Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast Self-Guided Walking Tour

Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast Self-Guided Walking Tour

The Causeway Coast and Glens offers the hiker the experience and tranquillity of the Antrim Glens, the hustle and bustle of the Puffins and other sea birds on the sanctuary of Rathlin Island and the serenity and beauty of one of the top coastal walks in Europe along the Causeway Coastal Way. The undoubted highlights of this tour is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Giant’s Causeway. The scenic beauty and the diversity of the landscape make a walking tour of Antrim an ideal place to discover on foot. The quiet country villages and the friendliness of the people all add to the charm of this magical landscape. The Causeway Coast and Glens provide you with a journey of discovery where imagination meets reality and where every village and town, castle, cave and rocky shore is just waiting to be discovered. It’s a journey in life that is not to be missed, a journey that will relax both body and soul.

DAY 1 / CUSHENDALL (Start of 8 Day Tour)

Your tour begins in the seaside village of Cushendall, also known as the capital of the glens. This charming village is nestled in between the hills of the Glens and the Sea of Moyle. It is here you will spend your first two nights.

Overnight Cushendall

DAY 2 / GLENARIFF NATURE RESERVE AND FOREST PARK TO WATERFOOT

After breakfast a bus will take you to the entrance of Glenariff Forest Park to begin your walking tour in the park.  The Walking distance that you will travel will depend on which trail that you take in the park; of which we will give you several options; it will vary somewhere between 15 to 18 Km; approximate walking time of 4-5 hrs

Overnight Cushendall

DAY 3 / ORRA BEG TO BALLYCASTLE

You will be transferred to the beginning of your walk at Orra Beg;

Walking Distance: 17.6 km, Ascent: 380 m Approximate walking time: 5 hrs

Overnight Ballycastle

DAY 4 / RATHLIN ISLAND (First Walking Day of the 6 Day Tour Option)

We will be giving you the choice of a two walk on the island so distance will depend on which route you take; both very interesting and stunningly beautiful. You will take the 45 minute ferry ride from Ballycastle to Rathlin; cost £12, per person return. 

Overnight Ballycastle

DAY 5 / BALLYCASTLE TO BALLINTOY (First Walking Day of the 5 Day Tour Option)

You will follow quiet country lanes from Ballycastle to Ballintoy your day will end with the opportunity to cross the popular Carrick-o-Reed Rope Bridge 

Walking Distance: 14km, Ascent: 110 m, Approximate walking time 4 hrs

Overnight Ballintoy

DAY 6 / BALLINTOY TO THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY

This is probably one of the best coastal walks in Europe; if not in the world. The day offers you an awe-inspiring array or scenery; flora and fauns; a combination of which you will find hard to beat in a days walk; anywhere. The trail from Ballintoy passes along the golden sandy beach of White Park Bay; past the ruins of Dunseverick Castles and along a clifftop path that takes you around by Benbane Head to the World Heritage Site and Nature Reserve of the Giants Causeway. When you are finished exploring this amazing place your trail continues along Bushfoot Strand to the pictures town of Portballintra for your overnight stay. Distance: 17.6 km/11 miles, Ascent: 100 m/300 ft Approximate walking time: 5 hrs

Overnight Portballintrae/Bushmills

DAY 7 / GIANT'S CAUSEWAY TO PORTSTEWART

On your final days walking you will follow the coastal road to Portrush passing along the way Dunluce Castle, The Burfoot and The White Rocks. Through the town of Portrush for a little relaxing and maybe an Ice-cream before your final leg of the walk Portstewart. Distance: 19 km, Ascent: 80 m, Approximate walking time: 5,5 hrs.

Overnight Portstewart or Portrush

DAY 8 / DEPARTURE