This seaside walk goes from Whitehead Boat Club to and around Blackhead. The path runs northeast from Whitehead and is lined by interesting wildlife habitats including grassland, woodland (known locally as the ‘Magic Forest’) and a rocky shoreline. The Lough itself is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) famed for its bird population.
Start : This walk starts at Whitehead Yacht Club
(S/E) From Whitehead Yacht Club walk along a coastal path and up some steep steps to Blackhead Lighthouse. (A)
(1) After visiting the Lighthouse, descend some more steep steps back to the coastal path and back to the car park. (S/E)
Start : This walk starts at Whitehead Yacht Club
Parking : Car parking is available at the start of Blackhead Path.
Driving to the start : By car take the A2 from Carrickfergus or Larne.
Terrain : Level surfaced ath, steep step
Public Transport : Translink
Facilities : Toilets at the car park. Whitehead has a number of cafe facilities and public toilets. Whitehead can be reached by car, bus and train.
Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
(A) Blackhead Lighthouse is a listed lighthouse built at the turn of the 20th century, near Whitehead in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It marks the very northern end of Belfast Lough where it opens out into the North Channel that separates Northern Ireland and Scotland. The active lighthouse is managed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, where it is named as the Blackhead Antrim Lighthouse to distinguish it from the more modern Blackhead lighthouse in County Clare.
Source and more information about Blackhead Lighthouse here.
Clandeboye Way - Helen's Bay to Whitespots Country Park Trail
Tourist office 
22.08 km
+269 m
-264 m
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from North Down
The Clandeboye Way is a great off road walk through a variety of landscapes with lots to see along the way. Of historical interest is Helen’s Tower and the old Leadmines at Whitespots Country Park. The path leads through old laneways, some farm tracks and woodland paths.
Ballymacormick Point WalkTourist office 
5.35 km
+4 m
-6 m
1h 30
Easy
Departure from North Down
This rocky outcrop along the shores of Belfast Lough, on the west side of Groomsport is covered in gorse and shrubs, good for rough walking, and for spotting birds, flowers and foxes.
Ballymacormick is just on the edge of Belfast Lough, so there are interesting views north and west.
Islandmagee - Ulster Scots Walk - PortmuckTourist office 2.09 km
+22 m
-21 m
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Larne
Little refreshing walk along the sea on grass path to reconnect your self with your environement.
Orlock Point WalkTourist office 3.25 km
+21 m
-20 m
1h 00
Easy
Departure from North Down
The Rocky outcrops of Orlock Point contain a mosaic of semi-natural habitats which support a rich diversity of plants and animals. The walk affords stunning views of the Copeland Islands and out across the Irish Sea towards Scotland. The area is steeped in archaeology and history, with evidence of Vikings, smugglers and World War II defences.
Holywood to Orlock - North Down Coastal PathTourist office 
24.50 km
+34 m
-30 m
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from North Down
North Down Coastal Path extends from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east. The path passes through coastline and parkland. Historic relics and flora and fauna are found in abundance, including the grey seals which can be spotted offshore.
Donaghadee - Ulster Scots WalkTourist office 3.65 km
+8 m
-8 m
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Ards
Discover the town of Donaghadee his harbour and his points of interest. Half along the see and half in town, this Walk will delight everyone.
Stormont woodland walks and fitness trail - Dundonald / BelfastTourist office 
4.37 km
+77 m
-77 m
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Belfast
A walk through attractive woodland and parkland with many interesting features including Parliament Buildings. Only five miles out of the city, Stormont Woodland Walk and Fitness Trail, is a great place to walk, run and relax.
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