This short route along Waterfoot Beach encompasses beautiful wildflower meadows, two play parks, a seasonal café and plenty of picnic opportunities.
Antrim
1.6 miles
9
Glenariff
Circular
Beach, Coastal, Parkland & Grassland
Grass, beach, boardwalk
D241255
D241255
Species rich grasslands, views of Glenariff, beach
Causeway Coast
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.
Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
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 are allowed. All dogs must be under control
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
![]() | Disabled parking |
![]() | Disabled toilets |
![]() | Café (wheelchair accessible) |
Toilets
Seasonal Cafe
Picnic tables
Play park
“ | Absolutely wonderful walk. Credit is due to the Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme who planned the boardwalk and meadows in this beautiful area for the benefit of the whole community | ” |
Know a good walk that is not included on the site?
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information. We cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to our attention, the information will be amended accordingly.
Whilst all the clubs, associations and activity operators listed on this website generally operate according to which is accepted as current best practice, it is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that they are credible and all appropriate safety standards are adhered to. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland have, nor assume, any responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the information supplied or the service and level of care afforded by any of the clubs, associations and activity operators listed on this website.
Mana 27 June, 2017 @ 19:47
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Antrim Coast & Glens