- Binevenagh Summit and Lake Trail: moderate to challenging circuit (around 8–10 km loop, with options for shorter ascents) in the Binevenagh AONB, climbing steeply through forest to a man-made trout lake on the plateau before tracing the sheer cliff edge. It delivers breathtaking panoramic views over Lough Foyle, Magilligan Strand, Donegal, and distant Scotland; a standout for its raw basalt cliffs (famous from Game of Thrones filming) and alpine flora.
- Ness Wood and Waterfall Trail: An enchanting moderate riverside loop (about 3–5 km, extendable) in Ness Country Park near Derry city, following the Burntollet River through ancient oak and beech woodland to the spectacular Ness Waterfall – Derry’s highest at around 9 metres. Family-friendly with boardwalks and bridges, it’s a serene escape rich in mosses, ferns, and wildlife like red squirrels.
- Causeway Coast Way (Derry Sections, e.g., Downhill Demesne to Castlerock): Sections of this world-class coastal trail (day hikes 10–15 km) along Derry’s northern edge, passing the iconic Mussenden Temple perched on cliffs, Downhill Beach, and ruins of Downhill Castle. Moderate terrain with dramatic Atlantic vistas, seabirds, and links to the Giant’s Causeway further east; a highlight for its blend of history, geology, and Wild Atlantic Way drama.
- Banagher Glen Forest Trails: scenic moderate loop (around 5–8 km) through ancient Banagher Glen Nature Reserve in the Sperrins foothills, weaving along the Altnaheglish Reservoir amid dense oak woodland, dams, and sandy beaches. Steeped in mythology with rare plants and wildlife, it offers tranquil waterside paths and views over the reservoir – ideal for immersive forest bathing and spotting otters or buzzards.
- Benbradagh and Donald’s Hill Circuit: challenging upland hike (up to 10–12 km loop) ascending Benbradagh’s steep slopes in the Sperrins AONB near Dungiven, traversing heather moorland to dramatic escarpments with sweeping views across the Roe Valley, Lough Foyle, and distant Mournes. Rugged and windswept, it’s prized for its solitude, archaeological sites, and expansive high-country panoramas.
Hiking
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Derry:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells –Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – New – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers
