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About
There cannot be a wilder and more dramatic headland in Northern Ireland than Downhill Estate. With fabulous views that stretch over the whole of the North Coast of Ireland and open windswept cliff top walks, it is not surprising that the estate is part of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a signature walking experience.
Setting off from Castlerock train station, the 4.2mile circular walk offers a wild and rugged headland with fabulous clifftop walk before arriving at Downhill Estate to explore its collection of intimate gardens, ruins and iconic temple.
Your 2 hours walk takes in Mussenden Temple, located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne. It perches dramatically on a 300ft cliff top, high above the Atlantic Ocean on the north-western coast of Northern Ireland, offering spectacular views westwards over Downhill Strand, towards Magilligan Point and County Donegal and to the east Castlerock beach towards Portstewart, Portrush and Fair Head.
The temple was built in 1785 and forms part of the estate of Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol (or the Earl Bishop). The temple was built as a summer library and its architecture was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome. It is dedicated to the memory of Hervey's cousin Frideswide Mussenden and uniquely reflects the personality of its flamboyant creator.
Both the Temple and the breathtaking views are among the most photographed scenes in Ireland.
Route Description
Starting Point: Castlerock Train Station
Step 1 - Follow The Moors Trail (pink marker) towards the Promenade and along Castlerock beach in the direction of the Shell Pool.
Point Of Interest: The Victorian Shell Pool - A natural rock pool along the coastline, which was used for bathing in the Victorian times, making Castlerock a popular seaside resort for locals and visitors. This growth was closely linked to the railway development in the 1850’s.
Step 2 - Continue along The Moors Trail (pink marker) through the Pool Green, alongside the caravan park hugging the cliffs towards the highest point of the trail at over 300 feet.
Point Of Interest: A tunnel under Mussenden Temple was carved in the 1850’s, about 300 yards long and still in use by the railway line.
Step 3 - Continue along the Moors Trail (pink marker) until you meet The Downhill Trail (purple marker) keeping the Black Glen Lake on your right.
Point of Interest: Black Glen Lake - The Black Glen Lake was built as a reservoir to service Downhill Demesne, was populated by the Earl Bishop with fish brought from Hillsborough in County Down.
Step 4 - Follow the Downhill Trail exiting the forest in Mussenden Temple direction, the trail takes alongside the cliff edge passing The Belvedere.
Point of Interest: The Belvedere - The Belvedere could be a mill of some sort, or perhaps the summerhouse of the bishop's daughter Mary? Either way, it's a lovely quiet spot from which to soak up views of the sea, a fitting reward for the climb up from the Black Glen.
Step 5 - Mussenden Temple, the highlight of this walk, appears at the horizon, also the halfway point on your journey along the trail.
Step 6 - Continue walking alongside the stone wall keeping the Atlantic Ocean to your right and follow the purple marking.
Point Of Interest: Dovecote and Ice House - Stumble upon the Dovecote and Ice House, a round building which stored meat for the Earl Bishop's table and ice for keeping food fresh. The ice was cut from a nearby pond in the winter.
Step 7 - You are now in the Georgian Walled Garden, continue towards the Lion’s Gate and make left through the kissing gate towards the ruins of Downhill House. Follow the purple markers.
Point Of Interest: Lion's Gate - Lion's Gate has two entrances to the property and is topped by stone snow leopards or ounces. They've recently been restored and now roar in their former glory.
Step 8 - Make right in front of Downhill House following the (purple) Downhill Trail, in the of direction Bishop’s Gate.
Point Of Interest: The Mausoleum - The Mausoleum, really a cenotaph, is an empty tomb built as a memorial for the Earl Bishop's brother, George Hervey.
Step 9 - At Bishop’s Gate turn left following direction Castlerock and continue your walk through the arboretum.
Point Of Interest: Bog Garden - Stop by the Bog Garden which was created by Lady Bruce in 1910. See a variety of blooms including some stunning irises which pop up during the warmer months.
Step 10 - Continue straight following the (blue) Castlerock Trail back into the village of Castlerock past Christ Church on the main street direction Train Station.
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Accessibility: The terrain underfoot is concrete, stone, grass, gravel, and natural earth. There are several steep and stone steps along the way. At certain times of the year, the trail will be slippery or muddy in places. Keep to the paths to avoid disturbing the wildlife and livestock.
There is uneven terrain, gates and a steep slope on the route. Sturdy footwear is advised.
Dogs on leads are welcome on this trail.
Length: 4.2miles (6.7km) with an elevation at the highest point of 280 feet.
Access to Mussenden Temple via the Lion’s Gate entrance is the recommended route for wheelchair access offering well surfaced woodland walks and mown paths. Lion's Gate Walking Trail, Downhill | National Trust
Catering - Refreshments are available from cafes located near the train station in Castlerock.
You can also stop to enjoy Al’s Coffee which is situated at Lion’s Gate, an excellent midway stop on your signature trail. Picnic tables are also available in the walled garden which offers sheltered lawns and shade.
Your route back to Castlerock allows you the opportunity to extend your experience with a luxurious hot chocolate or gift from The Chocolate Manor, who also offer bookable experiences for all the family.
Toilets - Toilets facilities are available at Castlerock Promenade and Lion’s Gate Downhill Demesne. There is approximately 1hr of walking between these two locations.
How to get there - The train journey from Derry to Castlerock – part of the scenic Belfast- Derry line -is considered one of the most beautiful short rail journeys in the UK and Ireland. For train timetables and ticket information, see Translink.
Parking - If arriving by car, you will find on-street parking on Sea Road Promenade in Castlerock. Weekends are generally busier on the seafront and therefore the train is a very convenient alternative. Parking in this location is free and provides accessible parking bays and nearby toilets.
Places to visit in the locality - Take time to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views afforded from this elevated coastal signature walk. If you want to extend your walking experience further, you can adapt your route to include Downhill Forest. A short distance away, you can explore the golden sands of Downhill Beach and Benone Strand. A short drive brings you to Binevenagh Mountain and forest with its dramatic basalt mountain offering panoramic views and opportunities to explore this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The signature Castlerock to Mussenden trail is located on the western edge of the Causeway Coastal Route. From here the full route continues east through Portstewart, Portrush, Bushmills, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
