3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • guesthouses and B&Bs
Meals
  • 8 Breakfasts

8 Days£1090GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: JI8

Causeway Coast Hiking Trip highlights

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Causeway Coast on foot
  • Hike mindfully in the quiet beauty of the remote Antrim Glens
  • Sample Irish whiskey at Bushmills
  • Walk the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge suspended above the sea
  • Spot Puffins and Kittiwakes on Rathlin Island
  • Step into the magical landscape of Game of Thrones

Hike along the Causeway Coast and the Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland’s best-kept secret and a land of giants and castles on this weeklong walking holiday. This area offers a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and diverse hiking trails, making it the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Start your walking journey in the Antrim village of Cushendall, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Nine Glens, and follow the Moyle Way through woodland, lakes, and waterfalls in Glenariff and Glenshesk. From Ballycastle, take a ferry to Rathlin Island, where you can spot puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes while looking out over the Straits of Moyle towards Scotland. Continue to the Giant’s Causeway, where 40,000 basalt columns rise mystically from the sea. According to legend, the Irish giant Finn McCool created the formation to cross the Irish Sea and challenge his Scottish rival, the giant Benandonner. For an extra thrill, walk across the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, hanging 100 feet above the ocean, for an incredible view of the coastline. Visit the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle, a Game of Thrones filming location perched on a cliff. End your active holiday close to the Bushmills Distillery, Ireland’s oldest, established in 1784, to toast your travels! This is the perfect hiking experience for those who appreciate history, nature, and adventure.

Countries:

Northern Ireland

Starting Point:

Cushendall

Finishing Point:

Portstewart

Itinerary

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Arrive in the pretty village of Cushendall, capital of the Antrim Glens. The village sits by the sea with the striking backdrop of the Lurigethan Mountain and has lively pubs where Irish traditional music is often played. Cushendall is accessible by bus and train from Belfast International Airport and City Airport via Antrim (the journey takes around 2 hours). Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer. Please request this with your travel consultant when you book. Accommodation: Two nights at a welcoming B&B in Cushendall.

Meals:  B

Your hiking holiday begins with a walk in Glenariff Forest Park after a short transfer (included). The vast variety of the landscape, woodlands and habitats that are to be found within Glenariff Forest Park provide you with a truly superb walk through nature. You will enjoy the tranquillity and admire the spectacular views down the glen, across the sea of Moyle and beyond to the Scottish Mountains. Stop at the Glenariff Forest Visitor Centre café for refreshments and follow the Moyle Way to return to Cushendall.

Meals:  B

A short transfer (included) takes you to the start point of your walk at Orra Beg, an intersection of the Moyle Way. Follow the trail north to Ballycastle that takes you north to Ballycastle along the Moyle Way, a delightful mix of tracks, quiet country roads and open mountains. From Orra Beg the first section of trail takes you along a forest track to reach the open mountainside of Agangarrive Hill. From here you will follow the banks of the Glenshesk River to join the Breen Forest Trail, a Nature Reserve and Woodlands. Quiet country roads see you arrive in Glenshesk, the most northern of the Nine Glens. You will be rewarded with some fantastic views of the Glenshesk River and Coolaveely Forest on your right and Knocklayd Mountain on your left. The final section of trail passes through Ballycastle Forest and then into the town of Ballyycastle where you will spend the next two nights. Accommodation: Two nights in a friendly guesthouse close to the harbour.

Meals:  B

Rathlin Island is a small L-shaped island with a human population of around 150 people and a large population of nesting seabirds. It is Northern Ireland’s most northerly point, the island is just 4 miles from east to west and 2.5 miles from north to south. There are three lighthouses standing like monuments on the wild coastline where 40 ships have been recorded wrecked in the ocean below. Despite the tempestuous seas, the island itself is a haven of peace and tranquillity and is a wildlife reserve. There are 2 walk options for Rathlin Island, depending your preference for walking distance, both offering exploration and the chance of seeing nesting birds. Puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots and curlews all spend part of the summer months here. Option 1 is a 13km/8 miles round trip or Option 2 is 8km/5 miles. The island is a 45 minute ferry trip away from Ballycastle, and tickets (not included) must be arranged in advance. Full details will be provided.

Meals:  B

Ballycastle, known as the northern gateway to the Glens of Antrim, has a rich history that dates back to around 1565 when a son of Sorley Boy McDonnell, the first Earl of Antrim, built a castle in the heart of the town's historic centre. While the castle no longer stands today, this charming area is well worth exploring on foot before heading to Ballintoy. Leaving Ballycastle, you will follow a peaceful country road to Clare Woods. After a short section of scenic forest trail, continue along quiet rural roads, passing through the farming communities of Craignagolman and Ballaghcravey. Your journey will bring you to the world-renowned Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a must-see attraction in the region. Suspended over an 100-foot chasm above the sea, this iconic rope bridge is sure to thrill if you dare cross! Tickets can be purchased on-site for those who wish to make the crossing (best purchased online in advance), while others can enjoy exploring the surrounding countryside. Accommodation: Overnight in a warm and welcoming B&B overlooking the sea in Ballintoy.

Meals:  B

High cliffs, ruined castles and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, this hike is world-class! Follow the markers for the Causeway Coast Way to reach Portbradden and then pass Dunseverick Castle and along the cliff-top path to Benbane Head. Ultimately, the Causeway Coast Way takes you to the Giant’s Causeway where you can explore the stunning hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The trail is generally easy to moderate but there are some steep and exposed sections today so care is needed while you enjoy the incredible views along the way. Visit the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre (fee payable) to learn more about the history and geology of this incredible place. Accommodation: Overnight at a comfortable Guest House close to the Giant’s Causeway with views of the surrounding landscape and out to the Sea of Moyle.

Meals:  B

On the final day of your Northern Ireland walking tour, you follow the coastal way with stunning views of Binbane Cove, Dunluce Castle, The Burnfoot, and The White Rocks as you head toward Portrush. Deviate to the small town of Bushmills if you’d like to visit the famous whiskey distillery. Descend to the beach at Curran Strand, where you can enjoy views of the nearby Skerries islands, including the Big and Little Skerries. Afterward, explore the charming town of Portrush and linger for some souvenir shopping before continuing the last leg of your journey to Portstewart. Although a longer day, the stretch of trail is beautiful and is mostly low-level walking on a mix of gravel paths, seaside promenades, quiet roads and grassy paths. Accommodation: Overnight in a small hotel in Portstewart and dine out at one of the multitude of restaurants in this friendly town in County Londonderry.

Meals:  B

Enjoy a final Irish breakfast and pack your bags ready to depart. From Portstewart, you can travel via local bus to Coleraine from where there is an express bus service to Belfast (1hr 40mins). You may wish to extend your stay in Ireland to visit Londonderry or travel further south. Please discuss options with your travel consultant when you book.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 nights accommodation in hand-selected guesthouses and b&bs
  • 7 Irish breakfasts - Irish breakfasts usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon/sausages, tomato, toast, coffee, tea and juices
  • Transfers as detailed in the itinerary
  • Digital Information Pack including navigational app and maps
  • Luggage transfers (max one bag of 15kg per person)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Lunch, dinner and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to start and from end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers during the trip
  • A supplement applies if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • Excess luggage fees (max weight 15kg)

Accommodation

Hand-selected guesthouses and B&Bs

During your trip you will stay in friendly local B&BS that have selected on account of the warmth of the welcome and proximity to the walking trail. The character of the local area will shine through your hosts and your Irish breakfast. All rooms are ensuite and generally include a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will endeavour to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby but please appreciate options are limited in this remote corner of rural Ireland.

Trail Surface

Coastal paths, country trails & quiet roads

The Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast walk is comprised of different walking trails. Most of the route follows coastal paths or countryside trails and some of the time you will walk on quiet rural roads. There are some sections of beach walking where your pace may slow, either to enjoy the views or because of the sand. As you will spend a lot of time on the coast, and on clifftops, be aware that the route can feel exposed to the elements. Weather here can be changeable! Good boots are a must as is clothing for all weathers. A reasonable level of fitness and ability on rocky, mountainous and sandy paths is required. You need good boots with ankle support. The trail is generally obvious and well-trodden, but can become slippery in wet weather.

Suitability

moderate

3

This walk in Ireland is graded Moderate. Distances range from 8 to 23km (5-14 miles) and you can walk at your own pace. The terrain is undulating, other than the last day which is largely flat. Most of the route follows coastal paths or countryside trails and some of the time you will walk on quiet roads. There are some sections of beach walking where your pace may slow. As you will spend a lot of time on the coast, and on clifftops, be aware that the route can feel exposed to the elements. A reasonable level of fitness and ability on sandy and rocky paths is required. You need good boots with ankle support. The trail is generally good and well-trodden, but can become slippery in wet weather. Carry plenty of drinking water and adequate protection against the sun and the rain.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 8 Oct

Notes

DN1
We also offer a 6 day Causeway Coast trip if you are short on time.

Priceper person from

£1090GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£580
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£670
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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All visitors are encouraged to pre-book bridge crossing tickets online before they wish to visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to avoid queues. The bridge is a popular tourist attraction in high summer. You can book via the UK National Trust website at https://www.nationaltrust-tickets.org.uk/event-tickets/. National Trust members must still book but their fees are reduced or waived.

If you have the time, we recommend this walking trip that encompasses the Antrim Glens and the Causeway Coast with a visit to Rathlin Island to see the seabirds. Northern Ireland's wild coast is beautiful and there is so much more to see here than just the Giant's Causeway. Northern Irish people are incredibly friendly and welcoming and their land is one of rich history and culture. The landscape is unspoiled and this itinerary enables you to take the time to explore more.

This trip runs from east to west, starting in the Antrim Glens village of Cushendall. Cushendall is accessible from Belfast by train and bus. Note that Belfast has 2 airports - Belfast City and Belfast International. The International airport is way northwest of the city near Antrim. From Belfast International you can take a bus or taxi to Antrim from where you can take a train or bus to Ballymena. From Belfast you can also take a train or bus to Ballymena. Change here for buses to Cushendall or take a taxi (ask your consultant for details). The Northern Ireland transport website is an excellent resource for journey planning and for buying tickets www.translink.co.uk. If you would like to arrange a private transfer from Belfast, please discuss the options with our team.

The Rathlin Island ferry runs from Ballycastle daily. The journey takes 45 mins each way and a return ticket is £16 per person. This is not included in your holiday price to give you the flexibility to choose to take the trip and the timings of your visit. If you plan to take the trip to Rathlin (a highlight of the holiday and recommended) then you should book your ticket in advance at https://www.rathlin-ferry.com/ or by calling 00 44 28 2076 9299. We suggest you book the 10am sailing from Ballycastle to give your self plenty of time on the island. Note that the last ferry back is at 1530 but please check this on the day.

The weather on the coast of Northern Ireland is changeable! There is a reason Ireland is called the Emerald Isle – the fields are a beautiful green on account of the rainfall. However, weather systems pass through quickly and it is not unusual to feel that you have experienced four seasons in one day. You can go from full waterproofs to shorts and t-shirt in minutes. Although good weather cannot be guaranteed, travelling from May to September is traditionally the best time as temperatures are warmer.

Causeway Coast Hiking Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.