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Stone tower among trees at sawpit hill
Built around 1731, the stone tower was originally a corn mill | © National Trust / Paul Canning
Northern Ireland

Sawpit Hill walk

This short walk around the perimeter path of Springhill Estate is marked by the great oaks, and offers views of Slieve Gallion and a ring of trees where the sawpit was once located.

Entry to Springhill House and Estate

Normal admission charges apply. National Trust members free.

Total steps: 6

Total steps: 6

Start point

Springhill House, OSNI grid ref: H866828

Step 1

Walk towards the house and take the gate to the right. Then make your way towards the stone path called Sawpit Hill walk. You'll see a copper beech tree before you head down the path towards the pond.

Step 2

The path winds through laurels, and eventually opens out to a woodland on one side, with the path running parallel to Coagh Road.

Step 3

The path begins to head up a steep slope, which will gradually bring you towards the tower, once a corn mill.

Step 4

When you reach the tower look down the Beech Walk. On a clear day you can see the Sperrin mountains and Slieve Gallion. Walk across the front of the tower and when entering the kissing gate ensure that you put the latch back on for other visitors.

Step 5

Continue your walk following the path down and to the left. The large oaks that line the edge of the path mark the boundary of Springhill Estate.

Step 6

The walk will come to a gradual end through the display of rhododendrons, which are at their best in May and June, and into the ancient yew tree grove, part of the Great Forest of Ulster. The finish point is at the back of the house, where you can go into the garden or explore the costume museum.

End point

Springhill House, OSNI grid ref: H866828

Trail map

Map route for Sawpit Hill walk at Springhill
Map route for Sawpit Hill walk at Springhill | © Land and Property Services permit no. 120099 Crown Copyright (2012)

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The Entrance Front of 17th century 'Planter' house, Springhill showing the whitewashed and symmetrical central block
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Springhill 

A pretty 17th-century plantation house with walled garden

Magherafelt, County Londonderry

Partially open today
Visitors walking in the grounds at Springhill, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
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Springhill beech walk 

Enjoy a stroll on a historic path leading up to an 18th-century tower through an avenue of beech trees, once a favourite route for the generations that lived at Springhill.

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Walking
DistanceMiles: 0.25 (km: 0.4)

Get in touch

20 Springhill Road, Moneymore, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, BT45 7NQ

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We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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