The best walks and hikes around Portrush

The hiking trails around Portrush are defined by their stunning coastal scenery. You can expect to walk along vast sandy beaches like the East and West Strands, follow dramatic cliff-top paths, and stroll along seaside promenades with uninterrupted views across the Atlantic Ocean. Most routes have minimal elevation change, making the spectacular views accessible to many.

Yes, Portrush is great for family walks. A perfect option is the Portrush & East Strand Beach loop. It's a relatively flat 3.5-mile (5.7 km) walk along the beach, making it suitable for all fitness levels and a fun outing for the whole family.

Certainly. While many routes follow the coast in one direction, there are excellent circular options. For a shorter loop with great views, consider the View of Portrush Harbour – Viewpoint Over Rocky Coastline loop from Portstewart. It's an easy 3.1-mile (5 km) walk that showcases the beautiful harbour and rugged coastline.

Dogs are generally welcome on the coastal paths and beaches around Portrush. However, be aware of seasonal restrictions on beaches, especially during summer. It's always best to keep dogs on a lead, particularly on cliff-top paths and near farmland where livestock may be present.

The area is full of incredible vistas. Ramore Head is a highly-regarded spot right in Portrush offering panoramic views. For a walk with consistently amazing scenery, the Portstewart Cliff Walk is a local favorite. Further along the coast, the Shepherd's Steps provide access to a clifftop path with breathtaking views toward the Giant's Causeway.

You can walk to the iconic Dunluce Castle by following the Causeway Coast Way east from Portrush. The route takes you along the Whiterocks Coastal Path, past beautiful limestone cliffs and sandy coves. It's a scenic section of the larger coastal trail and offers fantastic photo opportunities of the castle as you approach.

Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, the Portrush to Portstewart route is a great choice. This 13.4-mile (21.6 km) hike connects the two towns and takes over five hours to complete, offering a full day of varied coastal scenery.

Portrush is well-connected by train and bus services, making it easy to start your hike without a car. Many coastal walks, like the path to Portstewart or Dunluce Castle, can be started directly from the town centre. Regional bus services run along the Causeway Coastal Route, allowing you to hike one way and catch a bus back.

There are several pay-and-display car parks in Portrush town centre, which are convenient for starting hikes along the East or West Strands. For walks heading east towards Dunluce Castle, you can find parking near Whiterocks Beach. Arrive early during peak season as spaces can fill up quickly.

Facilities are readily available in the main towns of Portrush and Portstewart, with plenty of public toilets and cafes near the promenades and harbours. However, once you are on the more remote cliff-top sections of the Causeway Coast Way, such as between Portrush and Dunluce Castle, facilities become scarce. It's wise to plan ahead and use the amenities in town before you set off.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the spectacular, ever-present sea views and the mix of terrain, from long sandy beaches to dramatic cliff-top paths. The accessibility of the trails from the town is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

Some sections are accessible. The promenades along the West Strand in Portrush and in Portstewart are paved and flat, making them suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. However, the cliff-top paths and beach sections of the Causeway Coast Way involve uneven ground, steps, and soft sand, and are not considered accessible.