Clifftop paths, basalt columns, and long views along Northern Ireland’s north coast
The Causeway Coast Way follows the shoreline between Ballycastle and Portstewart, tracing the exposed edge of County Antrim where basalt cliffs meet the Atlantic. For those exploring the north coast through self-guided travel, the route links harbours, beaches, and headlands into a continuous walking journey shaped by rock, tide, and weather rather than distance alone.
Walking here is defined by change. Grassy paths climb onto open headlands before dropping to sheltered coves and wide sands, with short inland sections connecting one stretch of coast to the next. The terrain rises and falls gently but persistently, creating a steady rhythm of ascent, descent, and long views across the sea.
Much of the trail passes through the protected coastline of the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where cliffs are cut by narrow inlets and offshore stacks stand just beyond the surf. Along the way the path reaches the distinctive basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway, a landscape shaped by ancient lava flows and now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even beyond this well-known landmark, the character of the coast remains consistent — open, rugged, and elemental.
Villages such as Ballintoy, Bushmills, Portrush, and Portstewart provide natural pauses between longer stretches of walking. Harbours, stone cottages, and quiet streets give the route a human scale, while reinforcing the long connection between settlement and sea.
As the trail approaches Portstewart, cliffs soften into dunes and beaches, and the walk eases into a quieter finish along the sands. The overall impression is one of continuity — a sustained journey along one of the most distinctive coastlines in Ireland, where geology, weather, and light shape the landscape from hour to hour.
For many walkers, the appeal of the Causeway Coast Way lies in that variety: dramatic rock formations, open sea views, and small coastal places linked together by a clear line of path.
Trail Overview
Distance
Approximately 33 miles / 53 km
Typical time on foot
2–4 days
Start
Ballycastle
Finish
Portstewart
Terrain
Clifftop paths, beaches, grassy headlands, dunes, and short road or lane sections
