Somerset Forest and Mountsandel Wood Circular
County Londonderry
Somerset Forest lies a mile south of Coleraine and takes in Mountsandel Wood and the smaller Castleroe Wood, a mix of broadleaf and conifer trees either side of the River Bann, with quiet riverside stretches where a dog can go off the lead. Two waymarked paths run through the forest, including a wheelchair accessible tarmac loop that starts and finishes at the main car park, alongside less formal riverside paths with views over the Bann, where herons nest and can often be seen at low tide. The wood also sits beside Mountsandel Fort, the site of an early Mesolithic settlement dated to around 7,000 BC and Ireland's earliest known evidence of habitation, adding historical interest to what is otherwise a straightforward, flat forest walk of a little over 3km.
This dog friendly walk is gentle and mostly flat, with moderate off-lead potential on the quieter riverside stretches away from the accessible tarmac path and picnic areas. No livestock is kept in the forest, and the mixed woodland gives reliable shade, while the Bann itself offers a dog the chance to look at the water even where the banks are too steep for a proper paddle. As a working forest, parts can occasionally be restricted for forest operations, so check for any signage at the car park. Picnic tables and open grass are available near the car park, and Coleraine, a mile away, has a full range of cafes and dog-friendly pubs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr
- Walk Type
- Woodland, River, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Picnic tables and open grass near the car park; no cafe on site; cafes and pubs in Coleraine.
- Parking
- Hard-surfaced car park at Somerset Forest, off the A54 Kilrea Road, Coleraine.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Somerset Forest and Mountsandel Wood Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in County LondonderryFrequently Asked Questions
Is Somerset Forest and Mountsandel Wood Circular dog friendly?
Somerset Forest and Mountsandel Wood Circular is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The forest has no livestock, offers reliable shade from mixed woodland, and the quiet riverside stretches along the Bann give dogs room to roam. Picnic tables and open grass near the car park make it easy to stop and take a breather together.
Can dogs be off lead at Somerset Forest and Mountsandel Wood Circular?
There is moderate off-lead potential here, particularly on the quieter riverside paths away from the main accessible tarmac loop and picnic areas. The absence of livestock helps, and the Bann is within sight along these stretches, though the banks can be steep so a full paddle isn't guaranteed. Keep leads on around the busier sections near the car park.
What should I know before visiting Somerset Forest and Mountsandel Wood Circular with my dog?
As a working forest, parts of Somerset Forest can occasionally be closed for forestry operations, so it's worth checking for any notices at the car park before you set off. The walk is flat and just over 3km, making it manageable for most dogs. There's no cafe on site, but Coleraine is only a mile away and has a good range of cafes and dog-friendly pubs if you want to round off the walk with a drink.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk4.5 mi awayPort Path: Portstewart to Portrush
Northern Ireland
A Causeway Coast cliff walk from Portstewart Strand to Portrush with Atlantic views and dramatic headland scenery.
Beach5.1 mi awayPortstewart Strand
County Londonderry
A National Trust beach with two miles of pristine sand and year-round access, one of Northern Ireland's finest with cars permitted to drive on the beach.
Walk7 mi awayDownhill Beach and Mussenden Temple Walk
County Londonderry
A dog friendly coastal clifftop walk to Mussenden Temple and down to Downhill Beach on the Derry coast.
Beach7.2 mi awayDownhill Strand
County Londonderry
A spectacular National Trust beach below Mussenden Temple with seven miles of sand and year-round access - one of Ireland's finest beaches.
Beach8.7 mi awayWhiterocks Beach
County Antrim
A spectacular Blue Flag Causeway Coast beach with dramatic white limestone cliffs, arches and caves, with seasonal restrictions on part of the beach from 1 June to 15 September.
Walk10.5 mi awayGiant's Causeway and North Antrim Cliff Path
Northern Ireland
One of Britain's great coastal walks along the Causeway Coast from the basalt columns to Dunseverick, dramatic all the way.