1.8 miles
Loop
Moderate
Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne
There cannot be a more wild and dramatic headland in Northern Ireland than Downhill Estate. With fabulous views that stretch over the whole of the North Coast of Ireland and open windswept cliff top walks, it is not surprising that the estate is part of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a well known icon.
TRAIL INFORMATION
Starting at Bishop’s Gate entrance to the Demesne, proceed past a quaint gothic style gate lodge (private residence) and enter into the Bishop’s Gate Gardens – look out for the unusual bog garden. At a fork in the main path, take the right track – a well surfaced woodland path and pass through a relict arboretum with many rare tree species.
At another pronounced fork, follow signs for Mussenden Temple up a steepish grass track. Through a small wooden gate proceed on to gain a majestic view of the gaunt ruins of Downhill House. At this stage you can explore the ruin, or either head to Mussenden Temple which now beckons, perched on the cliff edge. The views of Ireland’s North Coast and some of the Scottish Western Isles (Islay & Jura) on a clear day are very impressive.
At this point, walkers can choose to retrace their steps or the more adventurous can head west (left of the Temple), making sure to correctly locate the mown grass track through the hay meadows and head for another unusual built feature – the dovecote (another circular type building). From the dovecote, with ice house below – a fantasy landscape of a walled garden appears. On exiting the walled garden, all paths lead back to the ruins of Downhill House, but to return to your starting point veer off to the right, just before the front of the house – following a grass track. This grass track leads to the Mausoleum and back to the gardens at Bishop’s Gate.
You have now completed 2 miles…and a bit!
Please note National Trust entrance fees apply to this walk. For details see National Trust Downhill
TRAIL INFORMATION
Starting at Bishop’s Gate entrance to the Demesne, proceed past a quaint gothic style gate lodge (private residence) and enter into the Bishop’s Gate Gardens – look out for the unusual bog garden. At a fork in the main path, take the right track – a well surfaced woodland path and pass through a relict arboretum with many rare tree species.
At another pronounced fork, follow signs for Mussenden Temple up a steepish grass track. Through a small wooden gate proceed on to gain a majestic view of the gaunt ruins of Downhill House. At this stage you can explore the ruin, or either head to Mussenden Temple which now beckons, perched on the cliff edge. The views of Ireland’s North Coast and some of the Scottish Western Isles (Islay & Jura) on a clear day are very impressive.
At this point, walkers can choose to retrace their steps or the more adventurous can head west (left of the Temple), making sure to correctly locate the mown grass track through the hay meadows and head for another unusual built feature – the dovecote (another circular type building). From the dovecote, with ice house below – a fantasy landscape of a walled garden appears. On exiting the walled garden, all paths lead back to the ruins of Downhill House, but to return to your starting point veer off to the right, just before the front of the house – following a grass track. This grass track leads to the Mausoleum and back to the gardens at Bishop’s Gate.
You have now completed 2 miles…and a bit!
Please note National Trust entrance fees apply to this walk. For details see National Trust Downhill
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest Mussenden Temple, Downhill House (ruins), Dovecote
- Facilities Car park, Toilets (closed October-March), Picnic area & Information (Note: toilets located at Lion’s Gate car park) Wardening staff on duty (during visitor season).
- Accessibility Information
Accessibility Grade: Grade 5 Terrain: Gravel paths, mown grass tracks Toilet Facility: No Signage: No - Getting to the Start Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne is situated 5 miles west of Coleraine on the A2 main road to Castlerock and Benone Strand. From Londonderry and Limavady follow the A2 coast road to Benone Strand and 3 miles past Benone, Downhill Demesne is located. Signposted both directions, as section of the Causeway Coastal Route.
- 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.
