Quality Walk

Rathlin Kebble Cliff Walk

A waymarked route around Kebble South, taking in the south of the island with stunning views of dramatic sea cliffs and of Ballycastle beyond.

County

Antrim

Distance

1.9 miles

OS Map

5

Nearest Town

Rathlin Harbour

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Coastal, Hill, Lakeland

Terrain

open hillside and farm track

Grid Reference (Start)

D106 514

Grid Reference (End)

D106 514

Point of Interest

Sea cliffs, arches, stacks, seabirds

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Antrim Coast & Glens

Route Description

Follow the road to your left leading west from the harbour. Turn right by the church and up the Church Brae to the chapel. Follow the road to the left and continue on this for 5km until reaching Kebble cottage on the right hand side. To the east and on the opposite side of the road to Kebble Cottage is a rough farm track leading downhill. Green waymarkers, on standing stones and fence posts, show the route of the trail. At present the rouet is waymarked in the opposite direction, but the waymarkers can be followed in reverse until the route is signed in both directions. Continue through the field heading for the cliff top fence. Continue to follow this fence to the right, keeping it on your left hand side.  At the livestock holding pens on the cliff side turn north heading inland towards Kebble Lough.  At the Lough side and adjacent to a farm gate cross the stile and travel south towards the cliff edge once more.  Follow the fence, keeping it to your left hand side for the rest of the walk.  The route continues along the cliff top  where you can see sheltered bays, sea cliffs and an arch along the way. The route passes Bull Point, near to where Richard Branson crash landed his hot air balloon in 1987, on his record breaking transatlantic flight. Continue from here, still following the cliff top, but now heading north wards towards the west lighthouse and the RSPB bird sanctuary. Climb the steep slope to arrive back on the road, continue to the right to arrive back at Kebble Cottage.

This route can be extended by combining it with the Rathlin Kinramer North Walk.

Please note that there may be livestock present on this trail.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

Take the ferry from Ballycastle harbour to Rathlin. The ferry goes several times throughout the day in the summer and winter.
The ferry is operated by Rathlin Island Ferries, for travel times call 028 2076 9299 or visit the website.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed. Please note dogs are not permitted on this route or anywhere on the Kebble reserve

Accessibility Grade

Grade 5

Accessible Facilities

The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:

Disabled toilets - at Rathlin Harbour

Facilities

Cafe, pub, toilets and small shop at Rathlin Harbour (seasonal).

Publication

Rathlin Island Walking Leaflet

Publication Availability

Available from the Ferry Terminal, on the ferry, or can be downloaded on this page.

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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