Binevenagh National Landscape – Basalt Cliffs, Lough Shores and Coastal Walking Above Lough Foyle

Escarpments, Forest Parks, and Wide Views Across Lough Foyle and the North Coast

The Binevenagh National Landscape — designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — lies in north-west County Londonderry between Limavady, Castlerock, Downhill, and the shores of Lough Foyle. Shaped by self-guided travel, walking, routes, landscapes, and places, the area links Binevenagh Mountain, Mussenden Temple, Downhill Demesne, and the Causeway Coast Way across a compact landscape of basalt cliffs, open moorland, woodland, farmland, and long beaches.

Walking here is shaped by the contrast between elevated escarpments and lower coastal ground. The surface varies between firm estate tracks, grassy hill paths, forest trails, and quiet lanes, with occasional rough or uneven sections on exposed slopes. Gradients are moderate, with steady climbs onto the plateau followed by longer, easier stretches along clifftops and shoreline.

Established routes give structure to movement through the landscape. The Causeway Coast Way passes nearby along the coast, linking Castlerock with Downhill and onward toward Portstewart and Portrush, while shorter marked trails within Binevenagh Forest and Downhill Demesne provide circular hill and woodland walks. Together, these paths allow both longer coastal journeys and shorter upland outings.

Walking in Binevenagh is defined by elevation and outlook. From the top of the escarpment, wide views extend across Lough Foyle toward Donegal and west across the north coast. Paths follow the cliff edge and open plateau, then descend through woodland and pasture toward beaches and small settlements. The landscape alternates between exposed, windswept ground and sheltered forest or parkland.

Clifftop and estate-based walking forms a natural rhythm across the area. Around Downhill, routes pass Mussenden Temple and follow grassy headlands above the sea. On Binevenagh Mountain, tracks cross open moor and heath with broad panoramas in all directions. Lower down, paths connect to Castlerock Beach and the shoreline of Lough Foyle, where level walking follows sand and coastal tracks.

Seasonal change strongly influences the experience. Spring and summer bring clearer views and longer daylight across the plateau, autumn colours the woodland slopes, and winter can bring strong winds and exposed conditions on higher ground.

Beyond walking, the landscape supports other quiet outdoor activity. Cycling follows forest roads and minor rural lanes, birdlife is common along the lough and coastal grassland, and the area lends itself to shorter day walks from nearby towns. The compact scale makes it easy to combine hill, woodland, and coastal sections in a single outing.

Accommodation and services are available in Limavady, Castlerock, and nearby coastal towns, with rail connections at Castlerock and bus links across the north coast. This allows straightforward access without a car.

For walkers seeking elevated viewpoints, coastal routes, and a compact mix of cliff, forest, and shoreline landscapes, the Binevenagh National Landscape offers a varied and accessible setting shaped by geology and sea.

Where to Walk and Explore

Binevenagh Mountain Trails

‍‍Hill and plateau routes across open moorland with wide views over Lough Foyle and the north coast.

Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple

‍‍Estate paths and grassy headlands linking historic features with clifftop walking.

Castlerock Beach & Shoreline

‍‍Level walking along sand and coastal tracks at the edge of the Atlantic.

Binevenagh Forest Park

‍‍Woodland trails and gravel tracks suitable for shorter circular walks.

Causeway Coast Way (Castlerock–Downhill Section)

‍‍Coastal walking linking the landscape with the wider north coast route network.

Landscape Highlights

• Elevated escarpment walking with wide views across Lough Foyle
• Basalt cliffs and grassy headlands above the Atlantic
• Woodland and estate trails at Downhill Demesne
• Forest park tracks and hill routes on Binevenagh Mountain
• Level beach and shoreline walking at Castlerock
• Compact landscape suitable for short linked routes
• Rail and bus access from Castlerock and Limavady