BELFAST TELEGRAPH SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2 2008

WEEKENDER 33www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

using the grasslands as roosting and feeding sites, particularly at high tide.

The result of the efforts of the engineers and navvies are thousands of acres of good ar-able land and security for the Belfast to Derry rail line, which runs across what was once shal-low sea.

Lough Foyle supports thou-sands of wading birds, ducks, geese and swans. Birds and mammals may be seen on the backpond drain that runs close to the track. This body of wa-ter drains low lying land and a pump house works to lift the water and discharge it into the sea lough on the other side of the sea wall.

The rare Little Egret has been sighted feeding here, and wad-ers such as Redshank, Snipe, Oystercatcher and Lapwing are plentiful. You will probably fi nd otter spraints and may be lucky enough to see an otter.Further information For further information on walk-ing or any other outdoor activ-ity, please contact Countryside Access and Activities Network at 9030 3930 or www.walkni.com.

Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) in association with Belfast Telegraph have provid-ed this information. Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information. CAAN and Belfast Telegraph, however, cannot accept responsibility for errors or omis-sions but where such are brought to our attention, the informa-tion for future publications will be amended accordingly.

Lough Foyle, on the north coast, is a refuge for sailors, wintering birds, breeding seals and walk-ers. The lands along the

eastern shore are largely fl at, a relic of prehistoric times when sea levels were higher and waves washed the raised beach-es visible today. Land reclama-tion schemes on the Foyle have brought many acres of land at, or below sea level, into arable production, protected by sea walls and pump houses.

For most of its length, this off-road walk skirts a freshwa-ter pond with reed beds and the expanse of Lough Foyle on the other side of the sea wall. Directions From Ballykelly village, follow the A2 road towards London-derry, turning right down Sta-tion Road at the edge of the vil-lage. Follow this cul de sac road for a couple of miles to the small car park by the bridge over the Ballykelly River (grid reference C614235).

Cross the bridge and follow the gravel track to the left, fol-lowing the river a short distance until you come to Lough Foyle. Depending on tide levels, you will see various waders and wildfowl (including Brent geese in winter) feeding on the mud-fl ats at the river mouth.

Here, the track turns sharp right and runs between the ‘back pond’ that drains the reclaimed land and the grassy bank that abuts the sea wall.

The track continues for two miles until it comes to the Burn-

foot River. Retrace your steps to the start point. On the outward leg, Binevenagh’s cliffs provide a starkly enticing backdrop, while the rounded distant slopes of the Sperrins will prove a delight on the return. The Backdrop The Foyle system is one of the most important salmon river sys-tems in Europe, with thousands of fi sh passing through the nar-rows at Magilligan Point each year, heading for their spawning grounds high in the hills of Don-egal, Tyrone and Derry.

These level lands proved ideal for WW2 air force bases and the natural harbour of the Foyle was a prime shelter for convoys and escort ships waiting to cross the Atlantic. In June 1941, a Royal Air Force base was established at Ballykelly, and the concrete runway and some of the original buildings can be seen across the

fi elds from the walk. Aeroplanes fl ew to conduct anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic and to escort shipping convoys. By the end of the war, Ballykelly-based squadrons had sunk no fewer than 12 U-boats.

The area became the major focus for waging the Battle of the Atlantic — just how instru-mental in winning this battle is emphasised by the selection of Lisahally at the mouth of the River Foyle as the point to which the German U-boat fl eet reported to surrender in 1945.

The Ballykelly base was used by the RAF and Royal Navy after the war and in recent times be-came an army base (Shackelton Barracks), which is due to close in 2008.

Much of Lough Foyle and its tributary rivers enjoy protected status. Some bird species have adapted well to the reclamation,

Walk this way ... and see wading birds, ducks, geese and swans

FOYLE’S PEACE ...

FACTFILE: Walk Name: Ballykelly Bank Area: Eastern shore of Lough Foyle Nearest big town to start point: Ballykelly, near Limavady Distance: 4 miles (7 km), start to fi nish Terrain: Gravel track alongside polders (reclaimed land) Access Restrictions: Do not en-ter any of the fi elds — being so fertile the ground nearly always holds crop that has either just been sown, is growing or is about to be harvested! Refreshments: Refreshments are available in the cafes, restaurants and bars in Ballykelly village. Publications: www.walkni.com www.loughs-agency.org www.limavady.gov.uk/visiting/ Walk Developed By: This walk is made possible by the permis-sion and understanding of Rivers Agency and several private land owners. Ordnance Survey Map: Sheet 7 (Derry) of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discovery Se-ries, available from Limavady TIC, at £5.80, tel: 7776 0307 or from OSNI Map Shop, Colby House, Stranmillis, Belfast, BT9 SBJ, www.osni.gov.uk