Banagher Glen Nature Reserve includes over 40 acres of
ancient oak woodland that formerly covered much of
the northwest.
Nearest Towns: Dungiven / Feeny
Distance: 2 to 9 miles (3 / 14km) Circular
Points of Interest: Ancient woodland, flora
and fauna, Banagher Dam
Grid Reference (Start/Finish): C672048
From car parking beside the Owenrigh River
follow the surfaced road past the gate and
old filter house up the steep Glen (rising
400ft). Fork left up Altnaheglish Glen and
cross the bridge where the Altnaheglish
River and Glenedra Water meet. A legendary
serpent that escaped St Patrick allegedly
inhabits the pools here! Continue, crossing
another bridge to view Banagher Dam and
Altnaheglish Reservoir, flanked by moorland
and conifer plantation. Return by the
same route.
Part of an Area of Special Scientific Interest
(ASSI) and Special Area of Conservation
(SAC) managed by Environment and
Heritage Service, the Glens' steep slopes
support oak and ash woodland with rowan,
hazel, hawthorn and holly trees
understorey. Ferns and mosses thrive in
damp, shady spots. Primroses, blue bells,
wood sorrel and wood anemone carpet
the woodland floor in spring, while
birdsong fills the woodland in summer.
Listen for wood warblers, watch for circling
buzzards, or glimpse a squirrel, stoat, or
silver-washed fritillary butterfly.
To protect the fragile soils and delicate
flora of the steep slopes, walkers are
asked to keep to the roadway.
More about Banagher Glen at
WalkNI and
Discover NI.
|
|