Waterfoot: Hiking, Waterfalls and Beach

Waterfoot combines an approximately 1 km-long sandy beach with the impressive landscapes of Glenariff. Those planning a trip with walks, riverside paths, waterfalls and extensive woodland will find a range of options here for active and relaxing days. When choosing your holiday accommodation in Waterfoot, you can therefore consider whether you mainly want to explore the beach, follow the Glenariff River Walk or plan excursions to Glenariff Forest Park.

Between the Sandy Beach and Glenariff Valley

Waterfoot Beach consists entirely of sand and offers opportunities for walking and paddling. The Waterfoot Beach Walk passes through wildflower meadows and includes two playgrounds. This route also has a seasonal café and numerous picnic spots. This means a beach day can be enjoyed in different ways: you can walk along the water, take a break outdoors or combine the walk with a visit to the playgrounds.

The landscape of Glenariff is characterised by a U-shaped valley. Rocky slopes rise to open moorland. Glenariff lies at the heart of the Nine Glens of Antrim, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Red squirrels, hen harriers and Irish hares live in Glenariff Forest. Glenariff Nature Reserve also contains wet habitats where ferns, mosses and liverworts thrive. Several rare species grow beneath the shade of the trees and in the spray of the waterfalls.

Walking Routes for Different Day Plans

The linear, 3 km-long Glenariff River Walk starts directly in Waterfoot. It follows the Glenariff River through Glenariff Glen. The route can be extended via Glen Road to reach the Waterfall Walks in Glenariff Forest Park. The Glenariff Nature Reserve Waterfalls Walk is a marked trail through a picturesque river gorge. Paths cut into the rocks and raised boardwalks provide views of the waterfalls.

For planning this excursion, Glenariff Nature Reserve has car parks, toilets, a visitor centre and signposted paths. The Waterfalls Walk also has seasonal restaurants. This seasonal detail is important for planning your day if you want to include a meal break along the way.

Glenariff Forest Park covers more than 1,000 hectares of planted woodland, lakes, areas for outdoor recreation and nature conservation areas. You can enter the forest by car, on foot or by bicycle via the A43 Glenariff Road. From Monday to Saturday, Ulsterbus route 150 to and from Ballymena also stops at the entrance gate of Glenariff Forest Park. These different options help you plan your accommodation and excursions around your preferred mode of transport.

Those looking for a more challenging hike can consider the Moyle Way. It is described as a two-day hike, leads to the slopes of Trostan and ends in Glenariff Forest Park. At 550 m, Trostan is the highest summit in Antrim. The Moyle Way is therefore suited to travel plans centred on a longer hike, while the River Walk and Waterfoot Beach Walk offer shorter, clearly defined ideas for a day out.

Waterfoot as a Starting Point for Planning Your Trip

Choosing a holiday apartment or accommodation in Waterfoot can be tailored to your preferred travel pace. For beach walks and paddling, Waterfoot Beach and the Beach Walk are the main attractions. For woodland, rivers and waterfalls, the Glenariff River Walk and the routes in the Nature Reserve and Forest Park offer specific destinations. If you are planning a longer hike, the Moyle Way provides a separate focus. This allows you to decide before booking whether your trip should be shaped primarily by the water, short nature trails or a challenging multi-day hike.

Further Places to Include in Your Travel Plans

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Waterfoot, you will find direct links here: Bushmills, Ballintoy and Ballycastle.

For the main travel overview: Moyle.