Gortin ward covers a largely rural portion of the Sperrin Mountains in the west of the district. The area's landscape is defined by forested hills, open moorland, and the Owenkillew River valley. The main settlement is the village of Gortin, which acts as a local service point. Economic activity is primarily linked to agriculture and forestry, with some tourism related to the surrounding upland environment.
The Gortin Glen Forest Park is a significant local feature, offering walking trails and scenic drives into the mountains. The area forms part of the larger Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Remnants of historic settlement, including old homestead sites, are found across the uplands, speaking to its long-established pattern of inhabitation.
