North Antrim Coast Path
| North Antrim Cliff Path | |
|
National Trust | |
|---|---|
 On the Causeway Coast | |
| Information |
The North Antrim Coast Path is a footpath which forms part of the longer Ulster Way and of the Causeway Coast Way. It is well maintained in the hands of the National Trust.
The path runs 5 miles between the Giant's Causeway at C945440 and Dunseverick Castle at C987445, both popular National Trust properties. On the route are the spectacular cliffs of Antrim's northern coast, beaten by the Atlantic Ocean, and for nature lovers a fine diversity of plants, birds and beasts, as the rough coastline soon becomes inland rich pastures grazed by flocks and herds. This mixture of conservation and working farms has created a mosaic of habitats.
The route
If starting at the Giant’s Causeway end, form the car park and its vehicle tunnel, steps climb up to the cliff-top path, which is exposed to strong winds at all seasons.
The cliff-top runs out to Weir’s Snout, a headland giving a splendid views of the Giant’s Causeway, both the much visited section and the soaring "organ-pipe" basalt columns of which the cliffs here are made. East of Weir's Snout the path is quieter, past several smaller headlands. After about a mile it comes to "The Amphitheatre", a spectacular bay opening out below, inaccessible to the walker but alive with seabirds in the nesting season, and then beyond the path is along the top of what has been described as some of the finest cliff scenery in Europe, sculpted with rocky headlands and bays with romantic names such as Port na Spaniagh, The King & his nobles, Plaiskin Head, Hamiliton’s Seat, Benbane Head, Bengore Head, Portnabrock and Port Moon, an old fishermen's bay a mile from the end of the path and where the cliffs begin to become lower.
After crossing through farmland (itself owned by the National Trust, the path comes to Dunseverick Castle, if not up to the ruins themselves, and here may appreciate the grandeur of this bleak setting where once ancient Kings of Dalriada ruled.
Sights about the path
Portballintrae Beach is a very popular attraction west of the Giant's Causeway. The two miles of sand at White Park Bay are just east of Duneverick.
Outside links
- Walk Northern Ireland – North Antrim Coast Path