Ulster Way: Part 3 and the Causeway Coast Path
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 35.45 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,805 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 2,789 ft
- Max elevation
- 577 ft
- TrailRank
- 55
- Min elevation
- -12 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Time
- 2 days one hour
- Coordinates
- 4633
- Uploaded
- December 14, 2022
- Recorded
- September 2022
near Coleraine, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)
Viewed 340 times, downloaded 13 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
The Ulster Way circumnavigates Northern Ireland, this part of the Ulster Way follows the north coast of the country, where it is also called the Causeway Coast Path. This name comes from the Giant's Causeway, an area in which "organ pipe" basalt outcrops on the cliffs and seashore, which the path visits. In addition to this famous natural phenomenon, the path passes through coastal towns, by little harbours, some extensive beaches, two ruined castles, and cliffs with natural arches. There is plenty of accommodation as well as cafes and other facilities on this section.
The Causeway Coast Path is one of the better coastal routes I have walked along, packing a lot into the two days I took to walk it, somewhat spoilt by the long road walk at the end. Although this gpx trail starts at Coleraine, the Causeway Coast Path actually starts a little later at the entrance to Portstewart. Mostly easy walking there is a section of boulder hoping by the sea at each end of Whitepark Bay.
The route of the previous section of the Ulster Way can be found at https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/ulster-way-part-2-mellon-country-inn-to-coleraine-103682117 . The next section can be found at https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/ulster-way-part-4-hills-and-mountains-of-county-antrim-123964025 .
Waypoints
Waypoint
20 ft
Ballintoy Harbour
A small, attractive harbour among the rocks, with a carpark, toilets and old lime kilns. Unfortunately the café was closed when I reached this picturesque spot, which has been used for a scene in "Game of Thrones".
Provisioning
51 ft
Ballycastle
The small town of Ballycastle is the end of the Causeway Coast Path, and the point at which the Ulster Way turns inland into mountains. Accommodation, shops, cafes, pubs and such like are available.
Waypoint
43 ft
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
No pictures as due to high winds it was closed when I arrived at the National Trust carpark from which the trail runs to the rope bridge. However there were toilets and a cafe. More information at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/carrick-a-rede .
Provisioning
29 ft
Coleraine
The town of Coleraine, on the banks of the River Bann is the starting point for this section of the Ulster Way.
Castle
82 ft
Dunluce Castle
Dating from 1550, Dunluce castle stands on a promontory into the sea, its ruined walls a monument to a more troubled time, when clans fought each other, or the English, else the Irish attacked the rich occupants.
Castle
52 ft
Dunseverick Castle
Dunseverick Castle is located on an easily defended promontory, with steep slopes or cliffs on each side. However only a few walls are left of the castle.
Waypoint
28 ft
Giants Causeway
Basalt lava flows cooled and contracted to create hexagonal columns in great profusion at this location. It is a site visited by many people, many on coach tours. Note that although there is an entrance fee for the visitors centre (unless you belong to the National Trust), there is no charge to walk down to the famous outcrops.
Waypoint
50 ft
Portballintrae
One of the sweet little towns of white painted buildings on the Causeway Coast path, each on a peninsula and centred around a small harbour.
Provisioning
35 ft
Portstewart
A town with all the facilities, a hostel, hotels, shops, pubs and cafes. The Coast path takes a scenic route above the rocks before depositing you on a promenade with shops and cafes on one side and the sea on the other.
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