Binevenagh |
| Location: Mountain Bike Routes Grade: E1 - Length: No length recorded |
| First ascent: not known |
| Route Description: |
| Route 11, Binevenagh. Binevenagh and Ballycarton Wood are one of the few places you are likely to meet other bikers, and the woods are riddled with little tracks, jumps etc. The woods cover the lower slopes of the mountain, and this route wends its way through them to the mountain top. From the cliff top there are most impressive views, and the descent is challenging for those who choose to stay in the saddle! Start. From Limavady take the A2 road towards Downhill, for about 6 km to reach Ballycarton Wood. There is parking in a yard up the entrance to the wood at Gr 677 294. Follow a lateral track (gate 4) signposted with red 'Binevenagh Forest Cycle Route' arrows, running parallel with the main road to a 'T' junction. Turn right up the hill, climbing some zig-zags, (and following the arrows) before the forest track levels off, contouring northwards below the mountain. After a further steepish climb, the track takes the lower edge of the forest, and views open up to the left over Lough Foyle and Inishowen. Just beyond, at a blue totem pole, the track joins a tarmac road, (30-40mins from the start). Turn left, uphill, climbing until a forestry gate is reached on the right. Turn right, back onto a track which ascends gradually to reach the lake at the top of Binevenagh (approx 1 hour from the start). At the track end, continue along a grassy path to a 'Warning Steep Cliff' Sign. Those without suicidal tendencies should bear right, and take the delightful, airy, clifftop path, taking care in some places. Soon it plunges down an eroded slope, over logs, roots etc. Bike all of it if you can, or dare, some of it, or portage down to join a forestry track at Gr 697 318. Turn left, traversing along the track, to reach a gate adjoining open land, with a sign prohibiting cycling on paths beyond, so take the descending eroded bike track just before the gates to reach the track you came up on. Left again, and retrace your steps (or tracks rather). This time, as it is downhill, you will be able more easily to enjoy the various biking diversions, some with jumps, on the left and right. At the crest of a small bump, a well beaten path crosses the track, ( Gr 680 309) turn right and descend a path down to the delightful St Aidans Church and Holy Well. Back on tarmac at last, cruise downhill ( probably with muck spraying from the tyres), turn left, and left again at the main road,( towards Limavady). The last bit, along the edge of Ballycarton wood, can be done on a track parallel with the road, by turning in at the first gate. 2-2.5 hours, Map NI OS Sheet 4, 1;50,000 |
 Binevenagh - Mountain Bike route |
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Route Number: 2757