Port Path: Portstewart to Portrush

At a Glance

Distance

10.5 km (6.5 miles)

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

3 hr

Walk Type

Coastal

Route Type

Point to Point

Off Lead Potential

Moderate

Livestock Risk

Low

Facilities

Toilets, Cafes and pubs at both ends

Parking

National Trust car park at Portstewart Strand - charged in summer

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Port Path: Portstewart to Portrush dog friendly?

  The Port Path scores a strong 9/10 for dog friendliness, and it's easy to see why. The route combines wide sandy beach at Portstewart Strand , great for a swim or a run , with coastal grassland, clifftops and dramatic headland scenery across 10.5km of the north Antrim coast. Harry's Shack café at Portstewart Strand is genuinely welcoming to dogs, with water bowls and outdoor seating, and livestock risk along the path is low.

• Can dogs be off lead at Port Path: Portstewart to Portrush?

  There's moderate off-lead potential on the grassland sections between headlands, and Portstewart Strand at the start offers open sand and sea access where dogs can really stretch their legs. That said, leads are needed near cliff edges and on the busier sections as you approach either town, so you'll want to read the terrain as you go.

• What should I know before visiting Port Path: Portstewart to Portrush with my dog?

  The walk is linear at 10.5km, so you'll need to either arrange transport at the far end in Portrush or retrace your steps , worth planning before you set off. The route is exposed to Atlantic weather, so it's wise to check conditions ahead of your visit, and note that the National Trust car park at Portstewart Strand is charged during summer. The constant coastal wind and marine scents tend to be a real hit with dogs, but the cliff-top sections can be exhilarating for humans and dogs alike, so keep leads handy near the edges.

Portstewart Strand car park, 118 Strand Road, Portstewart BT55 7PG

55.1751, -6.7175