Portrush to Bushmills
A moderate walk running from Portrush via Portballintrae to Bushmills, taking in beach, cliff and castle.
County Antrim
Distance 8.2 miles
OS Map 5
Terrain Beach, formal paths, minor road
Nearest Town Portrush/Bushmills
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference C936411
Route Type Beach, Coastal
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.
Portrush Harbour, Whiterocks Beach, Dunluce Castle, Portballintrae Bay and Harbour.
The walk starts at Portrush Harbour. To get here from the A2 Dunluce Road, continue into Portrush past Royal Portrush Golf Club. At the roundabout continue straight on onto Causeway Street, at the end of which bear left onto Eglinton Street past the Church on the left. At the traffic lights and the junction with Mark Street, bear right onto Kerr Street. At the end of which bear left down to the Harbour car park.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Car park available at Ramore Head, Portballintrae Harbour and on street parking in Bushmills. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Café (wheelchair accessible) – (Portrush) – Shop (wheelchair accessible) – (Portrush) – Disabled parking – (Portrush)
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Portrush to Bushmills
Walked from Bushmills to Portstewart. Can use bus to get to start. A pleasant walk with varied coastal views. Diverted to visit Lissenduff Earthworks at Portballintrae. Had one problem of trying to find the path out of Portballintrae via housing estate and had to ask way due to the lack of signage. Pavement alongside road to White Rocks and thankfully road wasn’t that busy and along this stretch there are fine views. A walk along firm sands to get to Portrush.