Days Out NI
Coastal walk Whitehead

Blackhead Path

A free clifftop path with tunnels, caves and big Belfast Lough views

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Open accessWalk it any time — best in daylight
FreeNo ticket needed
WhiteheadCoastal walk
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5 hoursHow long
2.2 milesDistance
FreeCost
All agesBest for
WelcomeDogs

Blackhead Path — A free clifftop path with tunnels, caves and big Belfast Lough views.

  • Distance: Roughly 2.2 miles (about 3.5km) out and back to the lighthouse.
  • How long: Around 1.5 hours with children, longer with stops.
  • Terrain: Surfaced path along the shore, then stone steps; rocky coves and woodland.
  • Dogs: Welcome and very popular with dog walkers; keep on the lead near cliffs and steps.
  • With kids: Real coastal cliffs with handrails in places and steep steps; the clifftop section has had rock falls and closes for maintenance at times, so check it's open, hold hands and keep close to the inside of the path.
  • Parking: Free car park at the Whitehead Yacht Club start point off the promenade.
Plan your visit

The walk: caves, a lighthouse and a clifftop catwalk

Start at the Whitehead Yacht Club end of the promenade and follow the path as it hugs the shoreline. It's about 2 miles there and back to the lighthouse, mostly on a level surfaced path past rocky beaches, the wooded Magic Forest and a handful of houses. The drama builds where the sea has carved caves into the base of the headland and handrails line the cliff edge. The last push is the steep one: a long flight of stone steps climbs to Blackhead Lighthouse, where the views open up across the lough toward Scotland. You can also start from the nature reserve and reach the path through two old railway tunnels, which kids tend to love.

Free Free car park Belfast Lough views Caves & coves Lighthouse Steep steps near the top
Good to know before you go:

This stretch of the Antrim coast hosts seasonal guided walks, ranger-led wildlife events and community festivals through the year, and the Whitehead area runs local heritage and walking activities. Check what's on before you travel.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 👟Good shoes or bootsShore paths can be rocky, uneven and a little muddy after rain.
  • 🧥A coat or windproofThe coast is breezy — a fresh sea wind is half the fun of it.
  • 💧Water and a snackThere is rarely a shop right on the path, so pack a little something.
  • 🔭Binoculars or a cameraFor the seabirds, the seals and the big views across the water.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Cost
Free
Parking
Free car park at the Whitehead Yacht Club start point off the promenade
Distance
Roughly 2.2 miles (about 3.5km) out and back to the lighthouse
How long to allow
Around 1.5 hours with children, longer with stops
Difficulty
Moderate; flat to start, then steep steps up to the lighthouse
Terrain
Surfaced path along the shore, then stone steps; rocky coves and woodland
Safety with kids
Real coastal cliffs with handrails in places and steep steps; the clifftop section has had rock falls and closes for maintenance at times, so check it's open, hold hands and keep close to the inside of the path
Dogs
Welcome and very popular with dog walkers; keep on the lead near cliffs and steps
Buggy-friendly
No once you reach the steps; the flat shore-side section is easier, a carrier is best
Toilets / food nearby
Toilets at the car park (10p) and shelters along the route; cafes and public toilets in Whitehead village
Address
Blackhead Path, Whitehead Yacht Club, Whitehead, Co. Antrim BT38 9NB (start near Old Castle Road / promenade)
Questions

Before you go

Is it free?
Free
How far is the walk?
Roughly 2.2 miles (about 3.5km) out and back to the lighthouse
How long should I allow?
Around 1.5 hours with children, longer with stops
Can I bring the dog?
Welcome and very popular with dog walkers; keep on the lead near cliffs and steps
Is it buggy-friendly?
No once you reach the steps; the flat shore-side section is easier, a carrier is best
Getting there

Blackhead Path is at Blackhead Path, Whitehead Yacht Club, Whitehead, Co. Antrim BT38 9NB (start near Old Castle Road / promenade). Free car park at the Whitehead Yacht Club start point off the promenade. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google Maps See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around WhiteheadSee what else is close by More coastal walks across NIBeaches, cliffs, harbours and headlands
The story

About this stretch of coast

The Blackhead Path was cut into the rock to link Whitehead promenade with Blackhead Lighthouse, following the rocky coves and caves of the Belfast Lough shoreline. The railings and steps have been restored over the years after storm damage, and the route is often described as a gentler precursor to the more dramatic Gobbins cliff path further up the coast.

Blackhead Lighthouse first showed its light in 1902, built and run by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. It began with an explosive fog signal, was converted to electric operation in 1965, and had resident lightkeepers on site until 1975. Today the restored keepers' houses can be booked as holiday accommodation through the Irish Landmark Trust.

Belfast Lough below is an Area of Special Scientific Interest, well known for its birdlife, and on a clear day from the lighthouse you can pick out the small islands called The Maidens out in the Irish Sea.