Port Path
The Port Path (integral section of Causeway Coast Way and Ulster Way) follows a stretch of scenic coastline between Portstewart and Portrush. The gently undulating route, which includes several sets of steps, hugs the coastline and includes a variety of underfoot conditions including dust paths, grass tracks, beach and formal surfaced promenades. The magnificent offshore views and various features of interest are illustrated on interpretation panels along the route.
County Londonderry
Distance 7.1 miles
OS Map Sheet 4
Terrain Coastal walk
Nearest Town Portstewart
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference C812368
Route Type Coastal
The Port Path (an integral section of the Causeway Coast Way and The Ulster Way) starts in close proximity to the entrance to Portstewart Strand. The actual start point is along Strand Road, on the right hand side, approx. 500m before the entrance to the beach, on an area of open rough grassland (signage in place).
Proceed onto the surfaced cliff path and follow this coastal path into the centre of Portstewart. There are several points of interest along this section. St. Patrick’s Well was thought to be the fresh water supply for the Stone Age inhabitants of the sand hills. It was used as a source of holy water by the inhabitants of Portstewart, and locals sold the water to tourists until the 1940’s.
There is an ice house, a stone built turf roofed house where ice was stored in the winter in order to preserve salmon in the summer. Ice houses are also to be seen at Portrush (Arcadia), Portballintrae (Runkerry) and further along the Coast, at Castlerock.
The route also passes Portnahapple, a natural sea pool for outdoor bathing and the Dominican Convent, perched on the cliff’s edge. This school, was established in 1917 in O’Hara’s Castle, which was built in 1834 by the Montagu family.
Having passed the convent proceed along the promenade towards the harbour. Look out for the sculpture towards the northern end of the promenade commemorating the songwriter, Jimmy Kennedy. Although born in Omagh, he grew up in Portstewart and was inspired by one of the town’s sunsets when he wrote Red Sails in the Sunset. Having passed the harbour, ascend the steps on the left to Harbour Hill viewpoint.
From this vantage point follow the waymarked route towards Portrush, hugging the coastline. Extra care should be taken when passing Portstewart and Ballyreagh golf courses. On reaching Portrush follow the route along the promenade, past the harbour, around Ramore Head, past the Countryside Centre and the Arcadia to finish at East Strand, Portrush.
Panoramic sea views towards Donegal and the Scottish Isles, historic buildings in both Portstewart and Portrush
Follow signs for Portstewart Strand. The walk start point is along Strand Road, on right hand side, approx. 500m before beach.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Refreshments and toilets available in Portstewart and Portrush The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Café – Café (wheelchair accessible) – Shop – Shop (wheelchair accessible) – Visitors Centre – Disabled toilets – Disabled toilets with RADAR key – Disabled parking
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.
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Walk Route
Port Path
This is an appealing walk, if you keep your eyes out to sea. I’m not sure who oversees planning permission in the area, but bungalow blight has infested this coastline and will, surely, only get worse. Portrush and Portstewart are now, essentially, one place, connected by sprawl.
To answer David’s question, no, you are not allowed to cycle this path. It includes steps, and there are also signs saying cycling not allowed, and directing cyclists to use the cycle lanes on the Ballyreagh Road instead.
Lovely walk but are u aloud to cycle it