2.4 miles
Loop
Moderate
Rathlin Kebble Cliff Walk
A waymarked route around Kebble South, taking in the south of the island with stunning views of dramatic sea cliffs and of Ballycastle beyond.
TRAIL INFORMATION
Follow the road to your left leading west from the harbour. Turn right by the church and up the Church Brae to the chapel. Follow the road to the left and continue on this for 5km until reaching Kebble cottage on the right hand side. To the east and on the opposite side of the road to Kebble Cottage is a rough farm track leading downhill. Green waymarkers, on standing stones and fence posts, show the route of the trail. At present the rouet is waymarked in the opposite direction, but the waymarkers can be followed in reverse until the route is signed in both directions. Continue through the field heading for the cliff top fence. Continue to follow this fence to the right, keeping it on your left hand side. At the livestock holding pens on the cliff side turn north heading inland towards Kebble Lough. At the Lough side and adjacent to a farm gate cross the stile and travel south towards the cliff edge once more. Follow the fence, keeping it to your left hand side for the rest of the walk. The route continues along the cliff top where you can see sheltered bays, sea cliffs and an arch along the way. The route passes Bull Point, near to where Richard Branson crash landed his hot air balloon in 1987, on his record breaking transatlantic flight. Continue from here, still following the cliff top, but now heading north wards towards the west lighthouse and the RSPB bird sanctuary. Climb the steep slope to arrive back on the road, continue to the right to arrive back at Kebble Cottage.
This route can be extended by combining it with the Rathlin Kinramer North Walk.
Please note that there may be livestock present on this trail.
TRAIL INFORMATION
Follow the road to your left leading west from the harbour. Turn right by the church and up the Church Brae to the chapel. Follow the road to the left and continue on this for 5km until reaching Kebble cottage on the right hand side. To the east and on the opposite side of the road to Kebble Cottage is a rough farm track leading downhill. Green waymarkers, on standing stones and fence posts, show the route of the trail. At present the rouet is waymarked in the opposite direction, but the waymarkers can be followed in reverse until the route is signed in both directions. Continue through the field heading for the cliff top fence. Continue to follow this fence to the right, keeping it on your left hand side. At the livestock holding pens on the cliff side turn north heading inland towards Kebble Lough. At the Lough side and adjacent to a farm gate cross the stile and travel south towards the cliff edge once more. Follow the fence, keeping it to your left hand side for the rest of the walk. The route continues along the cliff top where you can see sheltered bays, sea cliffs and an arch along the way. The route passes Bull Point, near to where Richard Branson crash landed his hot air balloon in 1987, on his record breaking transatlantic flight. Continue from here, still following the cliff top, but now heading north wards towards the west lighthouse and the RSPB bird sanctuary. Climb the steep slope to arrive back on the road, continue to the right to arrive back at Kebble Cottage.
This route can be extended by combining it with the Rathlin Kinramer North Walk.
Please note that there may be livestock present on this trail.
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest Sea cliffs, arches, stacks, seabirds
- Facilities Cafe, pub, toilets and small shop at Rathlin Harbour (seasonal). The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Disabled toilets – at Rathlin Harbour
- Dog Policy Please note dogs are not permitted on this route or anywhere on the Kebble reserve
- Accessibility Information
Accessibility Grade: Grade 5 Terrain: open hillside and farm track Toilet Facility: No Signage: No - Getting to the Start Take the ferry from Ballycastle harbour to Rathlin. The ferry goes several times throughout the day in the summer and winter. The ferry is operated by Rathlin Island Ferries, for travel times call 028 2076 9299 or visit the website.
- Public Transport Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
- Trail Grade Moderate TRAIL GRADE DISCLAIMER
The trail grades shown on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com are based on desk-based assessments of available trail information. The categories—Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Very Strenuous—follow the Sustainable Trails Development Guide grading system.
These grades are provided as a general guide to help users choose trails that may be suitable for them. They are not a substitute for official, on-site grading or safety information provided by the relevant land manager, which may differ from the information on these websites.
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including the risk of injury, death, property damage, and other hazards. By using information from OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of this information.
Conditions on trails can change, and the actual environment may differ from what is described online. Users should always exercise their own judgment, take appropriate precautions, and remain responsible for their own safety and conduct at all times.
All information provided on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com is intended as a guide only and should be used alongside your own experience, awareness, and careful decision-making.
Routes with a varying range of climbs and descents, loose and uneven surfaces. Expect a few, large obstacles such as stiles and steps. A good level of fitness and self-reliance is recommended.
