Rathlin Island Walking Tours
with Paul Quinn

The Walking Options

Rathlin is great for walking. The roads are, for the most part, well surfaced, and they aren’t too busy. You can also walk off road. If you want, stay on flat surfaces, and do something short, in time and distance. The island has lots to offer but this could means climbing a few hills. The pace of walks is unhurried.

Options range from just over an hour to six hours. Most trails have a circular route. There are off road routes, these are with the permission of the land owner. Sometimes it is possible to combine walking with a journey on one of the island buses.

The Rathlin Seabird Centre, located at the western end of the island is a must-do for many visitors. It can be covered as one of the options but you can visit it independently from April to early September. Admission to the Centre is free and skilled staff and volunteers are on hand to help you make sense of what you see there.

Depending on the time of year, walkers stop to look at birds and plants and to discuss the buildings and other features that we encounter. On many walks it will be possible to see some of the seals that frequent Rathlin’s shores. Of course I can’t guarantee sightings of particular species. When you contact me, we can discuss your walk.

Check the weather forecast before you travel and dress accordingly. Waterproof footwear is recommended and you need to take responsibility for your own safety.

Options

There are three standard walk options. If there's somewhere in particular that you want to visit, just say and we'll see what we can do. For the half-and full- day options a packed lunch often helps to make best use of time. Alternatively, I can sometimes provide a simple snack in exchange for a donation

Mill Bay Meander

All on surfaced roads, at a gentle pace with a few inclines. Expect to see seals and shorebirds (perhaps curlew, oystercatcher and gulls). We will pass old buildings and hear their story. Shipwrecks didn't just happen in the days of sail... you'll hear about dramatic events in 1917 and also as recently as 29 January 2007. Lasts just over an hour and children welcome. £4 adult, under 12s free, minimum charge £30.

The Rue and Roonivoolin

On a combination of surfaced roads and designated trails. Different permutations available... please ask. The Rue and Roonivoolin will allow you to cover about half the island. You could see the East Lighthouse and hear about Robert the Bruce and his cave-mate Seamus the spider. Make tracks to the lonely Coastguard Lookout and along the way, hopefully see buzzard, raven, gannet and guillemots. Or walk the cliffs at Roonivoolin, keeping an eye out for chough, peregrine and Irish Hare. Lasts around four hours. The pace is unhurried, but prepare to get muddy at times! £8 adult only, minimum charge £75.

Boomerang Bonanza

On a combination of surfaced roads and designated trails. Good chance of covering many parts of this boomerang-shaped island. In late Spring see orchids and maybe the rare Pyramidal Bugle. See Harebells, Lady's Bedstraw and Eyebright throughout the Summer season. Add a visit to an important Stone Age site on the island, subject to landowner's consent. Lasts around seven hours and, as before, at an unhurried pace. £12 adult only, minimum charge £130. We might use an island minibus - it allows us to cover more ground. The minibus operates separately from the walks and costs around £5pp. It can be used to travel to and/or from the Seabird Centre. It is subject to the operator's agreement and availability on the day.

Special Prices

For groups of 10+ and returning and corporate customers, please contact me paul.quinn33@hotmail.co.uk for best rates. For all options, minimum charges apply without exception.

Rathlin Residential

I've decided to turn back the clock! About 20 years ago I led weekend residential trips to Rathlin. They were always packed out and we had great fun. That was in the days before mains electricity. When the generator in the Guest House was switched off for the night, complete inky darkness descended. I had to use a torch ( flashlamp for US readers ) to see my way to the loo. These days, things are different, but Rathlin's enduring appeal remains. For this event, plan to arrive mid morning and drop off your luggage. We then walk, and break for a light lunch. Then its round the island on a boat, with brilliant views of the breeding seabirds expected. The rest of the day is free time. After Sunday breakfast we explore more of Rathlin. Things wrap up mid afternoon when we return to Ballycastle.

This is bound to be popular, so don't delay- email me today paul.quinn33@hotmail.co.uk for dates and information.

Dunseverick and the Causeway

Samuel Johnston, that distinguished 18th Century man of letters, once wrote that "It was worth seeing but not worth going to see". He was referring to the Giant's Causeway, the sole UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Ireland. Do you think that Johnston got it right? Many tens of thousands of visitors flock to the Causeway from all over the world every year. It seems that the good doctor's prognosis was wrong all along.

We really do think that the Causeway is worth going to see and that's why this new walk will operate from May 2011. Because the Causeway proves so popular, it can get busy, particularly in the summer months. Our walk involves a clifftop route from ancient Dunseverick Castle to the Causeway. Doing it this way means there is no hassle in finding a parking space yet walkers get the same Causeway experience as any other visitor. The walk follows a clearly defined route along the cliffs. We pass Port Moon then Contham Head and the majestic Bengore Head. When Benbane Head is reached the Chimneys appear, then the Causeway stones and finally we see Portrush and the Skerries. You'll want to stop to take in the views, to take some photos, and to catch your breath.

Here are a few details about the walk. It is about 4 miles and we do it one way. Allow 3 hours. The views all about you are brilliant, from beginning to end. It is steep in parts with uneven steps and boggy bits. It is usually quiet but as the Causeway is approached, walkers appear. It isn't possible to do the walk in poor weather ie wind or heavy rain. Walkers need reasonable fitness and agility and should be dressed for the conditions on the day. The guided part of the event finishes at the Causeway and participants self-guide until they are finished. There is plentiful information at the Causeway. In 2011 the visitor facilities are being dramatically improved but there is disruption as this progresses. The Stones themselves are unchanging. Since the walk starts at Dunseverick this is where participants return to, using taxi or Translink bus. We can help to arrange this, but it is separate from the walk and not included in the price. Since cars cost £6 to park at the Causeway or £1.75pp on a shuttle bus every 15 minutes, this walk with alternative transport options is worth considering.

The Dunseverick walk is for adults only, at £5pp. Minimum group size 4, maximum 15, at a time to suit you. You are responsible for your own safety. Please refer to main booking page. The Rathlin Walking Tours Facebook page has photo albums from the walk...why not have a look.