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One week, at your own pace, on foot, in Ireland’s stunning north east
Stay in hand-picked, authentic Irish bed and breakfast houses. Walk the famous Causeway Coast Way but then seek out lesser known walking gems along this coast. Spend a day at the breathtaking Fairhead and Murlough bay location, take a ferry to enjoy a day on Rathlin island, walk in the amazing Glenariff forest park and enjoy wonderful waterfalls, arrive on foot into the traditional coastal village of Glenarm.
This seven night trip is designed exclusively for those who want to enjoy this coast the best way possible, on foot. Even though some parts of this coast are incredibly popular, you can avoid the crowds by hiking to the popular sites. As a wholly local company, focussed exclusively on walking destinations in the Causeway coast and Glens, you won’t be able to beat us or our abundance of local knowledge and expertise.
At the end of each day you’ll be able to enjoy a host of local restaurants and pubs to relax and enjoy the famous Irish ‘craic’. From authentic Irish pubs to award winning beach property restaurants serving up the best in locally produced ingredients, the only difficult part of your walking holiday on Ireland’s north coast will be going home when it’s over.
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 Glenarm. We suggest you leave time in your itinerary to Glenarm tea rooms and gardens on the day of your departure. |
Getting there | Portstewart can be reached by public bus or taxi from the coast town of Coleraine. A public bus can get you to Larne at the end of your stay and from there you can connect by train to Belfast, maybe stopping off the visit Carrickfergus Castle, built in 1177. Belfast can be reached by bus or train from Dublin. 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 20kg which we will transport for you each walking day. We also recommend you bring a compass in the event of poorer visibility on some of the non-coastal parts of this walking holiday. |
Price | From £910 pps (Single supplement From £250) |
Availability | Bed and Breakfast accommodation Daily bag transfers on hiking days (max. 20kg per person) Map and route descriptions Travel pack with bus times, suggested pubs and restaurants, sights to see along the way 24/7 telephone support |
Inclusions | Hotel accommodation Map and route descriptions Travel pack with bus times, suggested pubs and restaurants, sights to see along the way 24/7 telephone support |
Exclusions | Transport to and from first and last accommodation Personal travel insurance Flights/Ferries/Trains |
For more Information please see below
DAY ONE
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
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 and soon to host both the Irish Open and the Open championship. 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. Make sure you get a photograph with the beach you’ve just walked in the background of the castle. Continue into the coastal village of Portballintrae and take the boardwalk over the river to the tramline, following the path for the Runkerry headland. Your hike ends at the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre. Have a pint in the Nook bar before heading to your nearby accommodation. Don’t visit the famous stones yet, you can start your second day with a visit to the Giant’s Causeway.
DAY THREE
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 down to the honeycomb shaped rocks of the Giant’s Causeway before continuing on 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 yet utterly astounding, award winning, cliff views in all of Europe. 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 (if clear). 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
Travel by local bus and private taxi to enjoy a breathtaking figure of eight hike at Fairhead and Murlough Bay. You’ll need a little map confidence as the walking route is not continuously signed. It is at a coastal location so with a little prior study of our notes you should have all the confidence you need. The walk is 8 miles in total but can be arranged to be shorter (or longer) if you prefer. Although one of the most beautiful places on the Causeway Coastal Route, its relative remoteness on a coast with lots of other attractions, you will be amazed to find you could likely have the place entirely to yourself, even in the peak of summer! On most days you will be able to see nearby Scotland and Rathlin island throughout the walk.
DAY FIVE
Take the early morning ferry from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island. This small island offers short walks, bird watching or alternatively hire some bikes to explore the entire island. Rathlin is Northern Ireland’s only permanently populated island. A truly unique experience that you won’t want to miss. Return by ferry to Ballycastle and stay here for a second night before moving on around the coast the next morning.
DAY SIX
Walk in the breathtakingly beautiful Glenariff Forest Park for 8 miles. Enjoy vistas over the ‘Queen of the Glens’ one of the nine glens of Antrim. Walk along a Victorian walk way to allow up close access to a stunningly beautiful waterfall. Spend the night in the traditional village of Cushendall, enjoying a great pint of the black stuff in Joe’s. With a bit of luck you’ll also get some of the best traditional music to be found in Ireland. Either way you will love the atmosphere of this very sleepy little place. Staying in Cushendall is the closest you can get to the vibe of the west of Ireland while being in the north east, just an hour from Belfast.
DAY SEVEN
Your final journey around the coast will provide an authentic walk in Ireland’s coastal lowlands. A day hiking part of the Antrim Hills will have you arriving by foot into Glenarm, a delightful old fishing village with castle, gardens, tearooms, guided village tours, forests and lots of lovely little shops. Well away from the over popular sections of the Causeway Coastal Route, Glenarm will make a wonderful end to your week long walking holiday.
“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.