DAY OUT: Binevenagh, County Londonderry

Volcanic views

Helen Fairbairn enjoys the unique geology of this little-visited natural wonder

Listen

Walk with Helen Mark and discover Binevenagh virtually on Open Country, available on BBC Sounds: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000qmpf

Everyone has heard of Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, while the mountain of Binevenagh remains relatively unknown. Yet both are impressive volcanic landscapes, created by the same lava flows that poured over the Antrim Plateau some 60 million years ago.

The fascinating geology of Binevenagh’s basalt cliffs combines with a unique combination of Arctic-alpine and coastal flora, which peaks in late spring and early summer. Avian visitors are a mixture of mountain and coastal species, too; kittiwakes share the skies with buzzards and peregrine falcons above this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

From the top of the precipice, wonderful sea views stretch north over Magilligan Point, one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. For a complete exploration of the area, try an unsigned walking circuit from the upper lake-side car park. Descend steeply north along the edge of the escarpment, explore the base of the cliffs, then climb back up through a mountain gully, taking care near the cliff edge.

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Helen Fairbairn is a naturalist and writer based in Northamptonshire.