Blackhead Path
This seaside walk goes from Whitehead Boat Club to and around Blackhead. The path runs northeast from Whitehead and is lined by interesting wildlife habitats including grassland, woodland (known locally as the ‘Magic Forest’) and a rocky shoreline. The Lough itself is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) famed for its bird population.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE DEC 2021
Blackhead Path is temporarily closed due to damage from railings falling in to the sea, to fallen rocks and debris. This is likely to take a few weeks. We will update again when the path opens up in the new year.
County Antrim
Distance 2.2 miles
OS Map 15
Terrain Level surfaced path, steep steps
Nearest Town Whitehead
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference J478923
Route Type Beach, Coastal, Woodland
This walk starts at Whitehead Yacht Club and leads along a coastal path and up some steep steps to Blackhead Lighthouse. From here walkers descend some more steep steps back to the coastal path and back to the car park.
At present, the section of path around Blackhead itself is currently closed. This is due to damage to the path and to the handrails which have collapsed in places. There is a programme of maintenance works underway, and we will update the website when these works have been completed.
The Blackhead Lighthouse
By car take the A2 from Carrickfergus or Larne. Car parking is available at the start of Blackhead Path.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Car park, toilets – 10p. There are also several shelters along the walk.Whitehead has a number of cafe facilities and public toilets.Whitehead can be reached by car, bus and train. For further information on public transport options visit www.translink.co.uk. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Disabled toilets.
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Blackhead Path
Fantastic walk around the coastal shores of the Whitehead, especially since the reopening of the whole pathway last year. You can get some great coastal and Lighthouse photos from the top and bottom paths. I would definitely recommend making time to explore this lovely coastal walk.
Walk to Blackhead Lighthouse is now open. Very pleasant seaside walk, especially on the refurbished walkway built at the bottom of the cliffs.
Great walk but unfortunately is currently closed from close to the steps up to the lighthouse at the bottom and at the lighthouse gate at the top. This means you miss the most interesting and quirky part under the lighthouse. Still a pleasant walk along the seaside and climb up the steps to keep you fit.