Bishops Road

As Bishop of Derry, not only did Frederick Hervey have the magnificent Downhill House as his residence (the ruins of which can still be explored), Mussenden Temple was built as a clifftop library for all his leather-bound books, and a road bearing his title provided him easy access to look out over the rugged shores of Magilligan Point whenever it took his fancy.

The bicycle sadly wasn’t invented in time for Bishop Fred to have a crack at cycling up the road himself. Which is a shame. Because it’s a unique and unforgettable experience.

It’s best to approach from Castlerock to allow you to drop down to sea level and gather momentum before you arrive at the roadsign inviting you to swing left up to the heavens.

The first kick is a brute, especially the turn around the cliff face about ten seconds in. The crest of that initial summit offers brief respite, but another ferocious spike soon appears after you pass a small caravan site on your left. Keep fighting, and you’ll eventually be rewarded with the Bishop’s own view of County Donegal across the Foyle (with the sea-green statue of Manannán mac Lir stood with arms aloft to keep you company).