Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: whoRya on March 13, 2011
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I took a wee jaunt up Binenvenagh a couple of weeks ago. While it is no monster of a hill in size (385m), it is certainly one of the most stunning and interesting I have visited before. It sits just off the main (Seacoast Road) Castlerock to Limavady Road, proudly overlooking the Magilligan peninsula, Lough Foyle and beyond to Inishowen.
The walk we took in would require similar efforts to that of a climb up Cavehill. Unlike Cavehill however there is an option to access the top of the hill from a car park near the top, offering a more gentle walk through a forest and alongside a lake. Binevenagh has a long exposed cliff face so young children would need kept under strict supervision. The path along the top is a joy to walk along with soft short grass underfoot.
Something quite 'unique' that Binenvenagh has to offer is a series of smaller but significant rocky outcrops that sit up like sharp teeth in front of the base of the main cliff face. These are great fun for a bit of a scramble, and together with the main cliff face form a fantastic 'valley' for walking up through. Note, this is littered with boulders that have fallen off the cliff face and it is worth bearing in mind that these may at some time in the future be joined by some more boulders!
The hill is a great morning or afternoon out. For those pressed for time or just passing through, the top can be accessed with minimal expense of time or effort from the top car park. There are also a few spots where you could throw a tent up for a quick evening dander and you could be back home a little after breakfast.
I took a few pics as below. I didn't really get any of the view out towards Inishowen because when we were at the top clouds moved over from that direction destroying any chance of a good view. Our route started at St. Aidan's church and varied a little from the route shown in the BBCs Off The Beaten Track show.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5524221606_3f50e9b006.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/5524221606/)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5523625667_edae3abfa0.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/5523625667/)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5524213084_f0d51be2c5.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/5524213084/)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5523615453_8c18a1045d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/5523615453/)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5523639783_867f487397.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/5523639783/)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5524236540_68157588e3.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/5524236540/)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5524226064_1f12048a2c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/5524226064/)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5523647369_042c9b7d99.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/5523647369/)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5523652377_93c4bf7327.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/5523652377/)
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Been up there a few times myself, in glorious sunshine and in gale force winds when I had to cling on to the cliff for dear life! Every time it was spectacular though, both the cliffs themselves and the views. One of my favourite places in Northern Ireland. And in May/June time it's covered in really rare plants that are worth keeping your eye open for, if you're that way inclined!
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That's a great looking hill. I'm ashamed to say I've never even heard of it. We need to get outside of the Mournes occasionally :)
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Looks cool could be some nice wee scrambles to be had!
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Binevenagh is a great spot, sounds like you had a good time! Photos look great as well! It's been awhile since I've been in the NW but I feel a trip coming on... would actually be a good spot to base out of a "proper" campsite for a weekend and take in a few places. Anyone know any good campsites up that direction?
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Been there myself quite a few times as we are always up at Banone beach, there is also a nice little lake for fishing in on the top side of the cliffs and a great place to camp around the lake too where there is more shelter from the elements. Cracking views as you say.
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off the beaten track are doing binevenagh right now on bbc1
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Binevenagh is a great spot, sounds like you had a good time! Photos look great as well! It's been awhile since I've been in the NW but I feel a trip coming on... would actually be a good spot to base out of a "proper" campsite for a weekend and take in a few places. Anyone know any good campsites up that direction?
Benone tourist complex is pretty much right under Binevenagh.
http://www.limavady.gov.uk/visiting/benone-tourist-complex/charges-and-costs/
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Agree with the sentiments about getting out beyond the Mournes. I have driven past this many times and like many others have never gotten round to walking it. Hopefully this summer I'll make it a must do into a have done. I suppose there are information leaflets available similar to that for Cavehill?
Thanks for the write up and excellent photos.
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Good write up and great pics. Due to do a walk up there in June with ramble group, looking forward to it.
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Is it possbile to camp near the man made lake over night and have a little fire ?
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Yes people do it all the time
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Great !!!
Ill have to set that up, as ive got all my gear now.
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There is a little camp site at Benone, instead of heading down to the beach you continue straight down the road to the recreation centre which is owned by Limavady council but its a good base if your up for the weekend and fancy exploring :)
There is also another little place tucked away that not many people know of, its not massive but big enough for half a dozen tents, if you follow the signs for Magilligan point (probably more sign posts for the prison!) and follow the road right down to the ferry crossing to Greencastle, the road will wind down into a little track which takes you to the martello tower there is a little strip of land on the left hand side that you could through a couple of pitches on again another good base for exploring ....just avoid the MOD land which is right next door ;)
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I was thinking of setting up near the little forest beside the man made lake, just hope no says anything about my fire ill cook my trout on ;-)
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You need a permit to fish in the lake, unless you bring a trout with you ;)