Portstewart to Portrush - Causeway Coastal Way Trail

This 1rst section of the route starts with a popular stretch of path that carries you between two Victorian seaside resorts.

Technical sheet

30319004
A Coleraine walk posted on 01/02/23 by Walk NI. Last update : 10/02/23
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.08 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 2h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 20 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 33 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 25 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1 m
  • ⚐
    District: Coleraine 
  • ⚑
    Start: N 55.172642° / W 6.722642°
  • ⚑
    End: N 55.20793° / W 6.658107°

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Description

Start : Portstewart Golf Club, 117 Strand Rd, Portstewart (BT55 7PG).

(S/E) Begin opposite Portstewart Golf Club. Before you set off, it’s well worth making the 20m detour to visit Tubber Patrick, or St Patrick’s Well. Otherwise, walk down Stand Road South-West for around 300 m.

(1) Then follow the path towards the sea (North). Turn right onto a wide pavement that passes between the shore and a line of waterfront houses, heading towards the crenellated outline of O’Hara’s Castle for around 1 Km.

(2) The path squeezes past the seaward side of the castle (now a school), climbing onto a balcony built into the cliff. Now descend a flight of steps, walk to A2 and continue North along Portstewart promenade (A2).

(3) Just beyond the picturesque harbour, look out for a route marker directing you up a flight of steps between two houses on your right. The steps lead onto the cliff-fringed headland of Portstewart Point.

(4) Continue along the promenade for around 600 m to rejoin A2 road.

(5) Turn left then walk for a short stretch along the A2 road leading you out of town. At a golf course look out for signs directing you left, along low-lying coastline beside the greens and fairways. There are often different paths to choose from, but just keep as close to the shore as possible for around 2 Km.

(6) As you near Rinagree Point, the path climbs steeply to a headland with good views in both directions. Continue along the edge of the cliff, occasionally dipping down to cross a cove until you join A2 again after around 1.8 Km.

(7) As you walk left along the A2 road, you pass the promontory that once held Ballyreagh Castle, though little remains of the building today. This short stretch beside the A2 brings you to a sudden view over Portrush.

(8) Follow the path left across grassy slopes to reach the promenade, which runs the length of West Strand and brings you to Portrush harbour. (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 17 m - Portstewart Golf Club
  2. 1 : km 0.23 - alt. 14 m - Path towards the sea
  3. 2 : km 1.33 - alt. 6 m - O’Hara’s Castle - Dominican College
  4. 3 : km 2.37 - alt. 5 m - Portstewart Harbour
  5. 4 : km 2.45 - alt. 8 m - Portstewart Point
  6. 5 : km 3.05 - alt. 8 m - A2
  7. 6 : km 5.11 - alt. 4 m - Rinagree Point
  8. 7 : km 7.2 - alt. 24 m - Ballyreagh Castle
  9. 8 : km 7.32 - alt. 21 m - Grassy slopes - Promenade
  10. E : km 9.08 - alt. 7 m - Portrush Harbour

Useful Information

Start : Portstewart Golf Club, 117 Strand Rd, Portstewart (BT55 7PG).

Terrain : Varried tracks, beach, rock, road

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : Car parks along the walk. Refreshments available at most towns and villages along the route and at several of the tourist attractions.

Hotels and Airbnb at the arrival :
Harbour Height
Avarest House
Portrush Atlantic Hotel
And more !

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.

During the walk or to do/see around

Did You Know?
The site known today as Tubber Patrick, or St Patrick’s Well, was originally used by prehistoric communities as a source of water, as well as being venerated by pagan pilgrims looking for medical cures. Later, when Ireland’s patron saint passed through the area around 450 AD, he blessed the spring and it became equally important for Christians.

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.

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