DAY 1 - Arrive Starting Point: Cushendall
Your walking tour of the Glens of Antrim begins in the village of Cushendall, better known as the capital of the Glens. Cushendall is a charming village that nestles in the heart of the Glens, situated between the hills and the sea of Moyle and it is here that you will spend your first two nights.
Overnight The Meadows, Cushendall
Anne at The Meadows prides herself on the warmth of hospitality that you will receive when you arrive at her B&B.
DAY 2 - Glenariff Nature Reserve—9-11 Miles
The distance that you will travel will depend on which trail that you take in the park; of which we will give you several options. After breakfast a bus will take you to the entrance of Glenariff Forest Park to begin your walking tour in the park. The vast variety of the landscape, woodlands and habitats that are to be found within Glenariff Forest Park provide you with a superb walk through the natural beauty which is to be found here.
Overnight The Meadows, Cushendall
DAY 3 - Orra Beg to Ballycastle—11 Miles
You will be transferred to the beginning of your walk at Orra Beg. This section of the trail is mixed between forest trails; quiet country roads and open mountains. You will be rewarded with some fantastic views of the Glenshesk River, Coolaveely Forest and Knocklayd Mountain. The final section of the day takes you through Ballycastle Forest and finally into the town of Ballycastle where you will spend the next two nights.
Overnight Hillsea, Ballycastle
Hillsea is a large Victorian Villa overlooking the Sea of Moyle. With their large appetising breakfasts, home baking and warm welcome, Hillsea will be a home from home.
DAY 4 - Rathlin Island—2-10 Miles
You will be given the choice of two walks on the island so distance will depend on which route you take. The island is a rare place of wild and natural beauty, extraordinary environmental values and social interests. The island is immersed in flora and fauna and in spring and summer Puffins; Guillemots and Kittiwakes, to mention but a few, nest in their thousands along its steep on-shore cliffs - a naturalist must.
Overnight Hillsea, Ballycastle
DAY 5 - Ballycastle to Ballintoy—9 Miles
Ballycastle is the northern gateway to the Glens of Antrim. After leaving the town of Ballycastle you will follow a country roads to Clare Woods which eventually take you through the farming communities of Craignagolman and Ballaghcravey, down to the world famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This is an amazing place and if you are brave enough to cross the bridge that spans an 80ft chasm the experience will be invigorating.
Overnight Portcampley, Ballintoy
Situated on a hill above the picturesque Ballintoy harbour, Portcampley commands spectacular views of Whitepark Bay, Rathlin island and the Scottish coastline.
DAY 6 - Ballintoy to Portballintra—9-11 Miles
Today offers you an awe inspiring array or scenery; flora and faunas, a combination of which you will find hard to beat in a days walk anywhere. The trail from Ballintoy passes along the golden sandy beach of White Park Bay, past the ruins of Dunseverick Castles and along a cliff top path that takes you around by Benbane Head to the World Heritage Site and Nature Reserve of the Giants Causeway.
Overnight Carnside Guesthouse, Bushmills
Just outside Portbalintra, Carnside sits on a hill overlooking the Giants Causeway, Portrush and Donegal.
DAY 7 - Portballintra to Portstewart—12 Miles
Your final days walking tour of Antrim takes you along the coastal road to Portrush overlooking Binbane Cove, Dunluce Castle, The Burnfoot and The White Rocks before making the short descent down to Curran Strand. This is a beautiful section of the trail and a perfect finish to what hopefully will have being a perfect week.
Overnight Cul-Erg House, Portstewart
A modern and helpful B&B, Cul-Erg puts their emphasis on Personal Service and aim to ensure that your stay here is a memorable one.
Day 8 - Onward travel.
Please note that if we are unable to book the hotels listed above we will provide alternative accommodation of a similar standard.
Accommodation
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.
Below you will find a list of the accommodation we regularly use which will give you a good idea of the standard of accommodation we use: View Accommodation Details
Single Rooms
This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as all our holidays are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs we incur.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs or restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person. Equipment Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Dogs
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.
Availability
This walking holiday is best enjoyed between April and October. You can start on any date that suits your travel plans and you will find up to date availability on our website. Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast is very popular so it is best to book as far in advance as you are able to.
Bed & Breakfast
No Website Available
The Meadows - Cushendall
Ann will provide you with a warm welcome to this lovely, modern accommodation situated on the main A2 Coast Road.
Bed & Breakfast
No Website Available
Fragrens - Ballycastle
Fragrens is an historic house built 1734-1750 and forms part of the oldest property in Ballycastle. The building has been completely restored, with a high standard of spacious rooms.
Bed & Breakfast
No Website Available
Ballintoy House - Ballintoy
Ballintoy House is a beautiful family run listed Georgian building with Ballintoy Harbour and Whitepark Bay a short walk away.
Carnside Guesthouse - Portballintra
Carnside Guest House is situated on a hill, with a panoramic view, overlooking the Giant's Causeway, Portrush and Donegal.
Cul Erg - Portstewart
Cul-Erg House is a modern family run accommodation, furnished to a high standard. All bedrooms are ensuite, some with sea views and each individually furnished with hairdryer, hospitality tray and TV.
Planning a long distance walking trip can be daunting, especially if this is your first long distance walking holiday. We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us or perhaps visit our walking forum for more advice from our clients and team.
How fit do I need to be?
This tour is graded easy to moderate so is suitable for occassional walkers or those that enjoy an active lifestyle. The daily walks are between 9 and 12 miles so you will be walking for between 4 and 6 hours per day.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Causeway Coast is extremely popular especially over July/August. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.
When is the best time of year?
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better. Although I believe any time between late March and October offers a wonderful experience.
Am I able to take my dog?
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
