Bishop's Gate walking trail
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Downhill Demesne with its scenic sheltered gardens and clifftops. Visit the apple orchard in the walled garden and the striking 18th-century folly, Mussenden Temple, originally inspired by the Tivoli Temple of Vesta.
Start point
Bishop's Gate, grid ref: C761354Trail information
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Bishop's Gate, grid ref: C761354
Stage 1
Start at the Bishop's Gate entrance to the Demesne and enter into the Bishop's Gate Gardens.
Gardener working in the bog garden at Bishop's Gate | © National Trust Images/James Dobson Stage 2
Take the right track and pass through a arboretum with many rare tree species.
Visitor in Bishop Gate Garden at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor Stage 3
Follow signs for Mussenden Temple and you will soon leave the trees behind to enter an area of open grassland with views of the majestic ruins of Downhill House.
Stage 4
You can turn left towards the Walled Garden or explore the ruin – either way the paths will lead you towards Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff edge. From here you can enjoy dramatic views of the Inishowen Peninsula.
Visitors enjoying kite flying at Mussenden Temple | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey Stage 5
Follow the path along the cliff towards the east and you will come to a small collection of trees: take the stile on the left side. Steps lead you down to the pond and back to Bishops Garden.
Bishop's Gate bog garden at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne | © National Trust Images/Steven Hanna End point
Bishop's Gate, grid ref: C761354
Trail map
Downhill Demesne Walking Trail | © GIS/NTI
Get in touch
Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP
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