Discover Waterfoot: Beach and Walking Trails

Waterfoot Beach and the Glenariff River Walk give Waterfoot a character of its own: the beach is ideal for walking and paddling, while the linear River Walk starts here and follows the Glenariff River. Glenariff adds trails through a distinctive valley and woodland landscape. This lets you choose between coastal scenery, a river gorge and longer hikes for your trip.

Valley, Woodland and Nature

Glenariff lies in the heart of the Nine Glens of Antrim, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The valley is U-shaped, with rocky slopes rising to open moorland. Glenariff Forest Park covers more than 1,000 hectares, with planted woodland, lakes, areas for outdoor recreation and nature conservation areas. This landscape combines wooded sections with open, rocky slopes.

Red squirrels, hen harriers and Irish hares live in Glenariff Forest. The damp conditions in Glenariff Nature Reserve are ideal for ferns, mosses and liverworts. Several rare species grow in the shade of the trees and beneath the spray of the waterfalls. The reserve’s character is shaped not only by views of the water but also by its damp habitats.

Walking Trails and Waterfalls

The Glenariff River Walk is a three-kilometre linear trail that starts in Waterfoot. It follows the Glenariff River through Glenariff Glen. You can extend the route via Glen Road to reach the Waterfall Walks in Glenariff Forest Park. This distinguishes a specific riverside route starting in Waterfoot from an optional extension to the waterfall trails.

The Glenariff Nature Reserve Waterfalls Walk is a marked trail through a scenic river gorge. Paths are cut into the rock, while raised boardwalks offer views of the waterfalls. There is a car park, toilets, a visitor centre and seasonal restaurants at the Waterfalls Walk. Glenariff Nature Reserve also has signposted trails, as well as car parks, toilets and a visitor centre. Facilities may change; check the latest information before your visit.

The Moyle Way offers a different scale of adventure: this challenging hike takes two days, leads to the slopes of Trostan and ends in Glenariff Forest Park. At 550 metres, Trostan is the highest peak in Antrim. So, when comparing hiking routes, you have a three-kilometre linear riverside trail, the waterfall walk through the gorge, and a challenging two-day hike with a different destination and scope.

Waterfoot Beach and the Coastal Walk

Waterfoot Beach is about one kilometre long and entirely sandy. The beach is ideal for walking and paddling. The Waterfoot Beach Walk passes through wildflower meadows and includes two playgrounds. Seasonal amenities and places to take a break add to the coastal stroll: there is a seasonal café along the route and plenty of picnic spots. The café is not open all year round.

The beach and the Beach Walk are described differently: the beach offers sand, walks and paddling, while the trail adds wildflower meadows, playgrounds and picnic spots. You can take these details into account when planning without treating the beach walk as the same as the hiking trails in Glenariff Forest Park.

Getting to Glenariff Forest

You can enter Glenariff Forest by car, on foot or by bike via the A43 Glenariff Road. Forestry work may affect access. Ulsterbus service 150 to and from Ballymena stops at the entrance to Glenariff Forest Park from Monday to Saturday. Operating times and timetables may change; check the latest information before travelling. This lets you plan your journey and chosen route separately, whether you have a short coastal walk, the River Walk or a longer hike in mind.

For the wider travel overview: Moyle.