Mussenden Temple overlooking Downhill Strand on the Causeway Coast in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

County Londonderry – Cliffs, Beaches, and River Valleys

Atlantic shoreline, low uplands, and wide agricultural valleys along Northern Ireland’s north coast.

County Londonderry is a coastal county of cliffs, dunes, and broad river valleys in north-west Northern Ireland. Walking routes cross the Binevenagh national landscape and follow the Causeway Coast Way and sections of the Ulster Way, linking places such as Derry, Castlerock, Downhill, Limavady, and Magilligan across beaches, clifftop paths, and inland valley ground between Lough Foyle and the Atlantic coast.

Much of the terrain is firm and generally level underfoot. Beach walking, grassy clifftop paths, forest tracks, riverside towpaths, and minor roads allow steady progress, with mostly gentle gradients and only short climbs onto headlands or low escarpments. Surfaces are mixed sand, grass, gravel, and compact soil.

The landscape shifts between areas. The north coast includes long sandy beaches and dunes around Benone and Castlerock, while the Downhill and Mussenden sections rise into low cliffs and headlands. Inland, the Roe Valley and surrounding farmland become broader and flatter with woodland and river corridors.

Towns and villages are spaced along the coast and main roads, creating frequent access points for short linear walks and longer routes, with quieter stretches across farmland and low hills between settlements.

Trails and Routes Through County Londonderry

Causeway Coast Way

Linear coastal route crossing the county shoreline between Magilligan and Portstewart on beaches, dunes, and clifftop paths.

Ulster Way (north coast sections)

Long-distance regional route using minor roads, woodland tracks, and upland ground through the Roe Valley and inland hills.

Roe Valley Country Park Paths

Riverside and woodland walking along level tracks beside the River Roe near Limavady.

Downhill and Mussenden Paths

Short clifftop routes linking beaches and headlands with open coastal views.

Walking Character

Long sandy beaches and dunes
Low cliffs and headlands
Broad river valleys
Forest and riverside tracks
Mostly gentle gradients
Frequent settlement access
Predominantly coastal and lowland terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is County Londonderry located?

County Londonderry is in north-west Northern Ireland, bordering Lough Foyle to the west and the Atlantic coast to the north.

What defines walking here?

Coastal and beach walking dominates, combined with flat valley routes and low inland hills.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Causeway Coast Way and sections of the Ulster Way cross the county.

Is the terrain steep?

Most routes are level or gently rolling, with only short climbs on coastal headlands.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers firmer sand and longer daylight. Coastal sections are exposed to wind year-round, and dunes and grass paths can be soft after rain.