Days Out NI
Coastal walk Ballyvoy

Torr Head Loop

A short, steep climb to the closest spot in Ireland to Scotland.

6 photos
Open accessWalk it any time — best in daylight
FreeNo ticket needed
BallyvoyCoastal walk
Get directions
30 minutesHow long
0.3km returnDistance
FreeCost
Buggy okBest for
On leadsDogs

Torr Head Loop — A short, steep climb to the closest spot in Ireland to Scotland.

  • Distance: Short climb of roughly 0.3km return to the top.
  • How long: About 30 minutes for the walk up and back, longer to enjoy the view.
  • Terrain: Grassy slope and a few steps, exposed and windy at the top.
  • Dogs: Welcome on a lead; keep close near the cliff edges.
  • With kids: Steep, unfenced cliff drops at the headland; keep children close and stay back from the edges.
  • Parking: Free, small car park at the end of Torr Road; limited spaces, fills fast in summer.
Plan your visit

A 15-minute climb to a huge view

From the small car park at the end of Torr Road, a grassy path climbs steeply up to the headland, taking around 15 minutes at a child's pace. At the top stands the roofless old station, a chunky stone building you can walk right up to. Look out across the water and on a clear day you'll pick out the Mull of Kintyre and the Scottish coast, around 12 miles away, plus Rathlin Island to the west. The climb is short but genuinely steep, and the grass gets slippery after rain, so take your time on the way back down.

Free Free car park Closest point to Scotland Old signal station Rathlin Island views Steep grassy climb
Good to know before you go:

This stretch of the Causeway Coast and Glens hosts seasonal ranger walks, guided coastal events and festivals through the year, often around wildlife, geology and local history. 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, small car park at the end of Torr Road; limited spaces, fills fast in summer
Distance
Short climb of roughly 0.3km return to the top
How long to allow
About 30 minutes for the walk up and back, longer to enjoy the view
Difficulty
Short but steep; easy in dry weather, slippery when wet
Terrain
Grassy slope and a few steps, exposed and windy at the top
Safety with kids
Steep, unfenced cliff drops at the headland; keep children close and stay back from the edges
Dogs
Welcome on a lead; keep close near the cliff edges
Buggy-friendly
No, the steep grass and steps are not suitable for a buggy
Toilets / food nearby
None on site; nearest are in Ballycastle, about 20 minutes' drive
Address
Torr Head, Torr Road, near Ballyvoy / Ballycastle, County Antrim BT54 (approx. 55.1952, -6.0653)
Questions

Before you go

Is it free?
Free
How far is the walk?
Short climb of roughly 0.3km return to the top
How long should I allow?
About 30 minutes for the walk up and back, longer to enjoy the view
Can I bring the dog?
Welcome on a lead; keep close near the cliff edges
Is it buggy-friendly?
No, the steep grass and steps are not suitable for a buggy
Getting there

Torr Head Loop is at Torr Head, Torr Road, near Ballyvoy / Ballycastle, County Antrim BT54 (approx. 55.1952, -6.0653). Free, small car park at the end of Torr Road; limited spaces, fills fast in summer. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google Maps See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

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The story

About this stretch of coast

Torr Head is the closest point in Ireland to Scotland, with only about 12 miles of sea between it and the Mull of Kintyre. The currents through this narrow channel are fierce, which is part of why the headland mattered so much to passing ships.

The stone building at the top served as a signal and coastguard station. A Lloyd's signal station was established here in the 1820s to log transatlantic ships passing the head, later using early wireless telegraphy to relay news of safe passage to London. It fell out of use in the 20th century, leaving the roofless shell that crowns the headland today.

The wider coast around Torr Head, taking in Murlough Bay and the towering Fair Head cliffs nearby, is rich in seabirds and dramatic rock, and Rathlin Island just to the west is famous for its puffins in the breeding season.