Causeway Coast Way Guide: 33-Mile Trail Day by Day

The Causeway Coast Way is a 33-mile waymarked walking trail that runs from Portstewart to Ballycastle along County Antrim's northern coast. I've walked sections of this route in morning mist and blazing sun, and every day brought something unexpected—a hidden waterfall, a castle emerging from the cliffs, or locals with stories to tell. This guide takes you day by day through dramatic coastal paths, ancient ruins, and some of the most remarkable geology in Ireland.

What is The Causeway Coast Way?

It is a 53-kilometre (33-mile) waymarked trail. Most people complete it in 4 to 6 days. The trail connects Portstewart and Ballycastle, hugging cliffs, crossing beaches, and passing through villages. It's well-marked with wooden signposts and yellow paint on rocks.

The trail passes Dunluce Castle, the Giant's Causeway, and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. For inland valleys, see our Glens of Antrim guide.

Causeway Coast Way walking trail along the Antrim cliffs

Day by Day on the Causeway Coast Way

Day 1: Portstewart to Portballintrae (16 km)

Start along Portstewart Strand, a 2-mile sandy beach backed by dunes. Beyond the strand, you'll see Dunluce Castle—a ruined fortress balanced on a headland. The castle fell apart in the 1600s when part collapsed into the water. Locals say the kitchen fell in mid-dinner. White Rocks Beach appears below with limestone cliffs and caves. Always check tide times. Total: 16 km, 4-5 hours.

Day 2: Portballintrae to Dunseverick (13 km)

The day most walkers come for is the Giant's Causeway—roughly 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns created by lava cooling 60 million years ago. Beyond the visitor centre, the trail becomes a proper cliff path with iron handholds. On clear days, you can see Scotland. Total: 13 km, 4 hours.

Giant's Causeway basalt columns on the Causeway Coast Way

Day 3: Dunseverick to Ballintoy (10 km)

A shorter, scenic day along cliff tops. White Park Bay is a wide sandy beach backed by dunes. Beyond it, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge swings 25 metres above the water. If you want to cross, go early before crowds. Ballintoy is a picturesque harbour village. Total: 10 km, 3-4 hours.

Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge near the Causeway Coast Way, County Antrim

Day 4: Ballintoy to Ballycastle (13 km)

The dramatic final day. Kinbane Head has 16th-century castle ruins on a narrow promontory. Then Fair Head appears—a massive dark cliff dropping sheer into the water, one of the most striking viewpoints on the entire trail. Murlough Bay is a sheltered cove before the final push to Ballycastle. Total: 13 km, 4-5 hours.

Fair Head from the Causeway Coast Way near Ballycastle

Trail Difficulty and Fitness

Graded moderate to moderately difficult. Not a mountain walk—highest point is around 150 m—but includes steep climbs in and out of bays and exposed cliff sections. Walking 13-16 km daily with 300-500 m elevation gain requires stamina. Paths can be rocky, muddy, and slippery. Sturdy walking boots are essential. The wind is constant on the cliffs. Check our grading system.

Practical Information

Accommodation: Guest houses, hotels, and Airbnbs in all villages along the route. Book ahead in summer. Budget £60-100 per night.

Getting There: Portstewart is 2 hours from Belfast via the M2. Bus services are available. Arrange a car shuttle or bus from Ballycastle back to the start.

Best Season: May to September. September is quieter with golden light. See the best time to visit Ireland.

Gear: Waterproof jacket and trousers, sturdy boots, backpack with rain cover. See our backpacking checklist.

Day	Route	Distance	Time	Terrain
1	Portstewart to Portballintrae	16 km	4-5 hrs	Beach, cliffs, rocks
2	Portballintrae to Dunseverick	13 km	4 hrs	Cliff path, basalt columns
3	Dunseverick to Ballintoy	10 km	3-4 hrs	Cliffs, sandy bay
4	Ballintoy to Ballycastle	13 km	4-5 hrs	Headlands, coastal path
Total		52 km	15-18 hrs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk the Causeway Coast Way in reverse?

Yes. Most go west to east, but reversing means prevailing winds at your back, and Fair Head comes earlier. Either works well.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker?

No. Popular with first-time multi-day walkers. You need reasonable fitness and sturdy boots. If you can walk 10 km without pain, you can do this trail.

Is it suitable for families?

Kids aged 10+ with decent fitness can manage daily sections. Steep climbs and cliff edges mean good attention from adults. Many families do shorter 3-5 km sections.