Walking the Antrim Coast

Experience Overview

A 4 night walk along the wonderful Antrim Way which explores one of the most beautiful sections of Ireland's northern coast. Boasting the fabulous Glens of Antrim, fantastic castles & beautiful beaches - to say nothing of the wonderful Bushmills distillery - it's a pleasure to discover. On your final day, visit the famous Carrick-a-Rede bridge used as a location in the popular Game of Thrones TV series and walk across the magnificent UNESCO listed Giant's Causeway where there are more than 40,000 hexagonal interlocking, basalt columns, formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions or maybe, as local legend suggests, built by the giant Fionn as a path to Scotland to challenge his rival there. These way-marked trails pass through a truly wonderful region to discover, with rugged and windswept cliffs, spectacular scenery and fabulous unspoiled beaches.
Profile
— 4 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 2 and 3 star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
At a Glance
— 4 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 2 and 3 star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Trip For You
Walking ConditionsClassification: Self-GuidedActivity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)Average daily distance: 14.5km (9ml) No. of days walking: 3Terrain and route: Way-marked forest and coastal paths are used throughout.Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with route directions so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. It is important that you are happy following route directions, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes directions contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes directions contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts included. Irish food is not exactly famous, but what you will find is extremely good ingredients used to create basic and classic dishes, both Irish beef and Irish lamb, are certainly well known all over Ireland and further afield. You will see rack of lamb, lamb stew and shepherd’s pie, in most places. The county’s other basket is the Atlantic Ocean, and its rivers and loughs. Sea bream and Sea Bass are popular.Trout and Salmon can be served in many different ways, and there is an abundance of shell fish, local chowders are excellent and look out for crab gratin. Wine is readily available but of course one of the symbols of Ireland is Guinness, and we can say from experience that it tastes better in Ireland, but if have a thirst after a long walk, beware the Guinness is not poured quickly, many might say there is a certain amount of time you need to leave after filling the glass halfway up the harp. However it should be left until you see a vivid distinction between the dark body and the creamy white head. Only then can the rest of the glass be filled. Learning from thelocals, you should order your second pint before you have finished your first!Craft beer is making a name for itself in Ireland and there are some excellent local ones. Ireland in general is renowned for its whiskey and in Northern Ireland you can sample the world famous Bushmills whiskey. A visit to the distillery in Co. Antrim is not to be missed.
Transportation
Your luggage will be transported between hotels so you only need to carry your daily essentials. Your bags will be waiting at your next hotel when you arrive.
Joining Instructions
This holiday does not include any flights or rail. Alternative transfers It may be possible to arrange transfers from Belfast at an additional charge if required. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Weather Information
Northern Ireland's climate is temperate. Most of its weather comes from the southwest in a series of low-pressure systems bringing the rain and clouds that often lend character to the landscape. It often experiences high winds particularly in the north and on the east coast where severe westerly gales are common. Northern Ireland experiences a realtively dry spring which leads to a wet summer and a wetter winter. Daily conditions are highly changeable but there are no extremes of heat and cold. The mild conditions in Northern Ireland have made it a beautiful, green country in all seasons.
Spending Money
— All breakfasts are included, so you will need spending money for any picnics, lunches, evening meals and drinks. There is a good choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants on the routes as well as in the overnight towns and villages. Prices range from approximately £5-10 for lunch and you could pay between £15-30 for dinner, depending on where you decide to eat.

Highlights