This guide to the best walks in Derry aims to give you some inspiration for your next visit.
My first ever trip to Derry combined a friend’s stag do with the Fleadh Cheoil music festival being held in the city. As you can imagine, I didn’t get to see a whole lot of the surrounding countryside on that visit. What little time I spent outside the pub did, however, leave me curious about the Oak Leaf County.
The city itself provides glimpses into its history at every turn, and I left wanting to discover a bit more about the area. Derry is a corner of Ireland that is well worth exploring. From dramatic clifftop viewpoints and coastal scenery to peaceful woodland trails and mountain walks, there is plenty here to keep walkers entertained.
Derry City Walls and Peace Bridge
Given the history associated with Derry, I felt it was necessary to include a city walk on this list. At just 2.6km in length, this is a short trail, but that’s part of its appeal. It leaves plenty of time to wander off route and explore some of the city’s other significant landmarks, such as the Bloody Sunday Memorial and Free Derry Corner.
The route follows the historic city walls before crossing the River Foyle via the striking Peace Bridge. Together, they provide an excellent introduction to Derry’s past and present.
Another option if you’d like to learn more about the city is to join a guided walking tour. Hearing the stories from a local guide can bring the history to life in a way that’s just not possible when you are on your own. Popular options include the Bloody Sunday Walking Tour and the Herstory Derry Tour.
See AllTrails for route details and map.
Binevenagh Forest Loop
You can’t have a list of the best walks in Derry without including Binevenagh. This distinctive tabletop mountain dominates the surrounding landscape and offers some of the finest views in Ireland.
I’d recommend this 15km loop walk, which takes you through Binevenagh Forest and around Binevenagh Lake before bringing you beneath the dramatic cliffs that make the mountain so recognisable. While the route doesn’t actually reach the summit, it still delivers plenty of spectacular scenery along the way.
The section descending from the cliff path can become slippery after wet weather, so a good pair of hiking boots is recommended.
See AllTrails for route details and mapping.
Mussenden Temple Coastal Walk
Just 20 minutes from Binevenagh, the Mussenden Temple Coastal Walk is another excellent option. At only 3.2km in length, it may be short, but it certainly doesn’t lack scenery.
The walk takes you through the remains of an 18th-century estate before leading you to the iconic Mussenden Temple. Perched dramatically on a 300-foot clifftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it is one of the most photographed landmarks in Northern Ireland.
The route also passes through the wider Downhill Demesne estate, where you’ll find historic buildings, sweeping coastal views and plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the main trail. Check out the map here!
If you’d prefer something longer, consider the Castlerock to Mussenden Temple Signature Walk. At 6.7km, it offers a more substantial outing while taking in the same spectacular coastline.
Image by Derek Lynn via Unsplash
Benone Strand
Usually my recommendations come with a detailed map so you know exactly where you are supposed to be going. Not so with Benone Strand. This one is just a stroll along a beach. But what a beach.
Stretching for miles along the north coast, Benone Strand offers plenty of space to walk at your own pace while enjoying views across the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you can spot the hills of Donegal in the distance. The beach is wide and sandy, making it a good option for families and anyone looking for a more relaxed outing.
Even on a busy summer’s day, it’s usually possible to find a quieter section of beach and enjoy the sound of the waves without too many distractions. It reminded me of Curracloe Beach in County Wexford in that respect.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, this probably isn’t it. But if you fancy a scenic coastal walk with plenty of fresh sea air, Benone Strand is well worth a visit.
Roe Valley Country Park
Roe Valley Country Park is a great option if you’re looking for an easy walk. The great thing is that it still has plenty to see along the way. Located just outside Limavady, the park follows the River Roe through a mix of woodland, riverside paths and open green spaces.
One of the things I like about Roe Valley Country Park is the variety on offer. As you make your way along the trails, you’ll pass old mill buildings, stone bridges and sections of fast-flowing river. Keep an eye out for the remains of the old hydroelectric power station, which adds an interesting historical element to the walk.
There are several waymarked trails within the park, ranging from short family-friendly strolls to longer routes that allow you to explore more of the valley. The paths are generally well maintained, making this a good choice for walkers of all abilities.
While it may not have the dramatic scenery of Binevenagh or Mussenden Temple, Roe Valley Country Park offers a peaceful walk through a beautiful riverside setting and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Gortmore Viewpoint
If you’re looking to take in the spectacular views from Gortmore Viewpoint, a good option is the Avish to Eagles Hill Walk. Gortmore Viewpoint is located just off the Bishop’s Road. It offers panoramic views over the coastline, Lough Foyle and the surrounding countryside.
The walk begins with an enjoyable cliff-top section before returning via the Bishop’s Road. Many walkers choose to simply follow an out-and-back route to the viewpoint itself, avoiding the road section altogether.
Whichever option you choose, the views from Gortmore are the real attraction here. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to one of the finest viewpoints in the county. Hence the reason this one makes the best walks in Derry list.
Ness Wood
The Ness Wood Loop marks the final entry on our list of the best walks in Derry. This lovely 8km trail combines peaceful woodland paths with one of the highlights of the county – the impressive waterfall hidden within the forest.
One thing I particularly like about this walk is the facilities available at the trailhead. You’ll find toilets, a visitor centre and a play area all located near the starting point. It’s a great option for families or anyone looking for a hassle-free day out.
The woodland scenery is excellent throughout and the waterfall alone makes the walk worth the trip. Overall, I’d highly recommend this fantastic woodland walk. See route map details here.
Final Thoughts on the Best Walks in Derry
While Binevenagh and Mussenden Temple may be the headline attractions, what may surprise people most about Derry is the variety on offer. Whether you’re looking for a mountain hike, a coastal stroll, a woodland trail or a city walk steeped in history, you’ll find something here to suit. Hopefully this guide has given you a few ideas for your next visit to the Oak Leaf County.
Feature image by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash