Drum Manor Forest Park, Terrace and Pleasuregrounds Trail (Red)
This trail takes in the butterfly gardens with a walk through the heart of the Forest plots enabling the walker to view a wide variety of different tree species then skirting the edge of the pond before rising through the open parkland back to the car park. Strong footwear recommended
County Tyrone
Distance 0.8 miles
OS Map Discoverer Map Series 13
Terrain Off road forest paths
Nearest Town Cookstown
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference H763778
Route Type Forest, Lakeland
The tower and the ground floor walls of the most recent house remain intact. Within the walls there are the features of a Japanese garden.
The terrace was the most important viewpoint within the old estate demesne in the late 1800s, and is the most attractive one within the Forest Park now. The layout of the Pleasure-grounds was carefully designed to provide tantalising (but not obvious) views of the ponds, trees and the woodlands behind.
The Pleasure-grounds were also for people to walk through and explore. The layout of the trees and shrubs created a feeling of being in a larger area than it actually was, and included rare and valuable species such as the Blue Atlas Cedars and yew. There is a network of paths that take the visitor to various parts, including the ponds.
The larger fish pond predates 1830, with the other created during the major alteration of the Pleasure grounds in 1870.
The Butterfly Garden. Walled Garden contains many species of plants that provide food and shelter for our native butterflies and moths.
These walks are situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversion and closure from time to time.
Up to date information is available on the Forest Service web site – https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/drum-manor-forest-park.
House ruins / Japanese garden, Pleasure Grounds / Champion Trees, Ponds, Butterfly Garden
Signposted from the A505 – Cookstown to Omagh Road.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Car park (fee charged & disabled access), Toilets (disabled access), Picnic areas, Camping and Caravaning, Way-marked/nature trails, Guided tours available
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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
Drum Manor Forest Park, Terrace and Pleasuregrounds Trail (Red)