Bann Woods South Forest
The Bann Woods South Forest has miles of forest roads where the public can walk. The best woodland walks are those where clear-felling has not yet taken place. Bracknamuckley, just north of Portglenone, is on the Gortgole Road on the Antrim side of the River Bann.
Activities
There are no facilities for recreational activities. The public are welcome to visit this forest on foot. Follow the safety advice on forest signs.
Opening times
The forests are open every day from 8.00 am until sunset for pedestrian access only.
About this forest
There are good views along the River Bann on all the Bann Woods. The British and Irish Hardwoods Improvement Programme has referred to the pure oak stand at Movanagher Wood as: “possibly the best stand of oak of this age in Northern Ireland” and “compares with the best in the Republic of Ireland”.
Movanagher Wood is on the Derry side of the river a mile north of Kilrea, just off the Movanagher Road. Part of Movanagher Wood is in an Area of Special Scientific Interest called Tully Hill. It is an important example of a flat topped delta created by glacial retreat up the Bann Valley.
Moneygran Wood is on the same side of the river just south of Kilrea. Some of the woods have provision for moorings for boats or canoes. Vow Wood near the Anglers' Rest on the Antrim side of the River north of Kilrea, and Movanagher, Moneygran and Bracknamuckley Woods have these moorings. There are fishing stands on the river at Movanagher.
How to get there
Bann Woods are situated at various locations along the River Bann between Portglenone and Aghadowey.