Quality Walk

Waterfoot Beach Walk

This short route along Waterfoot Beach encompasses beautiful wildflower meadows, two play parks, a seasonal café and plenty of picnic opportunities.

County

Antrim

Distance

1.6 miles

OS Map

9

Nearest Town

Glenariff

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Beach, Coastal, Parkland & Grassland

Terrain

Grass, beach, boardwalk

Grid Reference (Start)

D241255

Grid Reference (End)

D241255

Point of Interest

Species rich grasslands, views of Glenariff, beach

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Causeway Coast

Route Description

On leaving Waterfoot carpark, veer left along the path and continue to walk along the mown grass path, looking out towards Red Bay Castle which projects out onto the headland just north of Glenariff. Once you reach the beach, turn right and continue to walk along the beach front and past the caravan park until you reach an opening in the sand dunes. Follow the boardwalk to the left, passing by species rich grasslands. Feel free to walk through the wildflower meadow and try to spot the Yellow-rattle flower and Small Copper butterfly. This conservation area is accessible via a kissing gate and access is restricted in Winter when cattle are here to graze the meadows. A short distance after this you will see a ball court and a play park comprising of balance beams, climbing net and a tunnel. In this area there is also seasonal café, selling hot drinks as well as a selection of sandwiches and traybakes. Continue to follow the path along the coast where you come across another playpark and carpark.  Depending on tide levels, you can take a left down onto the beach and walk back along the coast to the start point or retrace your steps along the coastal path.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

From Ballymena, take the A43 Cushendun Road. Continue through Martinstwon, Cargan and passing by Glenariff Forest Park. When the road drops down to the coast, turn right following signs for the A2 to Larne. You are now in the village of Waterfoot, turn left after 100m into the car park where the walk starts.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed. All dogs must be under control

Accessibility Grade

Grade 4

Accessible Facilities

The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:

Disabled parking
Disabled toilets
Café (wheelchair accessible)

Facilities

Toilets
Seasonal Cafe
Picnic tables
Play park

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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