Fair Head
Along the top of huge basalt cliffs at the north-east tip of Ireland, with Scotland across the sea.
- Distance
- 3.3 km
- Ascent
- 220 m
- Time
- 1–1.5 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 196 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Fair Head is a moderate 3.3 km circular walk with 220 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at Coolanlough car park (grid reference NW 360 995).
Fair Head is a great headland of basalt columns rising about 180 m from the sea, Ireland's biggest climbing crag. From the National Trust car park at Coolanlough, waymarked paths cross the moorland to the cliff top.
The views take in Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The cliff edge is unfenced and the ground near it can be slippery: keep well back.
Route
-
1
To the cliffs
Follow the waymarked path across the moor to the cliff top.
-
2
Along the edge
Walk along the top of the cliffs, then return past Lough Doo.
Summit
Fair Head
196 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does Fair Head take?
- Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 3.3 km route, which has 220 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Coolanlough car park (grid reference NW 360 995). National Trust car park at Coolanlough (honesty box).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Waymarked moorland paths, boggy in places; unfenced cliff edge.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Unfenced cliffs: keep well back from the edge, and keep children and dogs close. Sheep graze the hills: keep dogs on a lead, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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