Causeway Coast National Landscape – Basalt Cliffs, Atlantic Headlands, and Open Shores

Coastal Landscapes Shaped by Volcanic Geology, Erosion, and Atlantic Weather

The Causeway Coast National Landscape lies along the north coast of Northern Ireland, extending across County Antrim and into County Londonderry. Defined by dark basalt cliffs, volcanic headlands, wide beaches, and powerful Atlantic exposure, it is one of the most visually striking and geologically distinctive coastal landscapes in the British Isles.

Walking journeys along the Causeway Coast are shaped by contrast and intensity. Routes move between high clifftop paths, open beaches, and sheltered coves, with frequent shifts between exposure and enclosure. This is coastal walking where geology is always present, underfoot and overhead, and where light, wind, and sea state strongly influence the experience of each day.

The structure of walking across the landscape is set by the coastline itself. Paths trace the edges of cliffs and headlands, drop to beaches and river mouths, and climb again onto higher ground. Movement is rarely linear for long, with short sections linking together into varied walking journeys shaped by the contours of the coast and the rhythm of the sea.

Basalt geology defines much of the terrain. Ancient lava flows have formed columnar cliffs, stepped shorelines, and sheer coastal faces, creating firm, sometimes uneven walking underfoot and dramatic vertical relief. In places, erosion has softened the edges into bays and beaches, providing contrast to the otherwise rugged shoreline.

Human history sits lightly within the landscape. Small settlements, harbours, and historic sites punctuate the coast without overwhelming it, acting as markers rather than destinations. Walking routes often pass close to villages and landmarks before returning quickly to open shore, maintaining a strong sense of continuity between movement, land, and sea.

The Atlantic plays a constant role in shaping the walking experience. Weather systems move quickly along the coast, changing light and atmosphere throughout the day. Seabirds, marine life, and wave action add constant movement, while wide horizons reinforce the coast’s sense of scale and exposure.

Beyond walking, the Causeway Coast supports a range of low-impact coastal activities. Wildlife watching, photography, and shoreline exploration are closely tied to the landscape’s geology and ecology, while calmer conditions allow for beach walking and coastal wandering. The clarity of form and strong contrasts make the coast especially rewarding for slow, observational travel.

Accommodation is concentrated in small towns and villages set just inland or along sheltered sections of the coast. Inns, guesthouses, and coastal stays provide natural bases for exploration, supporting itineraries that combine clifftop walking, beach sections, and shorter linked routes.

For walkers seeking dramatic geology, Atlantic exposure, and a coastline shaped by deep time rather than development, the Causeway Coast National Landscape offers one of Northern Ireland’s most powerful and memorable walking environments.

Where to Walk and Explore

Basalt Cliffs and Headlands

‍‍‍High-level clifftop walking with dramatic drops, dark rock formations, and wide Atlantic views.

Beaches and Open Shores

‍‍‍Firm-sand walking and shoreline routes linking bays, river mouths, and softer coastal sections.

Volcanic Features and Coastal Paths

‍‍‍Routes exploring stepped shorelines, rocky platforms, and the varied textures of volcanic coastline.

Adventure Highlights

• Basalt cliffs and volcanic coastal formations
• Dramatic Atlantic headlands and wide horizons
• Varied walking between clifftops, beaches, and coves
• Strong geological character shaped by lava flows
• Fast-changing light and weather conditions
• One of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive coastal landscapes