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Weekend Walk: Drum Manor Forest Park

<a href=http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=2999>In Seaforde Gardens</a>, large flight area with hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies. Reptiles and insects behind glass. Parrots, maze, viewing tower, rare plants, nursery garden, play area..
In Seaforde Gardens, large flight area with hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies. Reptiles and insects behind glass. Parrots, maze, viewing tower, rare plants, nursery ga In Seaforde Gardens, large flight area with hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies. Reptiles and insects behind glass. Parrots, maze, viewing tower, rare plants, nursery garden, play area.. (Tony Pleavin/Northern Ireland Tourist Board)

Area: Co Tyrone.

Distance: 2.1 miles circular.

Map: Sheet 13 of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discoverer Series available from Land & Property Services osni.gov.uk or nidirect.gov.uk.

Nearest town to start: Cookstown.

Facilities: Car park, toilets, picnic areas and camping and caravanning onsite.

Developed by: This walk has been developed by Mid Ulster Council and is maintained by Forest Service.

Terrain: This walk will take place on uneven track through woodland forests, parkland and grassland.

Walk Description: Now that the better weather is on its way, pack a picnic and enjoy a day out with family or friends exploring the enchanting mixed woodland of Drum Manor Forest Park and identifying butterflies in the walled garden.

From the car park turn left and follow the red trail past the Manor House. Here you will see the tower and ground-floor walls of this early Victorian house which remain intact. Take a stroll along the terrace and enjoy the panoramic views of the estate from the viewpoint. You will be able to see from here the pleasure grounds and ponds which were developed during a major alteration of the house in the 1870s. They contain a number of interesting tree species and the layout of the plantings was deliberate to create a special atmosphere. Features to explore include the Japanese gardens, arboretum which you can explore at your leisure.

The path at the far end of the terrace will take you down beside magnificent cedars towards the ponds. Before reaching the pond follow the waymarked black trail away from the red trail. Follow this path through both native and exotic tree species, until you reach the junction where the Forest Plots Trail separates from the Old Woodlands Trail.

From here follow the waymarkers for the Old Woodlands Trail, passing through the woodland along the southern boundary of the demesne which shelters the estate from the south-westerly winds. You will soon reach a young native plantation which is a working forest, managed to produce timber. Continue on as the trail opens up into parkland and reaches the Old Kindress path which passes through a beech avenue before rejoining the red trail at the butterfly garden.

Take some time to visit the walled butterfly garden whose many species of plants provide both food and shelter for native butterflies and moths. Picking up the path again follow until you reach the car park.

Responsible Walking: Please remember to practice the principles of 'Leave No Trace' when enjoying the outdoors in order to minimise your impact on the environment. For more information, visit leavenotraceireland.org.

Disclaimer: This information has been provided by WalkNI.com in association with The Irish News. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information. However, neither WalkNI.com nor The Irish News can accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Where such are brought to our attention, the information for future publications will be amended accordingly.

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