Craigmacagan is a townland situated on Rathlin Island, off the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. This area is characterized by a rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and expanses of wild heathland and meadows. The varied terrain provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. As part of Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island, Craigmacagan offers a distinctive landscape for outdoor pursuits.
Craigmacagan offers numerous routes for outdoor activities, with…
39
Routes
4.6
(69)
Average rating
687
People visited

4.5
(17)
97
hikers
9.18km
02:28
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.6
(17)
91
hikers
13.7km
03:44
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

3.0
(1)
5
hikers
23.3km
06:19
280m
280m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(10)
66
hikers
3.57km
01:00
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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57
runners
6.94km
00:45
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
10.6km
01:09
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
6.21km
00:40
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
8.81km
00:57
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(2)
3
riders
54.2km
03:22
480m
480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
65.9km
04:24
920m
920m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
20
riders
45.3km
02:57
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
riders
43.2km
02:41
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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22
riders
53.6km
02:47
930m
930m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(1)
20
riders
135km
06:56
2,080m
2,080m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

16
riders
57.9km
02:46
740m
740m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

10
riders
84.3km
03:43
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Craigmacagan, located on Rathlin Island, offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, and various forms of cycling. The area features off-road walking trails, coastal paths, and roads suitable for exploring the island's unique landscape. More than 1,400 visitors have shared experiences on komoot.
Yes, Craigmacagan features several hiking trails, including the Craigmacagan trail itself, which is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long. Other trails on Rathlin Island, such as the Roonivoolin and West Light trails, are managed by RSPB. For more information, see Hiking around Craigmacagan.
Craigmacagan offers easy hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels, including routes that explore wild heathland and meadows. The Craigmacagan trail is a relatively short route with coastal views. Find more options in the guide Easy hikes around Craigmacagan.
Cycling is a popular activity on Rathlin Island, including the Craigmacagan area. The island's roads and pathways are suitable for both touring and road cycling. Information on routes can be found in Cycling around Craigmacagan.
Key points of interest include the rugged coastline, cliffs up to 70 meters (230 feet) high, and wild heathland and meadows. Craigmacagan Lough, with its water lilies and reed beds, is another notable natural feature. The West Light Seabird Centre on Rathlin Island is also a significant attraction.
Craigmacagan and Rathlin Island are important for diverse wildlife. Visitors can observe seabirds like Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills, especially near the West Light Seabird Centre. Other species include Buzzards, Ravens, Irish Hare, and seals along the shore. The area is also a breeding ground for the globally threatened Corncrake.
Yes, Craigmacagan provides trails suitable for jogging and running. These routes allow for exploration of the natural environment, including coastal paths and heathland. For specific running routes, refer to Running Trails around Craigmacagan.
Routes in Craigmacagan are well-regarded on komoot, with an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars. More than 1,400 visitors have explored and shared their experiences in the area. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
The Craigmacagan trail is a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) route. It is generally considered accessible, offering views of the rugged coastline and passing through wild heathland and meadows. The trail is suitable for walking and offers a moderate level of difficulty.
Komoot offers several guides for Craigmacagan, covering various activities. These include Hiking around Craigmacagan, Easy hikes around Craigmacagan, and Cycling around Craigmacagan. There are also guides for road cycling and running.
For information regarding the RSPB reserves on Rathlin Island, including areas near Craigmacagan, the official website is rspb.org.uk/RathlinIsland. The RSPB Rathlin Island Nature Reserve can also be contacted by phone at 028 2076 0062.

