Benone Strand is one of Ireland’s longest beaches, stretching for more than 9km from the tiny village of Downhill to Magilligan Point at the mouth of Lough Foyle. It’s a marvellously atmospheric place for a walk whatever the weather. Endless lines of ocean swell come rolling in from the Atlantic to thunder onto the beach, which stretches off west as if to infinity. To the northwest you can see the proud line of hills marking Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, while in clear conditions you should also be able to identify the Scottish islands of Jura and Islay to the northeast. All of this is overlooked by the majestic cliffs of Above lies Mussenden Temple, perched precariously on the edge of the crumbling cliff high above the beach. If you want to visit the Binevenagh, which provide a half day of fine walking in themselves, offering aerial views of Magilligan, Lough Foyle and the Sperrin Mountains. In practice most walkers simply walk west from Downhill as far as their time and energy permit. The Umbra Stream comes after about two kilometres; this is the only obstacle you’ll encounter and it can be easily crossed near the water’s edge. The beach and duneland from Magillian Point to Downhill falls within the Magilligan Special Area of Conservation. At Magilligan Point itself you’ll find an old Martello Tower and great views across the mouth of Lough Foyle to the village of Greencastle on the other side.