Overview
The Ulster Way is a long‑distance footpath that encircles the six counties of Northern Ireland – Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone – before dipping briefly into the Republic of Ireland. At roughly 625 miles (1,006 km) it is one of the longest National Waymarked Trails in the British Isles. The route is a patchwork of coastal promenades, forest tracks, mountain passes and historic towns, all clearly sign‑posted with the distinctive yellow Ulster Way markers. Because the trail is not a single continuous footpath, walkers can join at any of the many access points, making it equally suitable for a single‑day stroll or a multi‑week trek.
History
The concept of the Ulster Way was born in 1946 when Wilfrid Merydith Capper envisioned a way‑marked trail linking the six counties and the 15 youth hostels that existed at the time. The original route, opened in the 1970s, stretched 665 miles. By the late 20th century large sections had fallen into disrepair, some becoming “lost” to increased road traffic and unclear land‑access rights. In April 2003 Environment Minister Angela Smith announced a major restoration programme, and a revised, fully way‑marked route was officially opened on 16 September 2009. The new alignment measures 625 miles, and the first recorded completion of the entire revised trail was achieved by schoolboys Matthew Hoper and Simon Harris in the summer of 2010.
What to See & Do
The Ulster Way is a showcase of Northern Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage. Below are some of the trail’s most celebrated sections:
| Section | County | Distance (km) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moyle Way (Stage 21) | Antrim | 58 | Diamond (Ballycastle) to Glenariff Forest Park, wildflowers, Trostan 520 m, Slieveanorra 508 m |
| Lecale Way (Stage 5) | Down | 98 | Saint Patrick’s landing at Raholp, Strangford Lough shoreline, family‑friendly coastal walks |
| North Down Coastal Path (Stage 3) | Down | 30 | Grassy shoreline from Hollywood to Groomsport, views over Belfast Lough |
| Mourne Way (Stage 6) | Down | 50 | Peaks of the Mourne Mountains, rugged upland scenery |
| Florence Cuilcagh Loop (Stage 13/13a) | Fermanagh | 35‑37 | Cuilcagh summit (645 m), blanket‑bog geopark, Marble Arch Caves access |
| Antrim Hills Way (Stage 23) | Antrim | 42 | Rolling hills, panoramic coastal vistas |
| Port Path (Portstewart – Portrush) | Londonderry | 6.5 mi (one‑way) | Sea‑cliff promenade, St Patrick’s Well, ice‑house, Harbour Hill viewpoint |
| Gortin Glen Forest Park (part of Central Sperrins Way) | Tyrone | – | Free forest trails, picnic areas, accessible toilets |
Coastal Highlights
The Port Path is an integral coastal stretch of the Ulster Way that runs between Portstewart and Portrush. Walkers enjoy panoramic sea views toward Donegal and the Scottish Isles, historic stone wells, an ice‑house, and the dramatic Ramore Head headland. Refreshments and public toilets are available in both towns, and the path is free to use.
Mountain & Wilderness Experiences
In the Sperrin Mountains, the Central Sperrins Way (Stage 17) offers a moderate 37 km trek across the Glenelly Valley, with optional extensions to the Sawel and Dart peaks. The Cuilcagh Mountain Loop combines a board‑walked summit ascent with a return via the Ulster Way, passing the UNESCO‑designated Marble Arch Caves Geopark.
Cultural & Historical Sites
The trail threads through Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Cavehill overlooking Belfast. Along the Lecale Way, walkers follow the footsteps of Saint Patrick from his 5th‑century landing to the coastal towns of Newcastle. The Lagan Towpath in Belfast and the Causeway Coast Way are also incorporated, offering urban heritage and dramatic cliff‑side scenery.
Getting There & Transport
The Ulster Way is designed for “join‑in‑anywhere” access. Major trailheads such as Ballycastle, Portstewart, Downpatrick and Belfast are served by the Ulsterbus network and have car parks with varying fees. Where road sections are unavoidable, local bus routes or a short taxi ride can bridge the gap. Trailheads are usually marked with yellow way‑markers and a small information board indicating parking facilities.
Practical Information
The Ulster Way is a way‑marked, free‑access trail; there is no admission fee for the path itself. Individual sections such as Gortin Glen Forest Park and the Port Path are also free, though parking may be subject to local charges.
- Start/Finish – The official start and finish point is Belfast, but the trail is designed for “join‑in‑anywhere” access. Most stages have clearly sign‑posted trailheads with parking.
- Way‑marking – Yellow Ulster Way markers guide walkers throughout the network. In more remote sections (e.g., the Sperrins) a GPS‑enabled map or the ActiveME app is recommended.
- Facilities – Many towns along the route offer cafés, pubs and accommodation ranging from youth hostels to B&Bs. Notable amenities include:
- Port Path – Refreshments and toilets in Portstewart and Portrush.
- Gortin Glen Forest Park – Free parking, accessible toilets, a weekend café, picnic areas and a large play‑park. The park gates open daily at 6:30 am and close automatically at 9:30 pm (subject to weather).
- Seasonality – The trail is open year‑round, but upland sections such as the Mourne Mountains and Cuilcagh can become boggy after rain. Check local conditions, especially on the Port Path, where steps may be slippery.
- Navigation – Carry a detailed OS map (e.g., OS Sheet 4 for the Port Path) and a compass. The ActiveME iPhone/Android app provides live GPS tracking and downloadable GPX files for each stage.
- Accessibility – Low‑land sections such as the Port Path and Gortin Glen Forest Park have accessible toilet facilities and relatively even surfaces. Mountainous sections remain challenging for those with limited mobility.
Seasonal Tips
Spring brings abundant wildflowers on the Moyle Way, while summer offers the longest daylight for tackling the longer mountain stages. Autumn colours are striking in the Sperrins, but be prepared for wetter conditions. Winter walkers should stick to the coastal and low‑land sections, as snow can make the higher passes hazardous.
Sample Itinerary
A popular way to experience the Ulster Way in a manageable timeframe is to split the loop into three regional legs:
- Coastal Leg – Portstewart → Portrush (Port Path) → Ballycastle → Glenariff (Moyle Way). 2‑3 days of moderate walking with plenty of seaside accommodation.
- Mountain Leg – Belfast → Mourne Mountains (Mourne Way) → Cuilcagh Loop (Fermanagh). 4‑5 days, suitable for experienced walkers.
- Sperrin & Antrim Leg – Gortin Glen Forest Park → Central Sperrins Way → Antrim Hills Way → back to Belfast. 3‑4 days, mixing forest tracks and hill summits.
Each leg can be broken into the individual stages listed on the ActiveME guides, allowing flexibility for families, solo hikers or groups.
Nearby Antrim Attractions
While walking the Ulster Way, consider visiting other highlights in County Antrim:
- Antrim Coast and Glens – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with stunning sea cliffs and hidden coves.
- Ballycastle – a charming harbour town offering fresh seafood, a historic museum and easy access to the Moyle Way.
- Ballycastle Heritage Trail – a short circular walk that showcases local archaeology and maritime history.
- Antrim Castle – the ruins of a 17th‑century mansion set in beautiful parkland, perfect for a quick detour.
Further Resources
- Official Wikipedia entry – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulster_Way
- ActiveME stage guides – detailed maps, distance and elevation data for each stage (e.g., Stage 21 Moyle Way, Stage 5 Lecale Way, Stage 6 Mourne Way).
- Discover Northern Ireland – Port Path page – coordinates 55.17205, -6.72473, facilities list and interpretation panels.
- Gortin Glen Forest Park information – coordinates 54.68395, -7.24686, free entry, parking and visitor amenities.