By Alan Rodgers

A GEM of a walk in the heart of Mid-Tyrone offers magnificent views of the Sperrin mountains while also providing a unique glimpse into the local landscape.

Situated about three miles outside Sixmilecross, the Flaxmill Centre in Drumduff has been a haven for the local community for more than a decade

Its walkways have recently been enhanced and there is a wide variety of attractions over a short but intriguing half mile route.

There is plenty of parking at the community centre, and the route covers a figure-of-eight course with stone paths and a wooden boardwalk.

You will be walking across a raised bog habitat, which is a haven for plant life, trees, insects and birds.

Information boards at regular intervals provide a fascinating insight into some of the features of this unique landscape, including how it’s home to common cotton grass, bog asphodel, large red damselfly and moss. There are also birch trees, brambles and foxglove flowers, and the bird life includes the blue tit.

A another feature of this dander is the subtle efforts to make it more interesting to walkers.

At regular intervals, you’ll come across the fairy glen, the fox cove, the badger walk, birch down and blueberry corner.

Also, check out the lovely scent of lavender and rosemary in the sensory garden.

Next year, the walk will be further enhanced by a little area for flowers which has been earmarked for children from the local St Patrick’s Primary School in Drumduff. There’s a bird hide and the boardwalk undulates in line with the features of the underlying raised bog.

Picnic tables and benches are located at regular intervals on a course which takes in brilliant views of the surrounding countryside, including Mullaghcairn in the distance.

It’s a small but beautiful dander, and particularly worth a visit during these autumn months.