The best walks and hikes around Novally

You can explore around 30 hiking routes in the Ballycastle area. These range from easy coastal walks to more challenging hill climbs, offering something for every fitness level.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal scenery, the mix of dramatic cliff-top paths, and the routes leading to historic sites like ancient castles.

Yes, the region has many options suitable for families. A great choice is the Kinbane Head & Castle from Whitepark Road — Causeway Coast walk. It's a short 3.5 km trail leading to impressive castle ruins on a headland, which is exciting for all ages. Be aware that the path to the castle itself involves a steep set of stairs.

For a more strenuous hike with rewarding views, consider the Knocklayd from Drumavoyle Road — Antrim Coast & Glens trail. This route involves a significant climb up Knocklayd hill, but you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over the coastline and the Glens of Antrim.

Absolutely. For a fantastic loop that includes a famous landmark, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – Ballintoy Harbour loop from Ballintoy is a popular choice. It's a 6.6 km trail that takes you along a beautiful stretch of the coast.

Many trails in the area are suitable for hiking with a dog, but they should be kept on a lead, especially near farmland with livestock and on cliff edges. Coastal paths and forest trails are generally good options. Always check for specific restrictions at trailheads, particularly in nature reserves or during bird nesting season.

The best time to hike is from late spring to early autumn (April to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. The seabird colonies, including puffins on Rathlin Island, are most active from April to July, adding a special highlight to coastal walks during this period.

Ballycastle serves as a good hub. Regular bus services connect Ballycastle to other towns and key attractions along the Causeway Coastal Route, such as the Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede. From Ballycastle, you can also take a ferry to Rathlin Island for more walking opportunities.

The Causeway Coast Way is a long-distance trail that passes through the area. You can hike sections of it as day trips from Ballycastle. For a detailed map and stage-by-stage descriptions, you can consult the official Causeway Coast Way Guide.

Yes, the area is rich in history. The walk to Kinbane Castle takes you to the ruins of a 16th-century stronghold perched on a limestone headland. The entire Causeway Coast is dotted with historical landmarks and sites of ancient legends.

The terrain is quite varied. Expect well-defined coastal paths, some of which run close to cliff edges. Other routes include grassy tracks across open hillsides, quiet rural roads, and woodland trails in places like Ballycastle Forest. Proper hiking footwear is recommended for grip and support.

For a change from the coastal scenery, you can explore Ballycastle Forest. It offers several woodland trails, including a section of the Moyle Way long-distance path. These routes provide shelter and different scenery, with views over Glentaisie, one of the famous Glens of Antrim.