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Two hikes either 21k (13 miles) and 16k (10 miles) each or three shorter versions up to 14k (9 miles) each, inn to inn
Are you ready to treat yourself to a magical, authentic, enriching experience hiking on Ireland’s famous Causeway coast? Do you want your Irish walking holiday to be full of the things you dream about without any of the hassle of figuring out how? Read on, you are in the right place, you’ll be drinking a pint by the fireside in the pub soon enough, after your day hiking of course.
Twenty seven miles (43k) of some of the best continuous coastal views in Europe are available on foot along the Causeway Coast Way. The route is a long distance, coast hugging, showstopper of a hike that should be on the ‘must do’ lifetime walks of any avid hikers’ bucket list. Given how extraordinarily beautiful it is, it is relatively unknown as a long distance option…. at the moment.
Make this year, the year you walk this route before the rest of the world knows about it.
This 3 night independent walking holiday is our best seller. Along the way there are plenty of sights to enjoy. Directly on the route you can visit Dunluce Castle ruin, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, the beautiful harbour of Ballintoy (which featured in the Game of Thrones) and you can cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. In addition a short distance off route you might like to add in a visit to the oldest whiskey distillery in the world in the town of Bushmills.
The scenery along the entire route is amongst the most beautiful coast scenery available. Irish coastal towns and villages, four stunning beaches, world class golf courses, a UNESCO site, stunning high cliffs, miles and miles of farmland with grazing cattle and sheep. You’ll see an abundance of sea, plant and bird life, some of it very rare and enjoy a remoteness that is hard to find in modern Europe while still within easy reach on foot of lovely Irish bed and breakfast accommodation.
In the evening choose from a wonderful range of world class places to dine and socialise.
The route is also served by a frequent public bus so it is also easy to shorten any walking day. Scroll down for more information or click the ‘enquire now’ button.
Arrival town | Your first night will be in accommodation in the beautiful coast town of Portstewart from where you will start your walk the next day. |
Departure town | Your final night will be in Ballintoy. We suggest you leave time in your itinerary to cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge the morning of your final day. |
Getting There | Portstewart and Ballintoy can be reached by public bus or taxi from the coast town of Coleraine. Coleraine can be reached by train from Belfast. Belfast can be reached by bus or train from Dublin or by plane from further afield. Please enquire about private airport transfers if you prefer. |
Bring | Weatherproof clothing and good walking boots plus a light day pack. In addition you can bring one bag up to 23kg which we will transport for you each walking day. |
Price | From £385 pps (Single supplement From £100) |
Availability | Due to the mild climate, walking holidays are available year round but are best enjoyed March to October. |
Inclusions | Bed and Breakfast accommodation Daily bag transfers on hiking days (max. 23kg per person) Map and route descriptions Travel pack with bus times, suggested pubs and restaurants, sights to see along the way and local taxi numbers. 24/7 telephone support |
Exclusions | Transport to and from first and last accommodation Personal travel insurance Flights/Ferries/Trains (Please enquire if you prefer a private airport transfer from either of Belfast's two airports) |
For more information please see below
Two walking days and three nights B&B accommodation. Two hikes 21k (13 miles) and 16k (10 miles) – inn to inn
DAY ONE – stay Portstewart
Arrive at the beautiful coastal town of Portstewart, make sure to leave plenty of time for an evening stroll of the beautiful Portstewart strand and why not book dinner in the award winning Harry’s Shack. Stay in a hand-picked, authentic Irish Bed and Breakfast.
DAY TWO – stay near the causeway
The full hike option is a 13.4 mile (21.5k) hike from the Portstewart promenade (or can be longer starting at the strand). Walk along the coast side of the golf course arriving at one of two beaches which wrap around the town of Portrush. Depart Portrush by walking along the gorgeous east strand at White Rocks. Just out of sight, over the dunes is the famous Royal Portrush, one of the top golf courses in the world. Taking the path at the end of the beach you emerge onto one of the few road sections of this route. The views remain outstanding. Walk along the road until you come to the majestic 15th Century castle ruins of Dunluce. Continue into the village of Bushmills for the evening, if you make it in time, you might be able to visit the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, but if not, you’ll still be able to enjoy a wee dram in the village.
DAY THREE – stay Ballintoy
No large coastal towns today. Pack a great lunch and head off for an entirely off road, coastal path of outstanding views. This is the showstopper day which begins with a walk along the old tramline to the Giant’s Causeway, continue your route by walking down to the honeycomb shaped rocks that make up this famous UNESCO site before leaving the crowds behind as you continue up the Sheppard’s steps and following the high cliffs to Dunseverick. You’ll not miss the wooden bench at Hamilton’s seat. Rest and take in one of the most remote and breathtaking cliff views you’ll ever see, without any crowds around. As you reach Dunseverick harbour you might like the idea of stopping off for a brief swim in the rock pools before heading toward the tiny hamlet of Portbradden which must have one of the best beach views anywhere. White Park Bay stretches out in front of you with views of Rathlin island and mainland Scotland in the distance. The white church on the headland way up ahead is right beside your destination for the day, another charming Irish bed and breakfast, rest up before heading into the village of Ballintoy for the evening or take a taxi round to Ballycastle. You may or may not have time (or energy) to walk on a little extra to enjoy the famous rope bridge crossing.
DAY FOUR
Depart Ballintoy or begin your final day by visiting the rope bridge today – it is walking distance from your B&B.
“We had an amazing trip, enhanced by the weather! All went well and Peter was exceptional…. We had a very memorable Nornirish experience”
Sue Hoghton April 2015, England.
“We had a fabulous time and we were very happy with everything you organised for us. The hotels were great, the baggage transfers and pick up from/to airport were excellent.”
Geoff Stringer May 2015, England.
“We loved Cushendall. Could have stayed there longer to experience their festival. Amazingly friendly people. Did the cliff walk near town and took a taxi to Glenariff Forest Park. Loved it. Did a couple of walks….. We have really enjoyed our time in NI”
Leanne and Brian Kison, August 2016, Australia
“Our day was wonderful. …. We walked for just about 4 hours seeing wonderful waterfalls, wild fuchsia, forested areas and so much more. It was fabulous. Our driver took us along the longer coastal route and then by the murals on the way back to Belfast. He tried very hard to make our experience memorable. We are tired but pleased with our walking experiences you arranged for us. Thank you so very much.”
Sandra Skwarek, September 2014, Canada
What are the booking terms for walking holidays?
We require 20% deposit to secure your holiday. Full balance is required 8 weeks prior to your tour taking place. If the full balance is not received 8 weeks prior to your holiday, you will be deemed to have cancelled your tour and your deposit will be forfeited. We will send you your full travel pack 4 weeks prior to travel.
What payment methods do you accept?
We can accept payment by paypal, BACS, or International bank transfer.
Is my money safe? – What about the Travel Package Regulations?
In line with the 1992 Travel Package Regulations your money is held in a special trust account until your holiday is completed.
What about Health and Safety?
Our tours and holidays are designed for people who enjoy being active in nature. Activities in the outdoors always carry an element of risk. All our guides are highly experienced and are qualified to the necessary level required for each tour, including having first aid training. Please inform your guide if you have any medical condition that may impact your tour. Mobile telephone signal is extensively available on the vast majority of our guided and independently guided tours and holidays. Nevertheless for independent walkers we recommend that you inform family or friends of your route and your expected time back to your accommodation.
What about car hire?
If car hire is part of your package there will be additional conditions of booking. Please read all of the information regarding car hire in your travel pack.
20% holiday deposit is non-refundable
Holiday cancellations will incur a 15% admin charge up to 45 days before the trip.
After 45 days there is no refund available.
Tours are not booked and confirmed until a 20% deposit has been received.
Changes to tour bookings will incur a £50 charge.
We strongly encourage all our customers to have adequate travel insurance to compensate for unforeseen cancellations etc.