The best walks and hikes in Coleraine

Yes, there's a wide variety of trails. You can find over 90 routes around Coleraine, ranging from easy riverside strolls to more challenging coastal treks. The region offers a great mix of woodland paths, sandy beach walks, and sections of the famous Causeway Coast Way.

The trails in this region are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal scenery, the well-maintained forest paths, and the mix of iconic landmarks with quiet, natural spaces.

Absolutely. Loop trails are very common in the area. For a shorter, scenic walk, the Portballintrae & Runkerry Beach loop via Bush Bridge is a great option that combines beach and riverside scenery. It's an easy walk of about 5.5 km.

Many trails in the Coleraine area are suitable for walking with a dog, especially in local parks and forests like Mountsandel Wood or Somerset Riverside Park. However, always check for specific restrictions, particularly on beaches during peak season or in nature reserves to protect wildlife. Keep your dog on a lead where required.

For a gentle walk that's great for families, consider the Portrush & East Strand Beach loop. It's a flat, 5.7 km route along the sand, perfect for letting kids run around. Somerset Riverside Park is another popular spot for a relaxed family stroll along the River Bann.

Yes, if you're looking for a longer, more demanding hike, the Causeway Coast from Portballintrae offers a 26 km journey with significant elevation. This route provides a fantastic challenge with the reward of dramatic coastal cliffs and sea views.

The coastline near Coleraine is world-famous for its dramatic beauty. You can expect to see vast sandy beaches like Portstewart Strand, towering basalt cliffs, and iconic landmarks. A walk like the hike to Dunluce Castle showcases this perfectly, leading you towards the spectacular ruins perched on the cliff edge.

The region has several beautiful woodland areas. Mountsandel Wood is a local favourite, offering peaceful trails that run alongside the River Bann. For a different experience, the Barmouth and Portstewart Strand loop combines woodland paths with a walk through an extensive dune system.

Coleraine is well-connected by train and bus services, which can get you close to many popular trailheads. For instance, you can take a bus towards the coastal towns of Portrush and Portstewart. From there, many coastal paths are accessible on foot. Always check the Translink NI website for the latest timetables.

Most popular trailheads and parks, such as Downhill Demesne, Portstewart Strand, and the Giant's Causeway, have dedicated pay-and-display car parks. Some smaller, more rural trailheads may have limited free parking, but these can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It's best to arrive early to secure a spot.

While the immediate Coleraine area is better known for its coast and rivers, nearby Glenariff Forest Park, often called the 'Queen of the Glens', is famous for its spectacular waterfalls. It's a short drive away and features dedicated walking trails that lead you past several beautiful cascades.

If you're looking for a longer walk without extreme difficulty, the West Strand Promenade – Portstewart Promenade loop is an excellent choice. At 11.5 km, it's a moderately graded walk that follows the promenades between Portrush and Portstewart, offering continuous sea views on mostly flat terrain.