Area: The Sperrins
Distance: 1.1 miles circular
Map: Sheet 14 of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discoverer Series available from Land & Property Services www.osni.gov.uk
Nearest town to start: Moneymore
Facilities: Toilet and tea room (opening hours apply)
Developed by: This walk was developed and is maintained by the National Trust.
Terrain: This walk takes place on a gravel path with some steep sections.
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 www.leavenotraceireland.org
Walk description: This Halloween uncover the spooky history of Springhill House and estate.
Dating from the time of the Plantation of Ulster, the demesne at Springhill boasts a rich mixed woodland planted by generations of the Lenox-Conyngham family who lived here for over three hundred years. With its white walls, narrow windows and grey slate roof, topped with red brick chimney stacks little has changed over the centuries.
As you leave the coach yard turn right and follow the path as it leads up a short but steep climb towards the tower, which was once a corn mill. Look out for the remains of the American GI's WW2 camp, concrete areas under the trees show where the foundations of the Nissan huts were sited. Take a moment to enjoy the view from the tower down through the beautiful avenue of beech trees, where on a clear day you can see the Sperrin Mountains and Slieve Gallion. The path continues across the front of the tower, passing some large oaks that line the edge of the path, marking the boundary of the Springhill estate. The old sawpit would have been located in the field next to the path, the timber produced here was used to build the house once describes as 'the prettiest house in Ulster'.
Once you've walked around in daylight if you think you are brave enough to handle it in the dark you can take park in the National Trusts 'Haunted House on the Hill' event (Thursday October 29 to Friday October 31). Prepare to encounter the headless horseman or Oliva's ghost before navigating through the ancient woodlands amidst freshly dug graves.
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. Visit WalkNI.com for route descriptions, maps, and transport and facility information for over 240 quality walks across Northern Ireland.
