Gortmore to Hell’s Hole
A lovely walk along the cliff top overlooking Benone Beach, Lough Foyle and the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal
County Londonderry
Distance 2.2 miles
OS Map Sheet 4
Terrain cliff top, open field,quiet road
Nearest Town Bellarena
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference C716342
Route Type Coastal, Mountain
On entering Gortmore view point from the car park spaces turn left immediately and look for a stile to cross the fence near the cliff line IC 715 342. Head south keeping the fence line on your right with the distinct outline of Binevenagh Mountain and the expanse of Lough Foyle in front of you (visibility permitting of course). You are now walking through the townland of Gortmore.
The trail flows gently downhill through this grazed upland area, after approximately 400 metres you meet a small headland IC 714 338. Take the time to look northwards from this point to view one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK & Ireland that forms part of Magilligan Special Area of Conservation as well as the classic land slips below the cliff line.
Continue south wards along the fence line as the alluvial plain of Magilligan spreads out below you to the west. Many of the fields immediately below the cliff feature stone walls and have an undulating topography that contrasts with the larger level fields that stretch down to meet with the Lough Foyle shore. The area around the Duncrun Road is a raised beach and is home to a range of archaeological features.
Keep following the fence line to meet an old iron gate which forms part of a ‘slap’, IC 711 330 turn left to follow the fence uphill a short distance and then continue on to sweep round to meet a stile to take you onto the Bishop’s Road IC 713 326. You skirt past Hell’s Hole a distinctive gulley which is best seen from the Duncrun Road or Seacoast Road. Please note that Hell’s Hole is not publicly accessible.
Cross the stile and carefully turn left onto the Bishop’s road keeping an eye out for traffic and follow the road north for 1.5 kms as it climbs gently to return to Gortmore Viewpoint.
Please note this walk can be combined with the Avish to Eagles Hill route to make a 5 mile long route.
Binevenagh, Magilligan Sand Dunes, Hell’s Hole
To get to the trail head from Limavady – The Bishop’s Road begins a few miles north east of Limavady town. Take the Windy Hill Road (B201) and turn left onto the Bishop’s Road; Gortmore View Point is approximately 5 miles from this junction.
To get to the trail head from Castlerock/Downhill – Follow Mussendun Road (A2) signed as Causeway Coastal Route. When you descend into Downhill turn left onto Bishop’s Road as it rises steeply. Look for the brown & white signs for Binevenagh Scenic Loop and Gortmore. The viewpoint is approximately 2 ½ miles along this road.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Car Park
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Gortmore to Hell’s Hole
This is a stunning walk and there are plenty of way markers to keep you on track. The views out over Lough Foyle and the Inishowen Peninsula and the mountains beyond were wonderful. Although the ground was a little wet after recent rain it isn’t muddy underfoot and there are some ideal picnic spots. We didn’t return via the road as it was too tempting to stay close to the cliff edge and return the way we came. Didn’t meet any other walkers.