Cranny Falls
The gentle incline of this walk takes the route of an old limestone railway track to the now disused Gortin Quarry. Interpretation panels along the way illustrate the history. It ends at Cranny Waterfall where the moist air is good for plants and insects.
County Antrim
Distance 1.2 (One Way) miles
OS Map Sheet 9
Terrain Off-road path, partly rough
Nearest Town Carnlough
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference D287181
Route Type Coastal, Hill, Riverside
From Carnlough (with its beautiful Carnlough Beach), take the steps going uphill beside the ‘Harbour Lights’ building. This takes you around to the right and across a bridge over the main road. This path soon takes you past a car park and gradually up to Gortin Quarry where there are seats and viewpoints. Follow the path left over to Cranny Falls. Come back the same way.
A viewpoint in Gortin Quarry shows Carnlough Bay
Take the A2 (Antrim Coast Road) from Larne-Portrush. Park in the village of Carnlough.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs are allowed. Dogs must be kept under control
Toilets available in car park in Carnlough. Parking is also available beside the road. Hotel, B&B and cafes are in the town.
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
– Café (wheelchair accessible)
– Shop (wheelchair accessible)
– Disabled toilets
– Disabled parking
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6 degrees
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Cranny Falls
Very nice gentle walk outwards from the touristy seaside village of Carnlough. You can get some great views of Carnlough from the Gortin Quarry Viewpoint and you can continue onwards to the Cranny Falls Waterfall which is probably one of Northern Ireland’s biggest waterfalls. The area around the Waterfall is also a great area to spot wildlife such as bees, butterflies and birds.
Good easy walk on a firm surface along what appears to be on old tram line from the pretty harbour, where the birds were singing their hearts out, thinking it was spring…. in mid January!
Nice discovery area up near the waterfall where you could easily spend an hour below the quarried cliffs exploring on, in and among the ancient spoil heaps. This area beyond the straight tram line is small stones and level, generally firm ground with the odd puddle or muddy area. If you choose to go on the rougher looking ground here, yes it’s harder work and more awkward…. but you don’t have to go on it.
The view across to the bay below is to die for.
Take the dog for a walk or the kids on their bikes but keep them away from the cliffs.
A very nice walk – signage at harbour said 2 kms each way. A gentle gradient – lovely scenery. The Falls were worth the walk – and the old quarry was also interesting. A lot of dog poo on the first 1/4 mile of the path a bit off putting but once well up the path it wasn’t an issue. Would suit any type of walker.