Walking the Blackhead Path in Whitehead, Northern Ireland

Over the summer, I always try to have a plan. A plan of places to go, things to do, fun activities to do and so much more. Whether they work out or not is another thing entirely! However, our latest summer activity was to go for a walk along the Blackhead Path in Whitehead. I had never done it before and nor had my children, so this was going to be a fun experience for us all.

We got the train to Whitehead, which takes about 25 minutes and getting to the pathway, is only a 2-minute walk from the train station. Once you are down by the sea, you cannot go wrong with where you need to go. As long as the sea is on your right, you’re going the right way! This is a full seaside walk, from the Whitehead boathouse, right along the Blackhead Path and up to the Blackhead Lighthouse – if you dare take on the steps!

We were so incredibly lucky with the weather on the day we did the walk together as a family. A little too warm truth be told, but the views we had were nothing short of spectacular. Walking by woodlands, grasslands, listening to crickets and spotting grasshoppers. The kids really enjoyed it. There are public toilets at the car park {10p}, and shelters all along the path until you reach the part along the cliffside. These came in very useful considering the hot day we visited on!

We really enjoyed our walk, especially the caves you get to walk through! The kids also enjoyed trying to make a wish on the ledge of smugglers cove. The story goes that if you manage to throw a penny onto the ledge of smugglers cove, then you can make a wish. The kids tried, bless them they tried! But no wishes for them on this particular visit. Next time, though! I would, however, be very interested to see how old some of the coins are on that ledge! Wouldn’t you?

As we walked around the coastal path, taking in all of the beautiful sights. We came to the steps up to the Blackhead Lighthouse. These are steep and there are many! So it’s a job to get up there! But once you do? It is 100% worth it {once you can breathe again!}.

We decided to walk back down the steps and back round the coastal path, basically the way we came. Instead of walking down by the lighthouse and through the woodland. We wanted those sea views, what can I say!

And before getting our train home, we popped into Mauds Ice-cream, which is just next to the train station, for ice-cream cones all around! Because why not and Maud’s ice cream is life! I know, everyone reading this, from the mainland or not Northern Ireland? You’ll not have experienced the joy that is Mauds Ice-cream.

But, if you ever do visit our beautiful little island, put it on your list of musts to try! Also, add walking the Blackhead Path to that list too as we all had a fabulous time!

Next on my list, is to do The Gobbins Wild Cliff-Face Walk!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also enjoy our 12 top places to enjoy a picnic in Northern Ireland, this summer!

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