Overview
The Causeway Coast Way is a 33‑mile (54 km) stretch of the Ulster Way that snakes through one of the United Kingdom’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. Starting in Ballycastle and finishing in Portstewart, the trail traverses an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, several Areas of Special Scientific Interest, and the world‑famous Giant’s Causeway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the full route is a two‑day commitment for seasoned walkers, the path is fully sign‑posted and can be enjoyed in bite‑size sections, making it a flexible option for anyone wanting to experience the wild Atlantic edge of County Antrim.
History & Background
The Causeway Coast Way grew out of the historic Ulster Way, a network of long‑distance paths that link the north of Ireland. Over the centuries the coastline has been a corridor for myth and trade: from the 1588 wreck of the Spanish Armada’s Girona at Port na Spaniagh to the legendary basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, said to have been built by the giant Fionn MacChumhaill. Medieval fortifications such as Dunluce Castle and the 16th‑century ruins at Dunseverick echo the region’s turbulent past, while the 19th‑century Mussenden Temple crowns the cliffs above Downhill Demesne, a testament to the romantic era’s fascination with dramatic seascapes.
What to See & Do
| Section | Highlights | Approx. Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Ballycastle to Carrick‑a‑Rede | Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge (1 m wide), Ballintoy Harbour (Game of Thrones filming location), Dunluce Castle | 16 km (4 hr) |
| Carrick‑a‑Rede to Giant’s Causeway | Whitepark Bay, St Gobhans Church (Ireland’s smallest church), limestone arch, Dunseverick Castle, Hamilton’s Seat (highest point on the walk) | 16 km |
| Giant’s Causeway to Portstewart | Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site, Shepherd’s Steps, Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne, Portballintrae Causeway Loop, Bayview Hotel’s Porthole Bar | 20 km |
Iconic Stops
- Giant’s Causeway – Walk the Shepherd’s Steps down to the hexagonal basalt columns, explore the Organ and Giant’s Eye, and learn the mythic origins at the visitor centre.
- Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge – A narrow suspension bridge spanning the sea‑cut island, offering vertigo‑inducing views of the Atlantic.
- Dunluce Castle – Perched on a cliff edge, the ruins provide dramatic photo opportunities and a glimpse into 16th‑century life.
- Mussenden Temple – A neoclassical folly perched 120 ft above the sea, reachable via a 2‑mile (3.2 km) circular cliff walk that showcases the Binevenagh AONB.
- Whitepark Bay – A pristine white‑sand beach ideal for a gentle stroll; the tide can cover the sand, so plan around low tide.
- Rathlin Island – A short ferry ride from Ballycastle (6 mi/9 km offshore) opens a 20‑mile (32 km) network of trails, the RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre, and opportunities to spot puffins.
- Portballintrae Causeway Loop – A 5.5‑mile (8.9 km) circular walk that weaves through dunes, beaches, and the Three Quarter Mile Foot Bridge, culminating at the Giant’s Causeway.
Food & Drink
After a day on the trail, refuel at Harry’s Shack in Portstewart – an award‑winning beach restaurant with floor‑to‑ceiling windows that showcase the sea. In Portrush, the Ramore Wine Bar offers waterfront cocktails, while the Porthole Bar and Restaurant at the Bayview Hotel (Portstewart) provides a cosy peat‑fire setting for a pint or coffee.
Practical Information
The trail is fully sign‑posted and can be followed using the official maps available from the Causeway Coast & Glens Visitor Information Centres. For the 16 km Carrick‑a‑Rede to Giant’s Causeway section, be aware that Whitepark Bay can be blocked by high tide; aim to cross the beach within three hours of low tide. Tide times are published at the Tides Chart website.
Parking: A car park is provided at the Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge car park; overflow parking is available nearby. Additional parking exists at Dunseverick Castle and at the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre (paid).
Public transport: A seasonal bus service runs between the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre and Carrick‑a‑Rede, offering a convenient return for walkers who prefer not to retrace the route by foot.
Accommodation: Options range from B&Bs in Ballycastle and Portrush to the 4‑star Bayview Hotel in Portstewart. For island‑based walkers, Rathlin Island provides self‑catering cottages and a youth hostel.
Navigation: While the path is marked, the ActiveME app supplies GPS‑enabled waypoints and downloadable maps. It is advisable to carry a physical OS map (grid reference D047450 for the Carrick‑a‑Rede start) and a compass for sections where the trail briefly follows low‑lying beach tracks.
Accessibility: Most of the coastal sections involve uneven terrain, rocky steps and occasional steep ascents (e.g., Hamilton’s Seat). The route is therefore best suited to walkers with a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.
Seasonality: The walk is open year‑round. Summer months see higher visitor numbers, especially at the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick‑a‑Rede, so early morning starts can help avoid crowds.
The Causeway Coast Way offers a blend of geological wonder, historic intrigue and rugged seascapes that ranks it among Europe’s finest coastal hikes. Whether you tackle the full 33 miles in two days or sample its highlights in shorter day‑stretches, the trail promises unforgettable vistas and a deep sense of place along Northern Ireland’s legendary shoreline.