Antrim Glens & Coastline: 10-Day Moderate Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Cushendall

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Cushendall.

DAY 2: Waterfoot - Glenariff Forest Park

Distance 14km • Approximate Walking Time 4 - 6 hours • Ascent (↑) 420m

You will be transferred this morning to the coastal village of Waterfoot. From here you will follow the Glenariff River up the valley to the Forest Park of the same name. You will then follow a delightful nature trail with views across the Sea of Moyle to England and Scotland.

DAY 3: Orra Beg - Glenariff Forest Park

16km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 370m

In the morning you will be driven to a forest track below Orra Beg. Continue along paths and tracks across open moorland and through quiet forests before climbing once over the shoulder of Trostan and then down into Glenariff once again.

DAY 4: Orra Beg - Ballycastle

20km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 340m

Returning to Orra Beg, you now follow the trail in the opposite direction, north towards Ballycastle. You follow the Glenshesk River downhill past the grave of McQuillan - an ancient Irish clan leader - before climbing steeply uphill to Breen Forest. Follow the trails downhill to your guesthouse next to the sea.

DAY 5: Torr Head - Ballycastle

20km • 6 - 8 hours • (↑) 550m

Complementary transfer to Torr Head in the morning. Enjoy stunning views over the Moyle Sea to nearby Scotland as you follow a cliff-top path around Fair Head. Continue along the beach back to Ballycastle.

DAY 6: Rathlin Island

10/25km • 3 - 7 hours • (↑) 180m/550m

Take the short ferry trip to Rathlin Island in the morning. We recommend a trip to the West Lighthouse to visit the large seabird colony. Why not take a bus there and walk back? This will leave you plenty of time for a great little hike to the South Lighthouse in the afternoon.

DAY 7: Ballycastle - Ballintoy

14km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 210m

After passing through a farmyard, you follow a lovely forest trail that eventually leads onto an old boreen with stunning views towards Rathlin Island. Before descending into Ballintoy, be sure to test your mettle on the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge - a highlight of the walking tour!

DAY 8: Ballintoy - Giant's Causeway

18km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 330m

You will walk for a long time before you find another cliff-top walk as breathtaking as this sensational trek along the Causeway coastline. There are many delights on this walk from Ballintoy Harbour to White Park Beach and, of course, the Giant's Causeway - a UNESCO world heritage site.

DAY 9: Giant's Causeway - Portstewart

21km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 170m

Shortly after leaving Portballintrae, the impressive ruins of Dunluce Castle suddenly appear and a stop for a closer inspection is well worthwhile. Follow the coastal path around the town of Portrush and then continue past beautiful links golf courses next to the sea until you reach Portstewart.

DAY 10: Departure from Portstewart

There are regular bus services departing Portstewart. We will be happy to provide you with further details upon request.