The best walks and hikes around Ballykelly

Yes, Ballykelly Forest offers several gentle, looped trails perfect for a family outing. For a specific route, the River Walk loop from Whitehill is an easy 4 km (2.5 mi) path through scenic woodland, which is great for all ages.

Many trails in the area are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control. Ballykelly Forest is particularly popular with dog walkers. For a riverside walk, consider the River Walk loop from Limavady, which offers a good distance for exercising your dog through Roe Valley Country Park.

Most key hiking areas have dedicated parking. Ballykelly Forest has its own car park, which you can find more details about on the official nidirect website. For walks along the Lough Foyle shore, such as the Ballykelly Bank trail, parking is available at the end of Station Road in Ballykelly.

Yes, there are several circular or loop trails. For a challenging hike with rewarding views, the Bineveneagh loop via North Sperrins Way — Binevenagh is a fantastic 15.5 km (9.6 mi) option. If you're looking for something shorter, the Dogleap – Roe Valley Country Park loop from Limavady is a 5 km (3.1 mi) trail.

The hike up Binevenagh mountain, part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the region. From the summit and along the cliff edges, you can see across Lough Foyle, the Inishowen Peninsula, and on a clear day, as far as the Sperrin Mountains.

The coastal paths, like the Lough Foyle Trail, offer wide-open, level terrain with expansive views of the lough and opportunities for birdwatching. In contrast, the trails in Ballykelly Forest provide a more sheltered, woodland experience with paths meandering through mature trees, offering a peaceful and enclosed atmosphere.

Roe Valley Country Park, near Limavady, is defined by its stunning riverside and woodland scenery. The trails follow the River Roe, offering a mix of gentle paths and more rugged sections. It's a great location for seeing changing landscapes, from tranquil water to small rapids, all within a forested gorge.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the area offers some difficult routes. The O Cahan's Rock loop from Whitehill is a shorter but demanding walk. For a longer, more strenuous day out, the trails around Binevenagh mountain provide significant elevation gain and rugged terrain.

It's best to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as trails can be muddy, especially in woodland and along the river. The weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers is recommended. Always carry a waterproof jacket, even on a clear day, particularly if you are heading to exposed areas like Binevenagh.

The trails are well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the variety of landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs of Binevenagh to the peaceful riverside paths in Roe Valley Country Park. The well-maintained paths in Ballykelly Forest are also frequently mentioned as a highlight.

The Lough Foyle Trail is a highly-rated option for a scenic coastal walk. It follows a level path along the Ballykelly Bank, offering fantastic views across the water and a great opportunity for bird watching. The trail starts near the end of Station Road in Ballykelly.