Days Out NI
Coastal walk Larne

Larne Coastal Path

Flat, free seafront prom with ferry-watching and Scotland across the water.

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Open accessWalk it any time — best in daylight
FreeNo ticket needed
LarneCoastal walk
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5 hoursHow long
3 milesDistance
FreeCost
Buggy okBest for
WelcomeDogs

Larne Coastal Path — Flat, free seafront prom with ferry-watching and Scotland across the water.

  • Distance: About 3 miles of prom; signed circular loop roughly 2.3 miles (3.72km).
  • How long: Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours at a family pace.
  • Terrain: Smooth tarmac promenade throughout.
  • Dogs: Welcome on the lead; clean up after them.
  • With kids: No cliffs on the prom, but watch the seafront edge and beach steps.
  • Parking: Free at Larne Leisure Centre; more parking between Town Park and Chaine Park.
Plan your visit

A flat 3-mile seafront with ferries and Scotland views

Start at Larne Leisure Centre and head along the promenade, a mile-long stretch of which is reserved for walkers only. You pass Sandy Bay, with its beach, grassy picnic spot and rock pools, and carry on toward the Chaine Memorial Tower, a 27-metre granite 'Pencil' built in 1887. The signed Highway to Health circular loop is about 2.3 miles (3.72km), graded intermediate but flat with only minor slopes. Look across the North Channel for Scotland and watch the ferries working in and out of Larne Harbour. It is all level tarmac, so the going is easy underfoot.

Free Free car park Flat tarmac prom Sea views to Scotland Ferry watching Buggy-friendly
Good to know before you go:

This stretch of the Mid and East Antrim coast hosts seasonal guided walks, ranger events and community days through the year, with more along the nearby Causeway Coastal Route. Check what is 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 at Larne Leisure Centre; more parking between Town Park and Chaine Park
Distance
About 3 miles of prom; signed circular loop roughly 2.3 miles (3.72km)
How long to allow
Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours at a family pace
Difficulty
Graded intermediate but flat, with only minor slopes
Terrain
Smooth tarmac promenade throughout
Safety with kids
No cliffs on the prom, but watch the seafront edge and beach steps
Dogs
Welcome on the lead; clean up after them
Buggy-friendly
Yes, the flat tarmac surface suits prams and scooters
Toilets / food nearby
Prom Café and public toilets at Larne Leisure Centre; more toilets at Agnew Street and Narrow Gauge Road
Address
Larne Promenade, start at Larne Leisure Centre, 28 Tower Road, Larne BT40 1AB
Questions

Before you go

Is it free?
Free
How far is the walk?
About 3 miles of prom; signed circular loop roughly 2.3 miles (3.72km)
How long should I allow?
Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours at a family pace
Can I bring the dog?
Welcome on the lead; clean up after them
Is it buggy-friendly?
Yes, the flat tarmac surface suits prams and scooters
Getting there

Larne Coastal Path is at Larne Promenade, start at Larne Leisure Centre, 28 Tower Road, Larne BT40 1AB. Free at Larne Leisure Centre; more parking between Town Park and Chaine Park. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google Maps See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

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

About this stretch of coast

Larne Promenade was built in stages between 1902 and 1934 so locals could enjoy seafront walks and sea swimming. A mile-long section is set aside for walkers only, making it one of the more relaxed coastal strolls in the area.

The Chaine Memorial Tower, known locally as 'The Pencil', is an accurate replica of an Irish round tower. Built from Irish granite in 1887, it stands 27 metres high and honours James Chaine, the MP who developed Larne Harbour and the Larne to Scotland sea route.

Larne sits at the narrowest part of the North Channel, which is why ferries cross to Scotland from here and why, on a clear day, you can pick out the Scottish coast across the water.