Cabin Wood
Killymoon
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
6.56 ha (16.21 acres)
Grid reference:
H816764
Map reference:
Explorer NULL
OS Landranger 13
This tranquil riverside woodland was once part of the Killymoon Castle estate. Follow its circular stone path through the mix of ancient woodland and new planting and you’ll find stunning wildflower displays in spring, spectacular views of the castle and countryside, abundant wildlife, and rich autumn colour. And it’s all just a stone’s throw from town.
Features
- Parking nearby
- Public access
- Broadleaved woodland
How to get to Cabin Wood
Cabin Wood is sat on the southern edge of Cookstown in County Tyrone. It covers 6.5 hectares (16.2 acres) and is bordered by the Ballinderry and Killymoon rivers.
The wood is reached from the main roundabout at the entrance to Cookstown from Dungannon (A29/B520 junction). From the roundabout, take the exit for Stewartstown (B520) and turn almost immediately left onto a bumpy farm track (before the next road junction), which leads to the Woodland Trust car park.
There are no train stations close to the wood. The nearest is Portadown, 38.6km (24 miles) from the wood.
Visit Translink for more information.
The nearest bus stops are along the B520 and have infrequent local services.
Visit Translink for more information.
Facilities and access
The wood has two access gates leading on to a stone path which follows a circular route through the wood.
The route takes around 30 minutes to walk and is buggy-friendly, but there are some sloping sections which can be quite steep at parts.
There are a number of steep paths to the Killymoon and Ballinderry rivers which border the wood.
There is a small car park located at the entrance to the wood.
There are public toilets with accessible facilities in nearby Cookstown.
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
Cabin Wood provides a wealth of habitats for all kinds of wildlife. Both red and fallow deer live in the parklands on the other side of Killymoon River and can often be seen crossing the shallower parts and steadily venturing into Cabin Wood.
Daubenton’s bats also frequent Cabin Wood. Take a walk by the river at dusk for a chance to see them darting above. During the day, the river is a great place to watch out for wildlife.
In the woods, listen for the screaming call of the jay, and in the autumn, look out for them as they bury acorns to feed on later in the winter. You may also spot barn owls, kestrels, stonechats and, in spring, grey wagtails.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
In 2001, we planted around 12,000 trees here. We made sure to plant a real range of species, including water-loving trees to thrive near the riverside.
Remnants of the site's mature wood, thought to be ancient wood, remain along the riverbanks. Here you'll find an abundance of ground flora with swathes of bluebell, primrose, wood anemone and celandine.
Look out for:
Dedicate at this wood
This wood is one of more than 50 across the UK where it's possible to dedicate trees, benches or larger areas of woodland. Mark a special occasion or celebrate the life of a loved one with a meaningful gesture that lasts.
Choose a dedicationHabitats
This young woodland acts as a buffer and extension to ancient woodland and also features grassland areas. All mean local wildlife thrives.
Explore:
About Cabin Wood
Cabin Wood was once part of the Killymoon Castle Estate. The original castle was built in 1671 by James Stewart and was rebuilt in 1803 after a fire.
While you're enjoying your walk around Cabin Wood, you might spot a bench in the shape of a saw. This bench marks the spot where you can see the remains of an old sawmill that used to stand in the woods.
We don't know much about the history of the mill, but it's clear it once stood at the heart of extensive ancient woodland. It's likely that much of the timber was cut during the war effort, and that the mill fell into disrepair after the sale of nearby woodland.
Things to do in Cabin Wood
Walks
Cabin Wood is ideal for those looking for a leisurely stroll. It is dotted with scenic picnic spots and information panels.
Thanks to a pathway provided by Cookstown District Council and other partners, you can now enjoy an extended walk along the banks of Killymoon River.
Fishing
The rivers nearby are popular fishing spots, perfect for able anglers. Cookstown District Council and the local Kingsbridge Angling Club retain fishing rights in the area. Please ensure you have a valid license and permit when fishing.
