Night 1-2
Hotel in Cushendall
Welcome to Northern Ireland! Ensuite accommodations in Cushendall are the first stop on your Causeway journey.
Take an unforgettable hiking adventure through the best of Northern Ireland
Of all the coastal walks in the UK, few can match the sweeping beauty of the Causeway Coast. This 8-day self-guided hiking tour shows off the very best of this rugged region, from idyllic forests to far-flung island cliffs and everything in between.
The tour starts in the town of Cushendall, with two days of hiking through the wooded Glens of Antrim. Ballycastle is your next hub, where a looped hike brings you to the steep cliffs of Fair Head. The scenic Rathlin Island is afforded a day of exploration before setting off on a long ramble westward along the shore. Highlights include ancient castle ruins, rope bridges, and tiny villages both above and below the open cliffs. The Giant’s Causeway is a special site, quite unlike anything else in the world – the region’s most visited spot, and for good reason! A final day of seaside walking takes you through a handful of beaches before ending the journey in Portstewart.
This hiking tour offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery you’ll find anywhere – a must for those who love exploring on foot.
Arrive in the seaside town of Cushendall, your starting point for the journey. Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information. Enjoy an evening at your leisure.
Begin your first day of hiking with a taxi transfer to nearby Orra Beg, an intersection on the Moyle Way. Today’s route leads south through the Slieveanorra Nature Reserve, home to a dazzling range of bird species. Cross through open moorland and head for Trostan Mountain, the highest point in County Antrim.
The day ends in the spectacular Glenariff Forest Park. Chock-full of winding nature trails and clear waterfalls, this is a lovely spot to amble about and enjoy the scenery. When you’re ready to depart, ring your taxi to return to Cushendall.
Start with another quick transfer back to Orra Beg, where you’ll set off on the Moyle Way, heading north this time. The Breen Oakwood Nature Reserve is the first to greet you, another serene forest through which to enjoy your walk.
As you stroll down the country roads, keep an eye out for the Glenshesk River, Knocklayd Mountain, and the Coolaveely Wood. A wood path through Ballycastle Forest brings you into the town of the same name, your home for the evening.
After two days of forest trails, you’ve arrived at the coast! Today’s looped trail brings you east along the shores of Murlough Bay. Reaching the Fair Head cliffs, gaze straight down to the North Atlantic Ocean below, and see if you can spot the Scottish shores across the water.
If the visibility is poor, go for one of the looped walks at lower elevation, which use the Fair Head Farm as their hub. Return to Ballycastle for the evening.
Today brings an opportunity to explore the unique Rathlin Island. Hop on a ferry from Ballycastle, crossing the 10km gulf over to Northern Ireland’s northernmost point. This L-shaped island is no more than a mile across, providing stunning views no matter where you are!
A particular highlight is the RSPB West Light viewpoint. Here you’ll find a massive seabird colony made up of puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills and more – the largest of its kind in all of Europe. Complete your day by taking the ferry back to Ballycastle for the evening.
A taxi ride to the Larrybane visitor centre kicks off a fantastic day of exploring. If you’re not afraid of heights, walk across the famous Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, connecting the mainland to the island of its name. It’s strung nearly one hundred feet above the ocean, so try not to look down!
Continue your journey west along the coastline. The charming harbour village of Ballintoy is just nearby, its hilltop church overlooking the rest of the town. Pass by the ruins of ancient Dunseverick Castle, visited centuries ago by Saint Patrick himself. Your day ends at the most famous attraction of them all: the Giant’s Causeway. Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a truly special basalt column formation that will take your breath away.
When you’re ready to depart, hop on the public bus into Bushmills and check into your accommodation for the evening. The village is well-known for its whiskey distillery.
A beautiful coastal hike awaits your final day along the Causeway Coast. After a quick taxi to the coastal road, strike out along the shore for the town of Portstewart. You’ll pass the Magheracross viewpoint and the striking ruins of Dunluce Castle, accessible via bridge to the mainland with steep drops on all sides.
Your route continues along Whiterocks Beach, through Portrush Harbour and Mill Strand Beach. The Causeway markers are there to guide your way. Finish the day on the Portstewart promenade and celebrate your adventure with an evening in town.
After a delicious Irish breakfast, check out from your accommodations and depart the region via your own arrangements.
This self-guided hiking tour in Ireland is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person is fixed. There are upgrade options available that add welcome briefings and or follow-up phone calls to your tours. Please contact us if you are interested in these upgrades.
Prices below are per person:
This tour is based in small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Properties offer warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $250USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. The required supplement for solo travellers is included in the listed price.
Welcome to Northern Ireland! Ensuite accommodations in Cushendall are the first stop on your Causeway journey.
Welcome to Ballycastle, your overnight home for the tour. Cozy ensuite accommodations and hot Irish breakfast provide all the comfort you need.
After a long day along the Giant’s Causeway, these welcoming accommodations are a lovely way to wrap up your hiking tour.
A welcoming, handpicked inn is the perfect place to wrap up your northern adventure.
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transport to the start of your hikes on Days 2, 3, 6, and 7 are included. A return transfer at the end of your Day 2 hike is included. Luggage transfers between accommodations are also included. Airport transfers are not included.
How hard is the 8-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes on this route, and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: gravel and grass tracks, muddy forest, paved roads, beaches, and open cliff tops. Good boots are essential.
Do I need a visa to travel to Northern Ireland?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the 8-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour?
7 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Cushendall to start this tour?
Fly into Belfast International Airport (BFS). From Belfast Airport, the town of Cushendall is 50 minutes by car. Public transit should take just under 2 hours. Your holiday specialist can assist with logistics if needed.
Is the 8-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour guided?
No, this is a self-guided tour. You will be provided with route maps and notes and information support.
Where does the 8-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour end?
The tour ends in the town of Portstewart. The Belfast International Airport (BFS) is just over one hour’s drive. Public transit will take roughly 2-2 ½ hours.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Northern Ireland?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Northern Ireland?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
There are no written reviews yet.
26 total ratings, 0 with reviewsYou must be logged in to post a comment.
Thank you for submitting your review!
If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.
Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes on this route, and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: gravel and grass tracks, muddy forest, paved roads, beaches, and open cliff tops. Good boots are essential.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.
We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!
We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.
Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.
Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers