Coastal Path

The stretch of coast between Larne and Cairnryan is one of those walks that sneaks up on you. You're not expecting much - it's Northern Ireland's east coast, after all - but then you round a bend and the Irish Sea opens up properly, cliffs rising behind you, and suddenly you understand why people bother.

It's a proper coastal path, the kind where you're genuinely walking along the edge of things. The route takes in basalt cliffs, small beaches, and enough sea air to clear your head for a week. On a clear day you can see across to Scotland - close enough to feel real, far enough to remind you you're somewhere else entirely.

The walk itself suits anyone with reasonable legs. It's not mountainous, but it's not flat either - there's a fair bit of up and down, and the surface can be muddy after rain. Most people allow two to three hours for a solid section of it, though you can do shorter loops if you're with kids or just fancy a couple of miles. Summer's the obvious choice weather-wise, but winter brings dramatic light and fewer crowds.

If you're staying at Down to Earth Wild Camping just down the road, this is basically your back garden. Four and a half miles away means it's genuinely walkable or a five-minute drive. It ties in well with a wider Mid Antrim coastal explore - not glamorous, but honest and properly rewarding.