Article Binevenagh, Gortmore, Castlerock
Cliff, view, beach
On your way along the north coast of Northern Ireland, you will come across an area that is definitely worth a stop. In the Limavady region, you will find the high cliffs of Binevenagh towering over the pastures, offering sea views along with endless beaches. The area is therefore ideal for a 1-day trip, where you can comfortably see everything and enjoy the views to the full.
Cliffs of Binevenagh
We chose a train and a bicycle as a means of transport for a trip to the north-west part of the Irish coast. We took the train to the town of Bellarena to the very north below the cliff Binevenagh, where we were the start for a bike trip. From the station we had a view of our first part of the trip, which led over 500 meters of elevation gain to the top of the cliff.
View from the cliff
Hike with a bike from the train stop to the top of the cliff was a relatively demanding sporting performance, but nothing that could not be done in about an hour and a half. The reward is a spectacular view of the surrounding pastures, sea, beach and bay to Londonderry.
Gortmore Viewpoint
From the cliff, the highest point of our trip, we descend back to the sea. On the way we will stop at the Gortmore lookout, named after a nobleman who usually used this route on the route from Londonderry to his estate Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, where we also headed for a tour. In addition to views of the sea and the Binevenagh cliff itself, you will also find a statue of the sea god Manannan Mac Lir, who was born here according to legend.
Downhill Manor and Hezlett House
Of the former Downhill estate built in the 18th century, only the perimeter walls remain, but even so, the entire building is freely accessible for closer inspection. The original owner, Frederick Earl of Bristol, is a somewhat contradictory figure. He was also very educated but also a seducer, who stated in his will that in case of his death on his foreign trips he wishes to be transported back to his native England in a barrel from Cherry, which was also fulfilled when he died on his way to Italy.
Mussenden Temple
At the very edge of a cliff overlooking the beach and the town of Castlerock you will find a small temple in which the former owner had a library. Today, this place is popular with newlyweds as a wedding room.
View from Mussenden Temple
The temple itself is a beautiful historical monument, but what excited us even more is its view. The cliff location overlooks the endless Benone Beach on the left and Castlerock Town Beach on the right. With good visibility, the Scottish Isles of Islay can also be seen overseas, a stone's throw away.
Castlerock beach
We will end our trip by lounging and walking on the beach near the town of Castlerock, from where we will also be taken by train back to Belfast. The Irish Sea and the climatic conditions do not add much to the possibilities for swimming. The water at the highest peak of summer was only 15 ° C, yet the beaches are not empty in sunny weather, quite the opposite. The local children are used to the conditions, so they have no problem running around in the beach shorts, where the wind blows and it is around 20 ° C. A few daredevils in wetsuits try to surf the waves here.
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