A road and track route west across this beautiful island. From harbour-side seals to the clamorous seabird colony, four miles of heath and ancient meadow provide a wealth of wildlife to enjoy.
| County | Antrim |
| Nearest Town | Church Bay |
| Distance | 14 miles miles |
| OS Map | 5 |
| Route Type | Coastal |
| Route Shape | Circular |
| Public Roads | On Public Road |
| AONB | Antrim Coast & Glens |
| Grid Ref (Start) | D145509 |
| Grid Ref (End) | D145509 |
A steep ascent from the harbour in Church Bay, then fairly level, tarmac road for three miles. Dismount at the two cattle grids. Rough, unfenced, gravel track for final mile.
Harbour side activities and amenities including Boathouse visitor centre. Emigration Memorial, with views to East Lighthouse, Kintyre, FairHead and Causeway Coast.
Cliff side, culitvated and grazed fields, provide habitat for Northern Ireland's only breeding pair of chough. Ancient meadows, rich in botanical interest are hidden havens for hares. A Neolithic quarry site, where Stone Age men extracted porcellanite for fashioning into tools and weapons is situated at the base of a rocky coutcrop in the middle of the island. Wheatears, stonechats and skylarks fill the air with sounds, while peregrines, buzzards and ravens watch for prey. The seabird colony, viewed from the RSPB Seabird Centre, is dramatically situated against cliffs and ocean swell.
Rathlin Island from Church Bay to the RSPB Seabird Centre.
At harbour choose: 1.) Go left, pass shop, turn right at church and ascend steeply to chapel or: 2.) Go right, pass Manor House and toilets, left at McCauig's Bar and left again at crossroads to chapel.
Route bears left and continues to ascend. With its height, there are good views to west - Donegal and north Antrim coast; to south - Ballycastle and FairHead; to east - East Lighthouse and Kintyre.
The road continues through heath and meadow to the nature reserves at the western end of the island. Take care to dismount at the second cattle grid. The road here becomes a rough, gravel track leading to spectacular views from the RSPB Seabird Centre.
Rathlin Island Ferry Service from Ballycastle.
Tel 028 207 69299
Booking recommended
Route starts at arrival to Rathlin Harbour.
Generally traffic is restricited to Islanders only, so apart from a minibus there are few cars and farm vehicles. Walkers also use this route and there may be cattle on the unfenced stretch through the nature reserve.
Car parking at ferry terminal
Cycle hire on island 207 63954
Accommodation, refreshment and toilets at Church Bay.
Refreshments and toilets at the RSPB Seabird Centre.
This route has accessible toilet facilities.
Disabled badge holders may travel with vehicle to island.
Mainly public, tarmac road with rough gravel section at end (1 mile). Main viewing area at RSPB Seabird Centre is accessed by 87 steps, but scenic views of the seabird colony can be enjoyed from the road level.
RSPB 'Step Ashore' trail guide to the Rathlin Island Seabird Centre.
RSPB Northern Ireland Headquarters 028 9049 1547
www.rspb.org.uk
www.sustrans.co.uk
This information is provided by Countryside Access and Activities Network, The Stableyard, Barnett's Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5PB.
Tel: 028 9030 3930
Fax: 028 9062 6248
info@cycleni.com
www.countrysiderecreation.com
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information. We cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to our attention, the information will be amended accordingly.