The best walks and hikes around Avish

Yes, the area is well-suited for families and those new to hiking. There are 18 designated easy trails. A great option is the Eagle Hill loop — Binevenagh, a relatively flat 3.0-mile (4.8 km) walk on the lower slopes that offers a good introduction to the region's scenery.

Dogs are generally welcome on the trails around Avish, but they should be kept on a leash, especially near livestock and on the clifftops. The open terrain of the plateau and the forest tracks provide excellent spaces for walking with a canine companion.

Most of the popular routes in the area are loop trails, allowing you to start and finish in the same place without retracing your steps. The Binevenagh Hill and Lake loop is a perfect example, offering a varied 3.4-mile (5.5 km) circuit with an ascent to the plateau and a walk around the lake.

There is a designated car park at the top of Binevenagh, which serves as the starting point for several key routes. This provides convenient access to the plateau, the lake, and the main viewpoint trails. Arriving early is recommended on weekends and holidays as it can get busy.

While the primary features of the Avish area are the dramatic cliffs and the high plateau, you will encounter streams and drainage channels, especially after rainfall. However, there are no major, named waterfalls directly on the main hiking trails.

The views are a major highlight. From the edge of the Binevenagh escarpment, you get spectacular, panoramic vistas across Lough Foyle, Magilligan Point, and the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal. The Viewpoint of Binevenagh Hill loop is specifically designed to maximize these expansive coastal views.

There are over 30 designated hiking routes to explore around Avish. These range from easy walks through the lower forests to moderate climbs up to the Binevenagh plateau, offering plenty of options for different fitness levels and time commitments.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning, wide-ranging views from the clifftops and the unique landscape of the plateau.

The trails in this area are primarily classified as easy and moderate. While some routes involve a steady ascent to the plateau, there are no technically difficult or expert-level hikes. The challenge comes from the elevation gain over a relatively short distance on routes like the View from Binevenagh Cliffs loop.

The terrain is varied. You can expect a mix of gravel tracks, forest paths, and open grassy trails across the plateau. The paths along the escarpment edge can be uneven and require sturdy footwear. Some sections, particularly on the ascents, can be steep.

Most hikes can be completed in 1.5 to 3 hours. For example, the popular View from Binevenagh Hill loop is a 4.9-mile (7.8 km) route that typically takes around 2.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.