5k Run Ballykelly: Scenic Coastal Experience along the Shore

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the tranquil beauty of the Lough Foyle coastline with this refreshingly flat 5km out-and-back route. Starting from the dedicated parking area, you’ll find yourself on a dedicated coastal track that offers a forgiving, unpaved surface perfect for runners looking to escape the impact of asphalt. With zero elevation gain, this is an ideal course for a tempo workout or a scenic recovery jog. The trail is wide and exposed, giving you uninterrupted views of the water and the chance to feel the bracing Atlantic breeze as you tick off the kilometers in an area famed for its crisp, clean air.

Local runners know Ballykelly as a hidden gem along the Causeway Coastal Route, steeped in both natural beauty and aviation history. As you navigate the shoreline, you are running adjacent to the former RAF Ballykelly airfield, which played a vital role during WWII. To the North, across the glistening waters of the Foyle, the hills of Donegal rise in the distance, providing a dramatic backdrop for your run. The area is also a designated Special Protection Area, so keep an eye out for diverse birdlife—including Brent Geese and Curlews—which often populate the salt marshes flanking the trail.