1.4 miles
Linear
Moderate
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.
TRAIL INFORMATION
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.
TRAIL INFORMATION
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
- Point of Interest Lough Foyle - Ramsar site & RSPB reserve, Natura 2000 site
- Facilities Refreshments can be found in nearby Limavady, Ballykelly, Benone, and Magiliigan Point with toilets available in Limavady.
- Dog Policy Dogs must be kept under close control
- Accessibility Information
Accessibility Grade: Grade 5 Terrain: Rough track & sea wall Toilet Facility: No Signage: No - Getting to the Start 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!
- Public Transport Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
- Trail Grade Moderate TRAIL GRADE DISCLAIMER
The trail grades shown on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com are based on desk-based assessments of available trail information. The categories—Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Very Strenuous—follow the Sustainable Trails Development Guide grading system.
These grades are provided as a general guide to help users choose trails that may be suitable for them. They are not a substitute for official, on-site grading or safety information provided by the relevant land manager, which may differ from the information on these websites.
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including the risk of injury, death, property damage, and other hazards. By using information from OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of this information.
Conditions on trails can change, and the actual environment may differ from what is described online. Users should always exercise their own judgment, take appropriate precautions, and remain responsible for their own safety and conduct at all times.
All information provided on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com is intended as a guide only and should be used alongside your own experience, awareness, and careful decision-making.
Routes with a varying range of climbs and descents, loose and uneven surfaces. Expect a few, large obstacles such as stiles and steps. A good level of fitness and self-reliance is recommended.
