Bushmills – Ulster Scots Walk
This is a circular route starting and finishing at the Ulster Scots Alphabet Angel statue in Bushmills. It’s a flat course, part of it following the old Causeway Tram Route, and also taking in the River Bush and the beautiful Bushfoot Strand. It’s about 2.25 miles but there’s also the option of extending the route along the beach or shortening it by parking at the heritage railway carpark on the Balamore road.
County Antrim
Distance 3.27 miles
OS Map 4
Terrain Town roads and coastal grassy paths. Some boardwalks.
Nearest Town Bushmills
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference C92937 42241
Route Type
You can leave a car at the Causeway Park and Ride and then cross over to the unique alphabet angel statue nearby. Erected in 2004, it was the first sculpture in the world to celebrate the Ulster Scots language. Follow the lane towards The Bushmills Inn, and then continue along the footpath heading out of town towards Portballintrae. You’ll see the River Bush below. After crossing the bridge, turn right. The Heritage Railway Line follows the track of the old Giant’s Causeway Tram, which closed down in 1949 after decades of transporting tourists and sightseers in style along the coast. The track still runs all the way to the Causeway today but follow on just as far as the beach. The route runs through the Bushfoot Golf Course so be aware of flying golf balls and stick to the path which takes you to this bridge over the river. To return to the town, turn left to take the boardwalk along the side of the river alongside the sand dunes – or climb down to the beautiful Bushfoot Strand or Runkerry Beach as it’s also known. For a longer walk you could also continue along the railway path to the far end of the strand and walk back along the strand. Whether you take the longer or the shorter path, you will need to cross the three quarter bridge to find the path up. Walk across the golf club carpark and find the railway path again, from where you’ll turn right to retrace your steps to Bushmills. Check out the additional videos with more Ulster-Scots details about the area. The videos are designed for smart phones or tablets so you can listen while you walk. https://vimeo.com/657555534/8566d770e9 Additional video: https://vimeo.com/692185979
"Grade
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
Bushmills – Ulster Scots Walk