Binevenagh Forest

Visit Binevenagh Forest in County Londonderry and observe the soaring birds, and gliders from the local gliding club, making use of the up draughts caused by the impressive cliffs. These cliffs have been classified as an Area of Special Scientific Interest due to their geological & geomorphological features, and the corresponding vegetation.

The cliffs were created when the lava flows were at their most violent, with the resulting Basalt precipice creating a perfect artic alpine cliff ledge for many rare plants and mosses. At the bottom of the cliff face is a standing stone that has become known as the Finn MacCool Finger Stone, relating to the famous giant reputed to have lived in the area many years ago.

Visitors today are unlikely to witness a giant but can enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside, Lough Foyle & Donegal from the shores of Binevenagh Lake. The forest visit does not need to be a strenuous one walking along some of the waymarked paths (including part of the Ulster Way), as there are picnic tables near the car park beside the lake.

The lake, stocked with Rainbow Trout, is managed by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL). In Spring 2003 the lower areas of Binevenagh Forest at Ballycarton, beside the River Roe, were linked in with the province-wide cycling network Sustrans (Route 93), running from the Leighery Road down through mixed mature larch, spruce, fir, pine and broadleaved woods.

To visit the forest, take the A2 Seacoast Road out of Limavady and keep on the road as it changes to the B201 Road to Coleraine. After a mile, fork left onto the Bishops Road and follow the signs for Binevenagh.