The best walks and hikes in Limavady

Embark on the Banagher Glen Forest Trail, a moderate hike that spans 8.2 miles (13.3 km) with an elevation gain of 923 feet (281 metres). This route guides you through one of Ireland's oldest ancient oak woodlands, following the soothing Banagher Stream. You will eventually reach the impressive Altnaheglish Reservoir and Banagher Dam, offering panoramic views of the Sperrin Mountains from higher points. Expect to spend around 3 hours and 44 minutes exploring this diverse landscape. The trail features varied terrain, including surfaced roads and forest tracks, with some very steep sections leading to the dam. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended due to rocky and uneven paths you may encounter. While specific parking details are not provided, the trailhead is accessible for you to begin your adventure. This trail is notable for its rich natural environment, as it is a designated Special Area of Conservation. The steep glens are home to mature trees like oak and ash, along with an understory of rowan, hazel, and holly. You can also catch glimpses of Donegal in the distance from certain vantage points, adding to the scenic appeal of the area.

Hike the moderate 9.6-mile Bineveneagh loop via North Sperrins Way, featuring panoramic views and dramatic basalt cliffs.

Hiking Sawel Mountain offers a rugged and rewarding experience, leading you to the highest point in the Sperrin Mountains. The 2.8-mile (4.6 km) trail involves a moderate climb of 1036 feet (316 metres), taking about 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete. You'll navigate steep, often boggy terrain, especially after rain, so proper walking boots are essential. From the summit, you'll be treated to sweeping panoramic views across the wild, untouched landscape of the Sperrins, potentially seeing as far as the Foyle Estuary and the Mourne Mountains on a clear day. The montane heathland around you features heather and bilberries, adding to the remote feel of the hike.

Be prepared for challenging conditions on Sawel Mountain; the trail often lacks clear markers, so you might need to follow fence lines for navigation, especially if visibility is low. The terrain is frequently boggy, making proper walking boots and gaiters highly recommended to keep your feet dry. The best time to hike this route is between March and September, when conditions are generally more favorable. Always check the weather forecast before you set out, as the mountain environment can change quickly.

Sawel Mountain stands as the highest peak in the Sperrins, offering unparalleled vistas that make the demanding ascent worthwhile. The Sperrin Mountains are known for their wild, untouched beauty, providing a sense of solitude amidst diverse habitats like bog, moorland, and woodland. You might spot wildlife such as kestrels, buzzards, or hares during your journey. This trail is a popular choice for those seeking a strenuous walk in a truly natural and beautiful setting.

Hike the moderate 5.0-mile (8.0 km) Viewpoint of Binevenagh Hill loop for panoramic views across the Causeway Coast and beyond.

Embark on a moderate hike to Priest's Chair via Glenshane Forest, a 6.2-mile (10.0 km) route that guides you through diverse landscapes. You will gain 651 feet (199 metres) in elevation, taking approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes to complete. The trail winds through tranquil stretches of coniferous and deciduous woodland before opening up to heather moorland with expansive views of the Sperrin Mountains. Expect a rewarding experience as you make your way to the historic Priest's Chair.

When planning your visit, be aware that some sections of the trail are steep and rocky, requiring a good level of fitness. The route includes off-trail parts where markers can be sparse, so carrying a GPS device for navigation is highly recommended. Be prepared for potentially wet ground, especially in boggy areas on the mountain moorland, and consider the weather conditions before you set out.

This route offers a journey to the Priest's Chair, also known as the Glenshane Mass Rock, a site rich in local history. It provides a unique opportunity to explore the scenic Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, combining woodland paths with open mountain vistas. The trail's blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes it a notable option for hikers seeking both challenge and cultural insight in the region.

Embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike up Sawel & Dart Mountain from Sperrin Road, a moderate route spanning 5.3 miles (8.5 km) with a significant 1649 feet (503 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 1 minute to complete. You will navigate rugged and often boggy terrain, especially after rain, as you ascend steep slopes towards the summit of Sawel, the highest peak in the Sperrins. From here, enjoy spectacular panoramic views across County Londonderry and Tyrone, and on clear days, you can even spot the Foyle Estuary, Lough Neagh, and the distant Mourne Mountains.

Be prepared for the demanding conditions by wearing appropriate waterproof footwear, such as boots and gaiters, to handle the boggy ground. While paths can be faint in places, you will find wire fences that serve as helpful navigational guides, particularly if visibility is poor. This route is best enjoyed when you are well-equipped and ready for a true mountain experience.

This trail is celebrated as one of the most popular and beautiful walks in the Sperrin Mountains, offering the unique achievement of summiting two major peaks, with Sawel reaching 678 metres. The Sperrins region is known for being one of Northern Ireland's least populated areas, providing a sense of wilderness and tranquility. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including kestrels, buzzards, and hares, as you traverse the varied landscape of bog, moorland, and woodland.

Hike the easy 3.0-mile Eagle Hill loop in Binevenagh AONB, offering panoramic coastal views and diverse terrain.

Embark on the Banagher Glen - Forest Trail, a moderate hike that leads you through one of Ireland's most ancient oak woodlands. You will follow the winding Banagher Stream, which guides you towards the tranquil Altnaheglish Reservoir and the impressive Banagher Dam, offering expansive views across the water. This route covers 8.6 miles (13.9 km) and involves a steady climb of 904 feet (276 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 53 minutes to complete. Keep an eye out for a beautiful waterfall, especially after a good rain, and enjoy the panoramic vistas as you gain elevation.

When planning your visit, be aware that certain sections around the Altnaheglish Reservoir can become flooded following heavy rainfall, so check conditions beforehand. While the trail offers well-worn paths, some areas within the forest lack clear signage, making a map or navigation tool a helpful companion. You might also find mobile phone reception to be intermittent in parts of the glen, so download your route in advance. This trail is best enjoyed when you have some hiking experience and a reasonable level of fitness.

This route is notable for immersing you in a rare ancient oak woodland ecosystem, home to diverse wildlife. In spring, the forest floor transforms with a carpet of bluebells, adding a vibrant splash of color to your journey. You might also spot red squirrels darting among the trees or hear various bird species singing. The trail's path along the Banagher Stream and past the reservoir highlights the natural beauty and historical significance of this protected area.