Moyle Way & Causeway Coast Way

Arrive in Cushendall, a small and charming village better known as the Capital of the Glens, and spend the evening at your first night’s accommodation.

The morning begins with a pleasant 1.5 mile coastal walk out of Cushendall, down to Waterfoot and the start of the Moyle Way. You may choose to take a local bus to reach the start on this first morning. 

The Moyle Way follows the River Glenariff inland into Glenariff Forest, famous for birds of prey, woodland and many beautiful waterfalls. The trail then heads over open moorland and Trostan Mountain until it reaches Slieveanorra Nature Reserve, which has spectacular views over the surrounding glens.

Today your hosts will transport you back to Orra Beg and you will spend the day heading north to Ballycastle. The route takes you along forest tracks following the banks of the Glenshesk River. There is also some country road walking, and some final forest views in Ballycastle Forest before the Moyle Way ends in Ballycastle.

Here you will enjoy some fine panoramic views of Rathlin Island and, on a clear day, the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.

You will have the opportunity to visit Rathlin Island, a hidden treasure which lies between Northern Ireland and Scotland and can be reached by ferry from Ballycastle.

There are a number of walks on the island which are short enough to take in both the wonderful wildlife and rugged scenery – Rathlin Island counts guillemot, puffins and razorbills as some of its Summer residents.

Begin your walk on the Causeway Coast Way from the Diamond in Ballycastle before enjoying the fine coastal views from plentiful vantage points along the Antrim coastline. A highlight of today’s walk is the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge – the bridge spans a 30 metre wide crevasse that links Carrick Island with the mainland.

The walk is short today, so you should have plenty of time to visit the bridge. If you are brave enough to make the crossing, the experience will be a dramatic and exhilarating way to end your day. From the bridge it is only a short distance along the coastal path, to the little village of Ballintoy.

Between Ballintoy and Portballintrae you will find many points of interest. Soon after leaving Ballintoy harbour the path reaches the spectacular White Park Bay beach, then its on to Portbraddan, which is home to Northern Ireland’s tiniest church, St Gobban’s, measuring 12ft by 6.5ft.

Further along the coast you will find the ruins of Dunseverick Castle and then the Causeway Coast’s main attraction – the Giant’s Causeway. There is a chance to treat yourself after a day of walking with a tour and tasting at Bushmills Distillery.

Your final days walk starts on the coastal road to Portrush, and again the day’s points of interest won’t disappoint. Dunluce Castle and its famous ‘Mermaid’s Cave’ are en route and well worth a visit. After passing over Whiterocks beach you will find an official pathway which leads up and around Ramore Head, and eventually Portrush harbour. Your walk continues along the coastline, ending at the promenade in Portstewart, a perfect seaside location to celebrate the end of your walk.

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the Moyle Way & Causeway Coast Way.