the B47 through the village of Straw before bearing left on the Sixtowns Road. Turn left on the Davagh Road signed East Sperrins Scenic Route and after 3 miles the trailhead will be on your left hand side.
TRAILHEAD POSTCODE: BT79 8JH
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
There is a car park and picnic facilities available at the trailhead.
Grade 3
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 5cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 1m wide for its entire length.
- The path will not be steeper than 6° or have a cross slope of greater than 6°.
- There will not be any obstacles such as steps or stiles and surface breaks will be between 12mm and 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- There will be passing places at least every 150m and rest areas at least every 1km.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Davagh Forest
My favourite headspace! It’s entire circumference is on the high side of 5 miles following forest trails to the top. But for the highest and best views don’t take the highest trail As you are surrounded by tall pines but the one that cuts across the high tree line just before the top. You can easily see that line from most parts of Davagh. Along with the new OM dark sky observatory and the wonderful Beaghmore Stone circles close by and the new Sperrinview Glamping site, investment into the area is reaping its rewards.
Ah yes, I used to live in the houses just outside the forest when I was a wee boy, I loved taking long walks in and around the forest, nothing better for your lungs!
Great trail! Easy for the whole family. Next time we will be cycling for sure.