Quality Walk

Ballymacran Bank

A spectacular level coastal walk along Lough Foyle (Northern Ireland's biggest estuary) with great views of the hills of Inishowen and Binevenagh. A perfect place to observe the waders and wildfowl that visit Lough Foyle and to be thrilled by their evocative calls.  The walk also boasts great views over Lough Foyle to Inishowen and is the perfect place to watch the various wildfowl who visit Lough Foyle.

County

Londonderry

Distance

5 miles

OS Map

7

Nearest Town

Ballykelly or Limavady

Route Shape

Linear

Route Type

Coastal

Terrain

Rough track & sea wall

Grid Reference (Start)

C625281

Grid Reference (End)

C639292

Point of Interest

Lough Foyle - Ramsar site & RSPB reserve, Natura 2000 site

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Binevenagh

Route Description

Carefully park up at the junction of road and track.

Walking along Ballymacran Bank by the shore of Lough Foyle, the walker can savour a backdrop of Binevenagh Mountain to the northeast and the famed hills of Donegal punctuating the Inishowen skyline to the west.  Between which lies Lough Foyle, Northern Ireland's biggest expanse of estuary, enlivened by the evocative primeval calls of waders and wildfowl.

The walk is linear, so return the way you came – don’t worry as the views are spectacular in both directions!  The track is very obvious and runs between the sea wall and the “back pond”, a wide linear drain that collects water draining off the fields. The track forms a t-junction with Shore Avenue.

The track runs south 2km to the Burnfoot River where, just offshore, the wreck of a World War Two aircraft can still be seen at low water.  In the other direction, the track runs northwards 2km to meet the River Roe with its remnant of estuarine salt marsh.

Spectacular views can be enjoyed from the sea wall but take care if climbing the grassy bank or walking along the top of the wall.

There is also an option to extend this walk please see the Lough Foyle Trail for more details.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

Turn off the A2 at the roundabout just west of Limavady on to the B69 (towards Magilligan and Castlerock). After 2km, turn left on to B510 (Lomond Road). There is (January 2013) a large brown sign at the turn off indicating directions for “Carrowmore Activity Centre and Hostel”. Follow this road for 2km and turn right on to Carrowclare Road. After a few hundred metres, veer left at a sweeping right bend. This road is Shore Avenue and comes to an end near the sea wall. Take special care at the railway level crossing – stop, look, listen!

Park at the end of this road but please do not obstruct gates and entrances!

Dogs

Dogs are allowed. Dogs must be kept under close control

Accessibility Grade

Grade 5

Facilities

Refreshments can be found in nearby Limavady, Ballykelly, Benone, and Magiliigan Point with toilets available in Limavady.

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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