The Causeway Coast Way is 33 miles/52 km in length, taking you along Northern Ireland’s most celebrated coastline from the seaside towns of Ballycastle to Portstewart. Dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, quaint harbours and many historic and natural landmarks are just some of the treats on offer. Highlights of the trail include Ballintoy Harbour, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and, of course, the Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage Site.

The trail follows the North Antrim coast taking in cliff paths, beach walks and promenade strolls with some occasional road links. The highest point is just 140m above sea level and we cover the trail in 5 day sections at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to take in all the places of interest. The holiday includes a free day when there is the option of visiting Rathlin Island, taking the ferry from Ballycastle. Rathlin has a RSPB Seabird Centre housed in a working lighthouse with views out to Northern Island’s largest seabird colony. April to July is puffin season so hopefully the puffins will still be around for our visit.

The holiday is based at Carnside Guest House, close to the Giant’s Causeway and a short bus ride or 3 km walk into the town of Bushmills, where the oldest whiskey distillery in the world can be found.

Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1: Arrive Bushmills. Holiday briefing followed by dinner.

Day2: Ballycastle to Ballintoy 14km/8.5 miles 120m ascent

Easy walking along quiet country roads and forest tracks leading to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (entrance fee, free to National Trust members.) The bridge spans an 80-foot deep gorge over to an island that was once a salmon fishery.

Day 3: Ballintoy Harbour to Dunseverick Castle 12km/7.5 miles 140m ascent

Setting off from Ballintoy Harbour we come to the beautiful beach of White Park Bay and Portbradden, with Ireland’s tiniest church, St.Gobban’s. We finish at the ruins of Dunseverrick Castle.

Day 4: Dunseverick to the Giant’s Causeway 11km/7miles 120m ascent

Cliff paths with spectacular views take us to the highlight of the trail, the Giant’s Causeway. There will be time to wander around the thousands of basalt rock shapes that form a platform stretching out to sea.

Day 5: Free Day

Freet ime ot explore at leisure. Your guide will discuss options from simply relaxing to taking a boat trip to Rathlin Island.

Day 6: Giant’s Causeway to Portrush 13km/8miles 100m

From the visitor centre, the trail follows the cliffs again before descending to Runkerry beach beside the steam train line that runs between Bushmills and the Causeway. There is a section of road walking through the small seaside village of Portballintrae and on to Dunluce Castle. Dunluce with its Mermaid’s Cave is well worth a visit. The trail continues across White Rocks beach to reach Portrush harbour.

Day 7: Portrush to Portstewart 11km/7miles 50m

We follow the Port Path from Portrush’s West Strand to Portstewart’s busy promenade. We cross into County Derry with views across to County Donegal and finish the Causeway Coast Way at St.Patrick’s Well with well earnedrefreshments at a National Trust cafe – or perhaps a celebratory pint of Guinness.

Day 8: Depart Bushmills after breakfast

• Price
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Single Occupancy Ensuite £1260; Twin Shared Ensuite £280 per person discount If there is nobody to share a room with then the single occupancy price will apply. Price includes: 7 nights' B&B accommodation; 5 packed lunches; 6 two course dinners; transport to walks by public transport; entrance to Dunluce Castle; services of an experienced walking guide. Not included: Travel to Bushmills; packed lunch and evening meal on free day; insurance; personal expenses.

Walks are between 7 and 8.5 miles per day on a mixture of coast paths, beaches and promenades. The pace will allow time to take photos, enjoy the view and soak up the atmosphere.

Carnside Guest House, 3* hotel. Carnside Guest House is situated in a rural location, with panoramic views, overlooking the Giant's Causeway, Portrush and Donegal. The guest house is welcoming, family run and set in peaceful surroundings.

The holiday will be guided by Clara Fleming who now lives in Ireland, after many years in the Lake District. She is a Mountain Leader and a highly experienced guide.

From the UK, you can fly to Belfast or Derry airport and then use public transport to Bushmills. We will arrange a shared taxi from here to the B&B (not included and time tbc). You can also travel by ferry from Stranraer.