Overview
Benbradagh (Irish: An Bhinn Bhradach – “Thief’s Peak”) dominates the landscape north of the Sperrin Mountains, just outside the village of Dungiven in County Londonderry. At 465 m (1 525 ft) it is the second‑most northerly summit in the Sperrin range and sits within the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The hill is a favourite launch point for para‑gliders and hang‑gliders, and its open‑mountain character provides some of the most rewarding 360° views of the southern Sperrins, the Vale of Roe and, on clear days, the distant Mourne peaks.
History
During the 1940s through the early 1970s Benbradagh hosted a United States Navy communications base that served the North Atlantic fleet. The Americans also constructed underground stores for high‑explosives, a legacy that still hints at the hill’s strategic past. In the early 1980s Irish military intelligence raised concerns that the site might be used to store nuclear weapons, a claim the British government denied. Today, the remnants of the former US installation are visible as a weather‑worn building with a tree growing through its walls, adding an eerie historic layer to the otherwise natural landscape.
What to See & Do
- Summit cairn – A modest stone cairn marks the highest point (454 m on the Visittours map, 465 m on other sources). It offers a perfect photo‑op and a place to pause for a snack while taking in the sweeping vistas.
- US base ruins – Near the summit, the derelict structure once used by the US Navy provides a tangible link to Cold‑War history. The site is easy to spot from the ridge and makes an interesting stop for history enthusiasts.
- Paragliding & hang‑gliding – The open, wind‑swept summit is a recognised launch spot for aerial sports. While you’ll need appropriate licences to fly, watching the colourful gliders is a spectacle in its own right.
- Flora and geology – The hill is covered in grassland interspersed with heather, sandstone and shale outcrops. The geology reveals ancient sedimentary layers that tell the story of the region’s deep past.
- Panoramic viewpoints – From the top you can see the Sperrin range to the east, the glens of the Roe Valley below, and, on a clear day, the Mourne Mountains across the border.
Practical Information
Access and Parking
The most common start point is American Road, accessed from the B64 Dungiven‑to‑Garvagh road. From the junction 3.5 mi north of Dungiven, turn right onto Gelvin Road, then after 2 mi turn right onto American Road. A small car park is available at the trailhead; there is no charge for parking.
An alternative start is from Curragh Road in Dungiven – follow Chapel Road straight to the top of the hill. Both approaches lead to the same gate‑lined route that marks the beginning of the walk.
Walking Route
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 12.29 km (circular) |
| Average duration | 4 h 20 min |
| Difficulty | Moderate (Strenuous sections) |
| Ascent | +297 m |
| Descent | –288 m |
| Highest point | 454 m (summit) |
| Lowest point | 250 m |
| Terrain | Open mountain, boggy and rough; ground can be uneven and wet |
| Waypoints | 0 km – American Road (250 m); 1.12 km – Gate (273 m); 4.11 km – Bovier Road (397 m); 6.48 km – Public road (364 m); 6.95 km – Heavy iron gate (413 m); 8.22 km – Summit (454 m) |
The route begins by climbing the gate between a bridge and a house on the east side of American Road. After a second gate, keep to the right of the stream that flows from the south‑east. White‑topped marker posts line the way, but they are not reliable in low‑visibility conditions, so a map and compass (OS Map Sheet 8) are advisable.
Follow the stream to Evishagaran, where the ruined US building stands. Continue to a fence line that leads up to the 454 m spot height. Cross the first gate on the fence line to pick up a rough track that brings you to the top of Bovier Road above the Glenshane Pass. Do not drive on the road; instead, follow the ridge westwards for about 1 km, then turn north (right) and stay on the high ground. More white posts guide you to the public road from Dungiven, after which a heavy iron gate marks the final approach to the summit.
Retrace the steps back to the iron gate and return to the car via American Road. The walk is circular, and the total elevation gain is modest, but the ground can be boggy and the stream crossings may be slick after rain.
Public Transport & Facilities
- Bus – Translink services run through Dungiven; check the journey planner at Translink for the latest timetables.
- Refreshments & Toilets – Available in Dungiven town centre (cafés, shops, public toilets). No facilities exist on the hill itself.
- Safety notes – The route traverses MoD‑owned land with several locked gates; they remain open for walkers. Dogs are discouraged because sheep graze the area year‑round. Visibility can drop below 50 m in heavy rain or mist, so navigation aids are essential.
Navigation & Gear
Because the trail is un‑waymarked in places and the white posts may be missing or obscured, carrying an OS map (Sheet 8) and a compass is strongly recommended. A GPS device or smartphone with the GPX file from Visorando can supplement traditional navigation, but it should not replace it.
Seasonal Considerations
The hill is popular with para‑gliders throughout the year. The climb is used for the Ulster Hill Climb Championships (cycling) and attracts cyclists seeking a steep, short ascent. While the route is open year‑round, the ground is at its wettest in late autumn and winter, making the boggy sections more challenging. For the clearest panoramas, aim for late spring to early autumn when daylight is long and the air is often stable.
Nearby Attractions
- Binevenagh – Another striking hill a short drive north, offering cliff‑edge walks and spectacular views over Lough Foyle. See the dedicated page for more details.
- Dungiven – The nearby village provides a pleasant stop for a coffee, local crafts and information about the area’s heritage.
- Glenshane Pass – A scenic mountain pass with viewpoints and picnic spots, ideal for a short detour after your summit walk.
Benbradagh offers a rare combination of natural beauty, historic intrigue and outdoor adventure. Whether you are tracing the footsteps of Cold‑War engineers, chasing a perfect summit view, or simply enjoying a vigorous hill walk, the hill rewards effort with unforgettable scenery and a palpable sense of place in the heart of County Londonderry.