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)