4.4 miles
Linear
Rathlin Island
A road and track route west across this beautiful island. From harbour-side seals to the clamorous seabird colony, four miles of heath and ancient meadow provide a wealth of wildlife to enjoy.
TRAIL INFORMATION
Rathlin Island from Church Bay to the RSPB Seabird Centre.
At harbour choose: 1.) Go left, pass shop, turn right at church and ascend steeply to chapel or: 2.) Go right, pass Manor House and toilets, left at McCauig's Bar and left again at crossroads to chapel.
Route bears left and continues to ascend. With its height, there are good views to west - Donegal and north Antrim coast; to south - Ballycastle and FairHead; to east - East Lighthouse and Kintyre.
The road continues through heath and meadow to the nature reserves at the western end of the island. Take care to dismount at the second cattle grid. The road here becomes a rough, gravel track leading to spectacular views from the RSPB Seabird Centre.
TRAIL INFORMATION
Rathlin Island from Church Bay to the RSPB Seabird Centre.
At harbour choose: 1.) Go left, pass shop, turn right at church and ascend steeply to chapel or: 2.) Go right, pass Manor House and toilets, left at McCauig's Bar and left again at crossroads to chapel.
Route bears left and continues to ascend. With its height, there are good views to west - Donegal and north Antrim coast; to south - Ballycastle and FairHead; to east - East Lighthouse and Kintyre.
The road continues through heath and meadow to the nature reserves at the western end of the island. Take care to dismount at the second cattle grid. The road here becomes a rough, gravel track leading to spectacular views from the RSPB Seabird Centre.
GETTING TO THE START
Rathlin Island Ferry Service from Ballycastle. Tel 028 207 69299 Booking recommended Route starts at arrival to Rathlin Harbour.
- Facilities Car parking at ferry terminal Cycle hire on island 207 63954 Accommodation, refreshment and toilets at Church Bay. Refreshments and toilets at the RSPB Seabird Centre.
- Getting to the Start Rathlin Island Ferry Service from Ballycastle. Tel 028 207 69299 Booking recommended Route starts at arrival to Rathlin Harbour.
- Traffic Information Generally traffic is restricted to Islanders only, so apart from a minibus there are few cars and farm vehicles. Walkers also use this route and there may be cattle on the unfenced stretch through the nature reserve.
- Bike Hire Providers Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring 15 Ballyknockan Rd Saintfield Email: info@irondonkey.com Phone: 028 9081 3200 http://www.irondonkey.com
- Accessible Facilities Disabled badge holders may travel with vehicle to island. Mainly public, tarmac road with rough gravel section at end (1 mile). Main viewing area at RSPB Seabird Centre is accessed by 87 steps, but scenic views of the seabird colony can be enjoyed from the road level.
