Ballymacran is a region in Northern Ireland, defined by its distinctive coastal landscape along Lough Foyle. The area features a mix of rough tracks, sea walls, tidal mudflats, and estuarine salt marshes, providing varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. With a backdrop of Binevenagh Mountain and the Inishowen Hills, Ballymacran offers opportunities for several sports like hiking, road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. Much of the current landscape, including the sea walls, was shaped by 19th-century drainage schemes, creating a unique…
31
Routes
4.4
(35)
Average rating
559
People visited

4.3
(14)
71
hikers
5.46km
01:54
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(4)
26
hikers
15.5km
04:37
390m
390m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.0
(2)
13
hikers
8.01km
02:39
270m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(4)
75
hikers
4.02km
01:02
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
runners
15.5km
02:00
390m
390m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

26
runners
7.84km
00:50
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
9.59km
01:00
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
18.2km
01:53
60m
60m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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50
riders
81.8km
03:27
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

22
riders
73.3km
03:02
240m
240m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

18
riders
51.5km
02:21
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

15
riders
27.3km
01:12
120m
120m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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12
riders
100km
06:01
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
riders
22.0km
01:18
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
14.0km
00:54
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
53.0km
03:14
450m
450m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Ballymacran offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Road cycling, Jogging, and Touring cycling. The region's diverse landscape, featuring coastal paths and sea walls, provides suitable terrain for these sports. Visitors have rated routes in Ballymacran an average of 4.54 out of 5 stars.
Yes, Ballymacran features hiking opportunities, notably along the Ballymacran Bank. This level coastal walk provides views across Lough Foyle and is part of the broader Lough Foyle Trail. For more detailed information on routes, refer to the komoot guide Hiking around Ballymacran.
Ballymacran offers routes for both Road cycling and Touring cycling, primarily along flat coastal paths and the Lough Foyle Trail. These routes are suitable for scenic rides. Explore available options through komoot guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Ballymacran and Cycling around Ballymacran.
Jogging is a popular activity in Ballymacran, particularly along the Ballymacran Bank. This level coastal path offers a peaceful experience with views of Lough Foyle. Further details on jogging routes can be found in the komoot guide Running Trails around Ballymacran.
Yes, Ballymacran offers easy and beginner-friendly options, especially along the Ballymacran Bank, which features a level coastal path. This terrain is suitable for less challenging walks and rides. The komoot guide Easy hikes around Ballymacran provides specific recommendations.
Ballymacran is characterized by Lough Foyle, Northern Ireland's largest estuary, and its extensive coastal views. The area also offers views of Binevenagh Mountain and the Inishowen Hills. Unique coastal scenery includes sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and tidal mudflats.
Ballymacran is an important habitat for birdwatching, especially during winter when thousands of waders and wildfowl visit Lough Foyle. It is designated as a Ramsar site, an RSPB reserve, and a Natura 2000 site. The tidal mudflats and salt marshes provide vital habitats for these species.
The Ballymacran area holds historical intrigue, including the visible wreck of a World War Two aircraft offshore near the Burnfoot River at low tide. Much of the current landscape, including the sea walls, was also artificially created in the 1800s through drainage schemes for railway lines and farmland.
Ballymacran is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 900 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes in the region have received an average rating of 4.54 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
Komoot offers several guides for Ballymacran, covering various activities. These include Hiking around Ballymacran, Road Cycling Routes around Ballymacran, Running Trails around Ballymacran, Easy hikes around Ballymacran, and Cycling around Ballymacran.
The Ballymacran Bank walk, part of the Lough Foyle Trail, can be accessed from various points. These include Ballymacran itself, Carrowclare Road, or Station Road in Ballykelly. The route consists of a rough track and a sea wall, offering a level coastal experience.

