Portrush to Bushmills

About

Please note: Due to filming, public access is not permitted along part of East Strand and Whiterocks beach, and also Whiterocks cliff path, and the coast road between Dunluce Castle and Whiterocks, during the period 11th-15th June 2018 and 18th-19th June 2018. Please follow A2 Dunluce Road from Portrush towards Whiterocks and follow diversion signs.

A moderate walk running from Portrush via Portballintrae to Bushmills, taking in beach, cliff and castle.

Start Point:
C936411

Finish Point:
C855409

Route:
From Portrush Harbour, continue up past the Ramore Wine Bar and around Ramore Head. The route continues onto a formal pathway passing Portandubh Harbour and Portrush Countryside Centre and Nature Reserve. Proceed to the Curran Strand passing the former salmon fishery at Porteen. Set out along the beach, following the sand for over 2km to reach the parking area at White Rocks Coastal Park. This area derives its name from the striking limestone cliffs that line the back of the beach. Follow the route markers along the pedestrian path that traces its way up to the A2 road and turn left beside the tarmac, heading towards Dunluce Castle and onto Portballintrae. Continue past the B145 junction for a short distance to where a way marked track known as the ‘Port Hedge’ crosses fields into Portballintrae village. Continue round the bay past the harbour to the car park. Continue following the path along the coast, take the path to the right before reaching the bridge over the River Bushfoot. Continue straight through the car park of Bushfoot Golf Club and follow the path to reach the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Railway. Turn right and follow the path along the railway line to the Bushmills Station. Turn left onto the Ballaghmore Road and left again onto the Dunluce Road to continue into Bushmills.

Distance:
6.6 (one way) miles

Terrain:
Beach, formal paths, minor road

Point of interest:
Portrush Harbour, Whiterocks Beach, Dunluce Castle, Portballintrae Bay and Harbour.

Facilities:
Car park available at Ramore Head, Portballintrae Harbour and on street parking in Bushmills.

Nearest town:
Portrush/Bushmills

OS map:
5