Causeway Coastal Trails 2026.
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
With beaches, coastal paths, forest trails, and stunning views all within a short distance, the Causeway Coast is arguably one of the most beautiful places to run, (place your vote below).
The Causeway Coast is the best place to run in:
Northern Ireland
Ireland
UK
Europe
As the only independent running boutique on the Causeway Coast, our offering is much more than just the brands we stock. Our running newsletter seeks to promote all things running on the Causeway Coast, including routes, community, and events.
Route Focus
This editions focus is the Port to Port coastal route - 8K one way, 16K out and back. The mixed terrain follows the coastline from Lansdowne in Portrush to Harbour Hill in Portstewart.
1st KM: Starting at Lansdowne Car park, leading up to Ramore head with views over West Strand and Binevenagh headlands.(Drone)
2-3 KM: From Portrush harbour leading onto West Strand promenade. This is the flattest section of the run.
3-4 KM: Black Hill, 20m elevation over 400m, before entering the coastal path at Ballyreagh Golf Course.
4-6 KM: Undulating coastal trail on hard packed gravel with several short, sharp climbs. Leading to the Old Portstewart Golf Course.
6-7 KM: Keeping the coast line to your right and fairways to the left, you will run past the "Rinagree Arrow", a sighting used by WWII bombers on practice runs, and on towards Amicis Restaurant at the first tee box. (drone)
7-8 KM: The last KM takes you back onto the tarmac path, past the Herring pond (cold water swimming spot), and onto Harbour Hill.
Your choice is a halfway coffee and bite at North Coast Coffee shop before your return leg, or catch a quick bus back to Portrush (Bus 140a: Atlantic Circle - Portrush)
Race Highlight
Basaltsix is thrilled to announce our role as prize sponsors for the 2026 Bob & Berts North Coast 10K, scheduled for Friday, June 26th.
This cherished north coast event aligns perfectly with our ethos of "Embracing the Elements." The race begins on East Strand beach, where participants run along the sand towards White Rocks before tackling the 34m climb of "Heart Break Hill" over 600m. The tides affect how much energy you have in your legs, but the 2026 event looks promising, with the start time set for 7:15 pm, more than an hour after the high tide at 5:50 pm.
This popular event sells out each year with more than 1000 runners in 2025 so enter now to avoid disappointment. Enter Now
Why not make a weekend of it and book a stay at Earls Harbour Portrush. 10 Luxury 2 bedroom suites overlooking Portrush Harbour. Book direct at www.earlsharbour.com and use discount code 26extreme for 10% off. Booking must be made before the end of February.
Community
When visiting the Causeway Coast, there are several running groups and clubs within our local running community.
Monday
Springwell Hill and Trails Group, 6.30pm (Various locations)
North Shore Coffee & Brunch, 7.00pm (Portstewart) Social 5K
Tuesday
RunFit Causeway, 6pm (Coleraine), Structured Intervals.
Ballymena and Antrim Juniors
Thursday
North Coast Run Crew, 7.30pm (Babushka Portrush) Social 5K
Ballymena and Antrim Juniors
Saturday
Park Runs in:
Coleraine. The course is an out and back route alongside the river Bann on permanent paths.
Garvagh. Undulating picturesque two lap course on trail paths. Start and finish areas are close to the main forest entrance.
Portrush. This is the first beach parkrun in the world which is run entirely on the sand. It is a there-and-back course that starts at one end of the beach (Watersports Centre) and follows the beach around the beautifully scenic coast line to the White Rocks. The beach has a mixture of soft golden sand and harder compacted sand at the waters edge. There is a natural slope to the beach that is not too steep but also flat sections.
Armoy. The course consists of 3 laps run anti clockwise including a lap of the pitches.
BASALTsix works closely with the local running community, and we are proud to sponsor RunFit Causeways "Runner of the Month".
Jonathan McCaughan was Runner of the Month for January. RunFit owner Stephen Filis had a few questions for him after his award.
How long have you been training with RunFit?
Since January 2023
What has been your biggest achievement in running?
Consistently turning up to the weekly RunFit group and running the Belfast Half-Marathon in 1 hour 36 minutes last September.
What does RunFit mean to you?
I have enjoyed meeting new people in the group and creating new friendships with people who all have one common goal - running.
Describe RunFit in 3 words.
Friends, Fitness, Motivation.
Product Focus: Mid-layers
With the optimism of spring, lighter mornings and evenings, and the anticipation of drier weather, the midlayer becomes an essential component of your early spring running wardrobe. Our collection of midlayers from Inov8 and Compress Sport are designed to help you "Embrace the Elements and Run"
Property Focus: The Manse, Ballycastle
Make the Causeway Coast a Runcation destination for 2026 and book with our sister company Basalt Breaks, offering 20 premium properties all within a 20 minute drive of the Causeway Coast.
The Manse serves as the perfect base for your running group to discover the Causeway Coast. This 7-bedroom historic home accommodates 14 guests and offers several social spaces for relaxing after a run, including a large dining room with a big screen, a lounge with an open fire, a TV room, or a retreat to the mature gardens with a covered hot tub and sauna. With its original features, modern colors, and luxurious furnishings, The Manse offers an ideal environment to relax and connect with friends and family after a day on the Causeway Coast.
When exploring the Causeway Coast, be sure to visit our shop on Railway Road in Coleraine. We're conveniently located less than 800 meters from the railway and bus station, and we look forward to welcoming you.
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