DISTANCE

4.8 miles

ROUTE TYPE

Loop

Rathlin Island Roonivoolin Walk

Antrim

Take the route less travelled on Rathlin Island and venture south to the RSPB Roonivoolin Reserve. Amazing views of the coastline can be enjoyed as well as wildlife such as seals, irish hare and curlew.

DISTANCE

4.8 miles

ROUTE TYPE

Loop

OS MAP

5

GRID REFERENCE

D147 510

COUNTY

Antrim

NEAREST TOWN

Rathlin Village

LANDSCAPE

Beach, Coastal, Lakeland

TERRAIN

Tarmaced laneway and open fields

ON/OFF PUBLIC ROAD

null

DIFFICULTY

null

TRAIL INFORMATION

The route begins at Rathlin Harbour. Follow the Shore Road to the right past the Manor House. Continue following the road past Church Bay, the disused Kelp Kiln and Mill Bay. At the end of Mill Bay, bear left to rejoin the straight tarmaced road leading south on the peninsula. Turn right onto this road and continue walking for 500m to meet Craigmacaghan Lough. Follow the route for another 800 metres, where on your right you should come across a wooden gate and a RSPB information panel highlighting the Roonivoolin Reserve. Go through the gate and follow the wooden way markers past Ally Lough on the right and Ushet Lough on the left. Continue following the wooden way markers across the open field, arriving at the fence along the cliff tops. From here stunning views of the cliffs, Church Bay and the Northern Irish coastline can be enjoyed. Continue following the fence in a southerly direction for 700m, to bear left along a fence to bring you back to the tarmac path. Land between the clifftop path and Rue Point Lighthouse is private, if you wish to continue to the lighthouse, follow the tarmac path in a southerly direction to reach the disused Kelp Kiln and the lighthouse. The route back to the harbour follows the tarmac path.

TRAIL INFORMATION

The route begins at Rathlin Harbour. Follow the Shore Road to the right past the Manor House. Continue following the road past Church Bay, the disused Kelp Kiln and Mill Bay. At the end of Mill Bay, bear left to rejoin the straight tarmaced road leading south on the peninsula. Turn right onto this road and continue walking for 500m to meet Craigmacaghan Lough. Follow the route for another 800 metres, where on your right you should come across a wooden gate and a RSPB information panel highlighting the Roonivoolin Reserve. Go through the gate and follow the wooden way markers past Ally Lough on the right and Ushet Lough on the left. Continue following the wooden way markers across the open field, arriving at the fence along the cliff tops. From here stunning views of the cliffs, Church Bay and the Northern Irish coastline can be enjoyed. Continue following the fence in a southerly direction for 700m, to bear left along a fence to bring you back to the tarmac path. Land between the clifftop path and Rue Point Lighthouse is private, if you wish to continue to the lighthouse, follow the tarmac path in a southerly direction to reach the disused Kelp Kiln and the lighthouse. The route back to the harbour follows the tarmac path.

GETTING TO THE START

Rathlin Ferries - www.rathlinballycastleferry.com or 028 2076 9299

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