in the small privately owned museum above the pier. the above museum owned privately small the in

falcons may be heard nearby. nearby. heard be may falcons

, once a busy fishing port, whose history is displayed displayed is history whose port, fishing busy a once , Harbour

a kelp oven, boat slip and winch. The screams of peregrine peregrine of screams The winch. and slip boat oven, kelp a Ballycastle Harbour. Harbour. Ballycastle

Association. From here, it’s a short journey to to journey short a it’s here, From Association. Dunseverick

mines. The level site of the workings at Carrickmore feature feature Carrickmore at workings the of site level The mines. takes you to a section of fine cliffs and caves finishing in in finishing caves and cliffs fine of section a to you takes

to stay by prior arrangement with the Causeway Coast Kayak Kayak Coast Causeway the with arrangement prior by stay to

this area are riddled with the adits of old coal and iron ore ore iron and coal old of adits the with riddled are area this hidden wood of Portnakillew, a regular haunt for buzzards, buzzards, for haunt regular a Portnakillew, of wood hidden

restored fishermans bothy at Portmoon, where it is possible possible is it where Portmoon, at bothy fishermans restored

Coast Canoe Trail is available at www.canoeni.com at available is Trail Canoe Coast

warm in the evening sun, and the carboniferous rocks in in rocks carboniferous the and sun, evening the in warm horse Enbar ruled the waves. A short paddle past the the past paddle short A waves. the ruled Enbar horse

Belfast. Continue past column-clad headlands and bays to the the to bays and headlands column-clad past Continue .

A more detailed synopses of tidal information for the North North the for information tidal of synopses detailed more A

dolerite (a hard basalt beloved by rock climbers) glow glow climbers) rock by beloved basalt hard (a dolerite Rock, where ’s Neptune Manannán mac Lir and his his and Lir mac Manannán Neptune Ireland’s where Rock,

1967-1969 and can be viewed in the Museum in in Museum Ulster the in viewed be can and 1967-1969

this eastern corner. Layers of sandstone below the dark dark the below sandstone of Layers corner. eastern this tide. Beware of the reef and swirl around Carrickmannon Carrickmannon around swirl and reef the of Beware tide.

Jewellery and other artefacts were salvaged by divers in in divers by salvaged were artefacts other and Jewellery

particularly dangerous in conditions of wind against tide. against wind of conditions in dangerous particularly

600 feet) with its massive boulder field below dominates dominates below field boulder massive its with feet) 600 through a tunnel in the headland at certain states of the the of states certain at headland the in tunnel a through

few survivors from the hundreds of souls on board. board. on souls of hundreds the from survivors few

large overfalls can be expected and conditions are are conditions and expected be can overfalls large

Master. The huge profile of (190 metres, just over over just metres, (190 Head Fair of profile huge The Master. ruined castle and abandoned fishery it is possible to kayak kayak to possible is it fishery abandoned and castle ruined

Spanish Armada treasure ship in a storm in 1588 with with 1588 in storm a in Girona ship treasure Armada Spanish

found in the vicinity of Torr Head and Fair Head where where Head Fair and Head Torr of vicinity the in found

closest to the marina only after contacting the Harbour Harbour the contacting after only marina the to closest Giant’s Cut. At the chalk headland of Kinbane with its its with Kinbane of headland chalk the At Cut. Giant’s

in Port-na-Spaniagh are highlights. The latter claimed the the claimed latter The highlights. are Port-na-Spaniagh in

The most powerful tides on the Causeway Coast are to be be to are Coast Causeway the on tides powerful most The

of the ferry slip and marina entrance and use the public slip slip public the use and entrance marina and slip ferry the of and a little further on is the amazing chasm known as the the as known chasm amazing the is on further little a and

above the Amphitheatre and the long talon of Lacada Point Point Lacada of talon long the and Amphitheatre the above

ferry service to . Canoeists should stay clear clear stay should Canoeists Island. Rathlin to service ferry A magnificent cave opens past the east side of the islands, islands, the of side east the past opens cave magnificent A

of the Giant’s Causeway and cliffs, the Chimneys standing standing Chimneys the cliffs, and Causeway Giant’s the of

relevant Admiralty Charts. Admiralty relevant

has a busy marina and harbour with a regular regular a with harbour and marina busy a has Ballycastle

strong offshore winds. The amazing regular basalt columns columns basalt regular amazing The winds. offshore strong

Coasts of Ireland, Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas NP218 and and NP218 Atlas Stream Tidal Admiralty Ireland, of Coasts

and, given enough water, kayak under the bridge. bridge. the under kayak water, enough given and,

of reflected waves and downdraughts close to the shore in in shore the to close downdraughts and waves reflected of

Cruising Club Sailing Directions for the East and North North and East the for Directions Sailing Club Cruising

Waterfoot to Ballycastle (16NM) kittiwake and fulmar are noisy as you pass their colonies colonies their pass you as noisy are fulmar and kittiwake

interspersed with red layers of iron-rich laterite, but beware beware but laterite, iron-rich of layers red with interspersed

reference should be made to the Irish Coast Pilot, Irish Irish Pilot, Coast Irish the to made be should reference

tucked under the eastern cliff. Breeding razorbill, guillemot, guillemot, razorbill, Breeding cliff. eastern the under tucked

Causeway to Dunseverick Harbour, with layers of dark basalt basalt dark of layers with Harbour, Dunseverick to Causeway

exposed to the Atlantic swell. When planning a trip trip a planning When swell. Atlantic the to exposed

once used by salmon fishermen whose cottage remains remains cottage whose fishermen salmon by used once fishy feast. feast. fishy

Some of the finest cliff scenery awaits you from the Giant’s Giant’s the from you awaits scenery cliff finest the of Some

when wind is in opposition to tide given that this coast is is coast this that given tide to opposition in is wind when

Today, tourists can be thrilled or scared crossing the bridge, bridge, the crossing scared or thrilled be can tourists Today, distance – they need to rest, dry out and digest their latest latest their digest and out dry rest, to need they – distance

eddies often running between these. Care should be taken taken be should Care these. between running often eddies

find more seals hauled out at Mill Bay. Keep a respectful respectful a Keep Bay. Mill at out hauled seals more find

one - Runkerry Cave - being quite extensive. extensive. quite being - Cave Runkerry - one

Overfalls and tide races are found at all the headlands with with headlands the all at found are races tide and Overfalls

its famous rope bridge. rope famous its station at Ushet Port. Paddling back to the harbour, you will will you harbour, the to back Paddling Port. Ushet at station

Runkerry Point. There are three caves in these cliffs, the first first the cliffs, these in caves three are There Point. Runkerry

due to a complex shoreline of beaches, bays and headlands. headlands. and bays beaches, of shoreline complex a to due

shore leading to the tiny archipelago of Carrick-a-Rede and and Carrick-a-Rede of archipelago tiny the to leading shore below the ruins of the smuggler’s house and coastguard coastguard and house smuggler’s the of ruins the below

Watch out for the Mile Stone and a tide race rounding rounding race tide a and Stone Mile the for out Watch

currents and counter currents experienced closer inshore inshore closer experienced currents counter and currents

lar stalactite cave can be found midway along the limestone limestone the along midway found be can cave stalactite lar fantastic rock columns at Doon Point, eider duck and seals seals and duck eider Point, Doon at columns rock fantastic

rock salmon fishery bothy perches on the rocks below. below. rocks the on perches bothy fishery salmon rock

the entrance to the Irish Sea. There are a number of of number a are There Sea. Irish the to entrance the

passed through the gap close to the sea stack. A spectacu- A stack. sea the to close gap the through passed web-spinning spider. Heading for Rue Point, enjoy the the enjoy Point, Rue for Heading spider. web-spinning

distinctive landmark of Runkerry House. The former Black- former The House. Runkerry of landmark distinctive

forced between Ireland and with Rathlin Island at at Island Rathlin with Scotland and Ireland between forced

island and the former chalk quarry of Larrybane is best best is Larrybane of quarry chalk former the and island sanctuary in 1307 and been inspired by a determined determined a by inspired been and 1307 in sanctuary

whiskey distillery, and at the far end of the strand is the the is strand the of end far the at and distillery, whiskey

The tides offshore flood east and the rate increases as it is is it as increases rate the and east flood offshore tides The

seaward side of Sheep Island. A partial reef between the the between reef partial A Island. Sheep of side seaward king-to-be Robert the Bruce was said to have found found have to said was Bruce the Robert king-to-be

tidal movement in the bay. 3km upstream is the famous famous the is upstream 3km bay. the in movement tidal

headlands interspersed with golden sandy beaches. beaches. sandy golden with interspersed headlands

heavy swell with a strong tide race in the bay and on the the on and bay the in race tide strong a with swell heavy rocky, beginning at the cave and castle where Scottish Scottish where castle and cave the at beginning rocky,

River Bush. The tongue of freshwater is a good indicator of of indicator good a is freshwater of tongue The Bush. River

The Causeway Coast is a blend of rocky shores and and shores rocky of blend a is Coast Causeway The

Beyond the harbour there is a sand bank that breaks in in breaks that bank sand a is there harbour the Beyond north side. The eastern shore is more low-lying and very very and low-lying more is shore eastern The side. north

The route to the Causeway takes you past the mouth of the the of mouth the past you takes Causeway the to route The

rocks. There are some spectacular sea caves along the the along caves sea spectacular some are There rocks.

Tidal Information Tidal

May to August, and Atlantic grey seals haul out on isolated isolated on out haul seals grey Atlantic and August, to May home. eccentric be given a wide berth. wide a given be

breeding colonies on the western and northern cliffs from from cliffs northern and western the on colonies breeding an create to years forty for single-handed laboured 1978)

guards the east side of the entrance to the bay and should should and bay the to entrance the of side east the guards

Glens of Antrim. of Glens

puffin, kittiwake and fulmar – come and go from their their from go and come – fulmar and kittiwake puffin, (died Penprase Newton artist Cornish where harbour, the

Heritage Site are encountered. The Blind Rock or ‘Blinn’ ‘Blinn’ or Rock Blind The encountered. are Site Heritage

magnificent glacial valley of , one of the nine nine the of one Glenariff, of valley glacial magnificent

Tens of thousands of seabirds – chiefly guillemot, razorbill, razorbill, guillemot, chiefly – seabirds of thousands of Tens above corner a on House Bendoo of structure extraordinary

break before the rugged cliffs of the Giant’s Causeway World World Causeway Giant’s the of cliffs rugged the before break

, welcomed by the the by welcomed , of beach the at begins!) (or Waterfoot

was exported and fishing boats were busy. Note the the Note busy. were boats fishing and exported was

of apartments and holiday homes but offers a welcome welcome a offers but homes holiday and apartments of

sandstones of Red Bay come into view. Your journey ends ends journey Your view. into come Bay Red of sandstones

with its lime kilns was once a lively place where burnt lime lime burnt where place lively a once was kilns lime its with Seabird Centre. Centre. Seabird

is now a mix mix a now is of settlement fishing former The

. Continuing south, the the south, Continuing . to way the on

. This picturesque haven haven picturesque This . to approach the Lighthouse (1912 – 1919), now also serving as the RSPB’s RSPB’s the as serving also now 1919), – (1912 Lighthouse Harbour Ballintoy

Moorlands and sheep pastures lie above the rugged shore shore rugged the above lie pastures sheep and Moorlands

Major geological faulting created the tilted rock stacks on on stacks rock tilted the created faulting geological Major for building materials used in the construction of the West West the of construction the in used materials building for its entrance facing north east, is worth exploring. worth is east, north facing entrance its

be seen in the cliffs near Cave House south of . Cushendun. of south House Cave near cliffs the in seen be

At Cooraghy Bay, an old pier and ramp mark the landing site site landing the mark ramp and pier old an Bay, Cooraghy At Ireland. Binbane Cave, one of the longest on the coast, with with coast, the on longest the of one Cave, Binbane Ireland.

Ancient river cobbles known as the “puddingstones” can can “puddingstones” the as known cobbles river Ancient

takes you past numerous narrow caves and chalk pillars. pillars. chalk and caves narrow numerous past you takes shell. bivalve ancient an toenails”, “Devil’s gryphaea coastline from here to Rathlin, a geological mix unique in in unique mix geological a Rathlin, to here from coastline

Heading west from the harbour under the white cliffs cliffs white the under harbour the from west Heading the as such fossils, contain clay lias soft of beds Exposed limestone or chalk and black basalt is a regular feature of the the of feature regular a is basalt black and chalk or limestone

owned by the National Trust. Trust. National the by owned

remains such as the bones of the now extinct great auk. auk. great extinct now the of bones the as such remains castle is perched. The salt and pepper effect of white white of effect pepper and salt The perched. is castle

Welshman Clough Williams Ellis and most of the village is is village the of most and Ellis Williams Clough Welshman

Stone Age settlement where excavations revealed food food revealed excavations where settlement Age Stone population is around 70. around is population spectacular cave that penetrates the sea stack on which the the which on stack sea the penetrates that cave spectacular

The latter’s distinctive architecture was the creation of of creation the was architecture distinctive latter’s The

chalk and is noted for its archaeological sites, including a a including sites, archaeological its for noted is and chalk invasions, massacres and emigrations. Today’s resident resident Today’s emigrations. and massacres invasions, landing is possible in the narrow channel just east of the the of east just channel narrow the in possible is landing

nets are fished in summer at Torr Head and Cushendun. Cushendun. and Head Torr at summer in fished are nets

, with surf and tide rips, is dominated by by dominated is rips, tide and surf with , The island’s 7000 years of human history is peppered with with peppered is history human of years 7000 island’s The Whitepark Bay Whitepark history and the views alone make it well worth a visit – – visit a worth well it make alone views the and history

porpoise and minke whale. The only surviving salmon bag bag salmon surviving only The whale. minke and porpoise

Ahead are the romantic ruins of . Its 700 year year 700 Its Castle. Dunluce of ruins romantic the are Ahead

Torr and the Mull of Kintyre opposite is worth watching for for watching worth is opposite Kintyre of Mull the and Torr

shore below the holiday homes. holiday the below shore increasingly being sighted around Rathlin. around sighted being increasingly

. The narrow channel between between channel narrow The . to south Head Cushendun

the white and blue Millhouse. Otters occasionally visit the the visit occasionally Otters Millhouse. blue and white the is a memorable trip. Porpoise, dolphin and whales are are whales and dolphin Porpoise, trip. memorable a is Black Guillemot colonies and salt-tolerant wild flowers. wild salt-tolerant and colonies Guillemot Black

Cliffs give way to steep sheep-grazed slopes from Torr Torr from slopes sheep-grazed steep to way give Cliffs

the smallest church in Ireland tucked in at the south end of of end south the at in tucked Ireland in church smallest the clockwise to take advantage of the island’s complex tides, tides, complex island’s the of advantage take to clockwise wave-cut platforms. In springtime, these cliffs are home to to home are cliffs these springtime, In platforms. wave-cut

The pier at Portbraddan (Port of the Salmon) is private, with with private, is Salmon) the of (Port Portbraddan at pier The north side. Nevertheless, a circuit of the island, best done done best island, the of circuit a Nevertheless, side. north Head, The Wishing Arch and a variety of stacks, caves and and caves stacks, of variety a and Arch Wishing The Head,

rest having rounded the spectacular headlands. spectacular the rounded having rest

turbulent areas at all major headlands, notably along the the along notably headlands, major all at areas turbulent eroded limestone cliffs feature The Giant’s Giant’s The feature cliffs limestone eroded The White Rocks White

slip at Torr offer welcome shelter and the opportunity to to opportunity the and shelter welcome offer Torr at slip

McDonnell Race off the East Lighthouse. There are other other are There Lighthouse. East the off Race McDonnell salts. useful

(private) set by another old fishing site. The harbour and and harbour The site. fishing old another by set (private)

which add interest as you paddle by. by. paddle you as interest add which harbour, and the the and harbour, to Ballycastle from route in rich kelp, produce to down melted was seaweed Church Bay Church

geologically varied , with its remote cottage cottage remote its with Bay, Murlough varied geologically

which are privately owned have seal and seabird colonies colonies seabird and seal have owned privately are which tide races and overfalls are Slough-na-More on the 5NM 5NM the on Slough-na-More are overfalls and races tide dried the where kilns small marking burners kelp of smoke

Between these two promontories is the wooded and and wooded the is promontories two these Between

headland, through the Skerries, and in the Sound. The islands islands The Sound. the in and Skerries, the through headland, best timed as close as possible to slack water. Two notorious notorious Two water. slack to possible as close as timed best white the shore, busy a was this 1930s, the to century

suitable for suitably experienced and prepared canoeists. canoeists. prepared and experienced suitably for suitable

. Strong tide races occur at this this at occur races tide Strong . of Strands paddlers. Crossing the sound from any departure point is is point departure any from sound the Crossing paddlers. eighteenth the From Bay. Park White to coast the typify

around Fair Head and Torr Head - this journey is only only is journey this - Head Torr and Head Fair around

The low cliffs of Ramore Head separate the West and East East and West the separate Head Ramore of cliffs low The is a challenging excursion, even for experienced experienced for even excursion, challenging a is up washed seaweed of banks and bays small stacks, Rock Rathlin

columnar basalt. Take care negotiating the fierce tide races races tide fierce the negotiating care Take basalt. columnar

by the legendary Grey Man’s Path capped by a lintel of of lintel a by capped Path Man’s Grey legendary the by

Dunseverick to Portrush Island Rathlin Ballycastle to Dunseverick (10NM) (20NM) (7NM)

The impressive dolerite escarpment of Fair Head is bisected bisected is Head Fair of escarpment dolerite impressive The

Fair Head Head Fair

Image courtesy of NIEA of courtesy Image

Kinbane Castle, Kinbane Head Kinbane Castle, Kinbane White Rocks White Puffins

Safety Canoeing is an adventure sport and as such should be treated with respect. If you are new to the sport, it is advisable to contact a Canoe Association of (CANI) approved provider or cano e club where expert coaching and local knowledge can be provided. TRAI LS Details can be found at www.cani.org.uk When taking part in canoeing consider the following safety advice: Martello Tower, . Image courtesy of Richard Gillen 1. Attending a recognised training course to develop skills and to Experience adventure, beauty and acquire safety and environmental knowledge is very important for nature on Northern Ireland’s safe paddling on the coast. The sand dunes and grasslands are part of the Magilligan 2. It is recommended that canoeists consult the relevant Maps, Special Area of Conservation, full of colourful butterflies, Charts and Pilot and obtain up to date information on weather and orchids and other flora in summer. Waves frequently break tides before planning a trip on the sea. on the Tuns Bank offshore, reputed burial place of 3. CANI recommends that paddlers leave details of their journey with North Coast Manannán mac Lir, a mystical sea god whom we’ll the Coastguard and with a responsible adult based on the shore. encounter again further east. 4. Carry adequate basic safety equipment - spare clothes, extrafood, Sea Kayak Trail warm drink, form of shelter, First Aid kit, means of communication Inland, the basalt escarpment of curves (VHF Radio, mobile phone), flares, torch and whistle. This 70 nautical mile route around Ireland’s north-east By Carrick-a-Rede gradually seawards and the distinctive domed shape of 5. Wear appropriate buoyancy in the form of a personal lifejacket corner offers varieties of rugged scenery and wildlife that are Mussenden Temple, a local landmark, can be seen from or buoyancy aid. Canoe buoyancy should be sufficient to keep unique. There is something for all kayaking abilities.Go for it! some distance. Passing under the high cliffs at Downhill, cut the canoe afloat if you capsize. The North Coast Sea Kayak Trail can be followed in either 6. It is not recommended to canoe alone - three boats is the direction, but travelling with the flood tide, this guide takes by the Black Glen, you get a brief glimpse into the former minimum required for most rescues. you west to east, from Magilligan Point in County estate of Frederick Hervey, the Earl of Bristol and Bishop of 7. Be aware of other water users such as sailing boats, ferries and Londonderry to Torr Head in , then south to Derry, known as the Earl Bishop, who had the Temple and commercial shipping. Canoeists should make allowance for the Waterfoot at the mouth of Glenariff, Queen of the Glens of other buildings erected in the late 1700s, all now part of a limitations and needs of larger craft that are less maneuverable Antrim. You can choose to paddle any one of the six sections, National Trust property. The railway line passes through and may be restricted to deep water channels. each offering something different. For the experienced sea two tunnels either side of the Black Glen and the sea cave 8. Many parts of the North Coast Sea Kayak Trail experience kayaker there are tide races, overfalls, exciting Atlantic close to is worth inspection. extremely powerful tidal currents and should only be tackled by swells, hidden reefs to keep you alert, and a challenging but appropriately experienced canoeists. rewarding circuit of Rathlin Island. You will also find plenty of Past the small resort of Castlerock, twin piers guide the 9. At busy harbours, canoeists should inform the Harbour Master waters of the River Bann seawards. At the Barmouth there of their approach. more moderate paddling to enable enjoyment of the varieties of scenery, wildlife and local history. can be large standing waves with the ocean swell meeting Winds and Weather the outflow of the Lower River Bann following heavy rain The Shipping Forecast, Inshore Waters Forecast and Coastal Forecast Ancient castles, the Giant’s Causeway and a dramatic rope and on an ebbing tide. The boundary between the brown can all be obtained from the BBC website news.bbc.co.uk/weather bridge are just a few of the tourist attractions. There is a freshwater and the sea can attract porpoise, feeding BBC radio 4 broadcast a shipping forecast four times daily – 0048hrs, good range of access points, from tiny and forgotten seabirds such as kittiwake, and other gulls. 0520hrs, 1201hrs, 1754hrs. Sea area ‘Irish Sea’ fishing piers to beaches of sand and cobbles and several lively harbours. MusMu sennden Templmp e Downhilll,, Paddling beyond the surf Non-emergency contacts RobRbert Morris Imageg couourtesy of that breaks on Police non-emergency (Northern Ireland) 0845 600 8000 Wildlife treats include clamouring seabird colonies, inquisitive Nationonal Trust Strand, you approach a Belfast Coastguard non-emergency +44 (0)28 9146 3933 seals and the chance of sighting porpoise, dolphin and perhaps mainly lower-lying rocky Emergencies a whale (cetaceans). Landing places and their facilities are coastline with shallow bays, off-lying rock outcrops and In the event of an emergency - Dial 999 or 112 to contact marked on the map and this information is not repeated in the Coastguard, police and ambulance. Use VHF Radio Channel 16 to text. Paddlers can extend their journey by continuing on the tidal channels ideal for contact Coastguard adjoining Foyle Canoe Trail or East Coast Canoe Trail. exploration. Portstewart Harbour slipway is exposed Harbour contact details and the headland can be Portstewart Harbour +44(0)28 7034 7234 Magilligan to Portrush (12NM) unsettled due to any Portrush Harbour +44(0)28 7082 2307 combination of tide wind Portballintrae Harbour +44(0)28 7034 7234 The imposing defensive structure of the and swell. Kittiwake Ballycastle +44(0)28 2076 8225/ VHF Ch80 Martello Tower, built in the early 1800s, colonies on the cliff face by +44(0)78 0350 5084 marks the launching place to start you the caves and rafts of eider Rathlin +44(0)28 2076 8225/ VHF Ch80 on this north coast trail. Launch from amongst the wave cut platforms add to the experience. +44(0)78 0350 5084 the beach just below the Point Bar. Portrush, the end of this section, is one of Northern Maps, charts and pilot Keep clear of the pier and its ferry boat Ireland’s premier holiday resorts, and there are ample Maps required crossing the narrows to Greencastle in diversions and facilities available if you choose to go ashore. OSNI Discoverer Map Series 1:50,000 Sheet 4 , and be aware of the Canoe access is from the small beach in the south east OSNI Discoverer Map Series 1:50,000 Sheet 5 Ballycastle ComCCoommmonmoonn SpSpoottotteded OrcOrchidhi ImImamamagge coucoouurteesysy ooff NIENIN A military presence and security patrols corner of the harbour. Contact should be made with the Other useful maps when parking. Harbour Master in advance of access and to confirm OSNI Causeway Coast & Rathlin Island Activity Map 1:25,000 parking arrangements. OSNI Activity Map 1:25,000 Between Magilligan and there is a military firing Admiralty Charts required range extending almost 3 nautical miles out to sea. When No: 2798 to Sanda Island including Rathlin Island No: 2199 North Channel - Northern Part planning your journey it is essential to contact Belfast Other useful Charts - No: 2499 Lough Foyle Coastguard for details of when firing is scheduled and plan to Publications required - UKHO Irish Coast Pilot NP40, paddle outside of these times. If the firing range is in use, red NP218 Tidal Stream Atlas North Coast of Ireland and West Coast flags (daytime) or red lights (night) are visible on hoisted of Scotland flagstaffs on the beach. There are no buoys marking the Irish Cruising Club: Sailing Directions East and North Coasts of Ireland range out to sea. GGiGiaiant’ntnt’t’sCs Causaauu ewewaewaay 3 Nautical Miles NORTH OF IRELAND

Rathlin East 5 Kilometres 80 85 90 95 00 05 Rathlin West 20 COLERAINE RATHLIN ISLAND Fl (4) 20s 74m 26M Republic Fl R 5s 62m 22M Kebble & Bruce’s Kinramer National Cave M of Ireland Nature Reserve a cDonnell Race Tidal Constants Bull Point Northern Local HW times in relation to HW Belfast: Cooraghy Ireland BELFAST Bay Moville +3hr 50mins Mill Bay 50 PORTMOON DUNSEVERICK HARBOUR Londonderry -2hr 53 mins A CHURCH BAY GR C979 452 GR C000 445 A Coleraine -4hr 03 mins GR D148 509

Portrush -4hr 33 mins No vehicle access Doon Point Bothy access by prior arrangement Ballycastle -3hr 20 mins www.ccka.co.uk Red Bay +0hr 06 mins A BALLINTOY HARBOUR Tea room seasonal opening GR D038 453 Ushet Port PORTSTEWART STRAND PORTSTEWART PORTRUSH HARBOUR A WHITE ROCKS A A A Rue Point GR C810 367 HARBOUR GR C854 407 GR C883 407 S BALLYCASTLE HARBOUR Tea room seasonal opening l o ugh-na-More A GR C815 385 Fl (2) 5s 16m 14M GR D121 414 R A National Trust - vehicle charges Harbour Master Office Sheep T Island H apply, seasonal tea room and www.portrushyachtclub.com L I N shower facility Use of facilities by prior arrangement Seasonal WC opening Larrybane Head Carrick-a-rede S O Outdoor Cold Shower GIANT’S CAUSEWAY U N Ferry Terminal & Harbour Master office 45 WORLD HERITAGE SITE Geeragh Island & D Point Rope Bridge y Ballintoy Great Stookan B146 Dunseverick Carrickmannon Rock PORTANDOO Castle Benmore or A Portbraddan Fair Head GR C856 412 White Park Ba Kinbane Head GR D043 444 Runkerry Kinbane MAGILLIGAN POINT N A Point GR D013 436 Castle GR C659 387 MURLOUGH BAY O Bushfoot Strand B15 The Skerries GR D198 419 R A2 Carrick More No vehicle access. T H S K E R R I N D E S S O U Ramore PORTBALLINTRAE HARBOUR A C Head Portballintrae GR C926 421 ks Dunluce GR D120 412 H c Castle DOWNHILL e Ro GR D119 411 A A Whit GR D139 415 S GR C752 362 A2 GR C940 409 BALLYCASTLE TORR HEAD N N Lifeboat Carey River Station GR D233 402 N U Glenshesk River T iver No vehicle access. E 40 E Tow R L T H Army Firing Range PORTRUSH Bush River Contact Belfast Coastguard GR C846 396 Na Crockan Point To Reserveture before crossing CASTLEROCK Carrick Dhu Moville A A EAST STRAND WHITE PARK BAY GR C774 362 GR C837 392 CARNANMORE (ROI) Juniper Hill GR C861 405 GR D022 441 No vehicle access. LFAST A44 E BALLYCASTLE BEACH A2

B A Martello A29 GR D130 412 Tower PORTSTEWART Runabay Head B158 d Watersports The North Coast Watersports Centre - use of Barmouth Zoning Portstewart facilities by prior arrangement Stran B enone Strand B202 and Downhill Strand www.colerainebc.gov.uk an Mussenden KNOCKLAYD Downhill Temple A2 Lo we r

LOUGH FOYLE LOUGH B Magillig Castlerock an A2 n C anoe Tr A WEST STRAND ail GR C856 401 GanGaannnetnen River Bann Tornamoney Point

BENONE STRAND A2 B92 A ave River

GR C717 361 cl A29 Arti GR D245 331 A CUSHENDUN Cushendun HARBOUR COLERAINE GGrerreeySy Seaealeala , Joeoe CorCoororninisn sh.h GR C719 357 ImaIImmamagege coucocouo rtertrtteesysy ofof GR D249 326 GiaGiaant’nntt’t’ssC Cauaaususewaewewaway A26 BELFAST NaNatNaattioionoonalal Truruust.ststt. River B92 LIMAVADY

A2 A2

BINEVENAGH A29 Earning a Welcome LIMAVADY CUSHENDALL 1. Please be friendly and polite to local residents and other water users. A GR D244 270 2. Drive with care and consideration and park sensibly. Glenaan River Carrick-a-Rede Cushendun, image courtesy of NITB. 3. Change clothing discreetly, preferably out of public view. Key to Symbols 4. Gain permission before going on to private property. Slipway Access 5. Minimise your impact on the natural environment and use recognised access points. There are also many Cushendall Red Bay Lifeboat Shore Access unofficial access points along the coastline, which may be used with the owner’s consent. Station 6. Be sensitive to wildlife and other users regarding the level of noise you create. Red Bay Pier Sailing Club Access No Kayak Access 7. Observe wildlife from a distance and be aware of sensitive locations such as nesting birds, wintering flock t Coast To Eas Canoe Parking LURIGETHAN Tra il > concentrations, seal haul-outs, cetaceans and basking sharks. Waterfoot A2 Caravan & Camp Site 8. CAAN supports the principles of Leave No Trace and encourages others to do the same when taking part in Ballyemon River er Rough Camping outdoor recreation. For more information please visit www.leavenotraceireland.org. WATERFOOT Bothy 9. Keep the numbers in your party consistent with safety, the nature of the water conditions and the impact GR D241 255/247 248 Glenariff Riv A on your surroundings. Hostel/Youth Hostel 10. Wild camping should be carried out discreetly, in small parties, and for overnight stays only. Suitable Picnic Site

Shop Provision for people with disabilities Toilets Accommodation All sites with slips cater for disability access with varying degrees depending on Fresh water A range of self catering, B&B and hotels are available along the trail. For a full list the water level. It is recommended to check before starting a journey of accommodation providers please visit www.canoeni.com or This guide is available on request in alternative formats. Telephone The Wishing Arch, White Rocks www.discovernorthernireland.com Disclaimer Shower Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this publication. CAAN and its Public house Canoe Hire and Canoe Tours partner organisations cannot, however, accept responsibility for errors or omissions but, where such For up-to-date canoe hire and guiding please visit www.canoeni.com are brought to our attention, future publications will be amended accordingly. Canoeing may by its Cafe/restaurant nature be hazardous and involve risk; training is essential for safe participation. It is recommended to Historical Building Beaufort Scale Wind Speed Wind Speed Description Sea State take out personal accident insurance. Users must undertake and act on their own risk assessments Force Knots MPH Camping prior to use of any access site or waterway and review and update during use. The guide must be Tourist Information For details of official campsites and rough camping opportunities please visit used in conjunction with an ordnance survey 1:50,000 map and an accurate navigation chart. Neither the publishers, funders, contributors, landowners, site managers, riparian owners nor agents of the Hospital 0 0 0 www.canoeni.com CalmCalm Sea like a mirror. aforementioned can be held responsible for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person or persons as a result of information, guidance or advice given in or omitted from this guide. Nesting/Wintering Birds Cushendun Harbour by Dennis Gilbert, Further Information 1 1-3 1-3 Light Air Ripples but without foam crests. image courtesy of National Trust Acknowledgements Seals www.causewaycoastandglens.com Design www.thinkstudio.co.uk Overfalls - Tidal Rapids and 2 44-6-6 4-74-7 LightLight Breeze Small wavelets, crests do not break. Guillemots, image courtesy of NIEA Tourist Information Centres: waves, dangerous to the Limavady +44(0)28 7776 0650 www.limavady.gov.uk This project has been developed by inexperienced canoeist Large wavelets, occasional white horses, crests begin to break. Noticeable work Coleraine +44(0)28 7034 4723 www.northcoastni.com 3 7-10 8-12 Gentle Wind paddling into headwind. Portrush +44(0)28 7082 3333 www.northcoastni.com Surf beach - dependent Limit for inexperienced on conditions paddlers Giant’s Causeway +44(0)28 2073 1855 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 4 111-161-16 1313-18-18 ModerateModerate WindWind Small waves, frequent wwhite horses, becoming bouncy. Inexperienced should consider Ballycastle +44(0)28 2076 2024 www.moyle-council.org Tidal Eddies heading to shore unless it’s an onshore wind. Limit for experienced Cushendall +44(0)28 2177 1180 www.moyle-council.org paddlers 5 17-21 19-24 Fresh Wind Moderate waves, many white horses, some foam and spray. Hard work paddling into Caves wind or across wind. Trail updates: Any changes to the canoe trail that may occur will be updated Limit for advanced on www.canoeni.com. Please email any feedback to [email protected] paddlers ‘The European Agricultural Fund Towns or Residential areas 6 222-272-27 2525-31-31 StrongStrong Wind Big seas with large wavwaves.ves. White foam crests and spray. Rescues difficult to execute, for Rural Development: Europe warnings issued to smasmallll craft. investing in rural areas’. Other Resources Beaches Wind Strength and Corresponding Sea Conditions Canoe Trails www.canoeni.com 7 28-33 32-38 Near Gale Big seas with large waves, white foam blown in streaks along the direction of wind. Other project partners include: , The Canoe Association of Northern A Kayak handling difficult even for experienced paddlers. Communication very difficult. Canoe Association of Northern Ireland www.cani.org.uk Access points Ireland, National Trust, Causeway Coast Kayak Association & The Northern Ireland Outdoor NI www.outdoorni.com High waves, crests beginbeggin to break into spindrift. Very dangerous conditions; 8 334-404-40 3939-46-46 GaGalele Environment Agency. Ferry Routes communication almostt impossible, rescues impractical, each man for himself. Countryside Access & Activities Network www.countrysiderecreation.com CAAN is core funded by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Northern Ireland Tourist Board & Sport Northern Ireland. This guide is designed to be used in conjunction with relevant OSNI 1;50,000 maps and UKHO Admiralty Charts.