Giant's Causeway Mighty Hike
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure along Northern Ireland's wild Causeway Coast. With your fellow Mighty Hikers beside you, take on dramatic clifftop trails and windswept beaches before reaching the incredible Giant's Causeway together.
Full Marathon
Giant's Causeway Mighty Hike route maps
The Giant's Causeway Mighty Hike begins just beyond Ballintoy, you'll journey along the coastline, passing by ancient castle ruins and the world-renowned Giant's Causeway. For those tackling the half marathon, the route will take you to the charming village of Bushmills, while the full marathon adventure continues along the coast, veering inland at Portrush and finishing at Ulster University.
What's included in your registration fee?
About the Giant's Causeway Mighty Hike
The Giant’s Causeway Mighty Hike will get your heart pumping as you set off from Ballycastle and tackle the cliff tops! But with each climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views including Rathlin Island, before making your way towards the iconic Giant’s Causeway and beautiful beaches in Portrush.
Hike solo and meet friends along the way or sign up with a team of friends and family for a memorable day together.
"We had an amazing day hiking yesterday and loved the scenery and the support from the volunteers and encouragement from the locals was just humbling!" Lisa, Giant's Causeway 2025
Mighty Hikes support
We have many resources to help you prepare for your hike, including how to set up your fundraising page. You can also join our Facebook group and meet the Mighty Hikers community.
Frequently asked questions
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When and where does Giant's Causeway Mighty Hike start and finish?
Your Mighty Hike starts at Larrybane Quarry, BT54 6LS, where you’ll join your fellow hikers and get ready to take those first steps together.
Taking on the half marathon? Your finish line is at Bushfoot Golf Club, BT57 8WB.
Going the full distance? You’ll continue along the coast to your finish at Ulster University, BT52 1SA.
Full marathon: Waves every 20 minutes from 06:30
Half marathon: Waves every 20 minutes from 09:10.
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What is the Giant's Causeway Mighty Hike route?
Starting at Larrybane Quarry, you’ll follow the spectacular Causeway Coast, passing castle ruins and the Giant’s Causeway as you make your way west.
Half marathon: Larrybane Quarry to Bushfoot Golf Club
Full marathon: Larrybane Quarry, along the coast to Portrush, before heading inland to Ulster University
Sometimes we may need to make changes to the route to keep everyone safe. If anything changes, we’ll make sure you know. -
What are the route highlights for the Giant's Causeway Mighty Hike?
Get ready for some unforgettable moments along the Causeway Coast:
- Reach Dunseverick Castle – Your first pit stop comes with quite the backdrop, as you reach the castle ruins overlooking the coast.
- Take on the Giant’s Causeway – Get up close to those unmistakable basalt columns, with the sea beside you and fellow Mighty Hikers sharing one of the biggest moments of the day.
- Going the full distance? Follow the coast to Portrush – Keep those boots moving towards Portrush, with sandy beaches and sweeping sea views before you turn inland for the final stretch.
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Where should I stay for the Giant's Causeway Mighty Hike?
Want to make your hike morning that little bit easier? We recommend staying in or around Coleraine, as all event parking is at Ulster University, less than a 10-minute drive from the town.
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How do I get there?
Parking
Half and full marathon hikers can park at Ulster University, BT52 1SA. From there, a free shuttle bus will take you to the start at Larrybane Quarry in the morning.
Taking on the half marathon?
After you cross the finish line, a free shuttle bus will take you back to the car park at Ulster University.
You cannot be dropped off at the start line.
For everyone’s safety, the B15 through Ballintoy towards Larrybane Quarry will be closed from the east during the event. Make sure you plan to travel via the event parking and shuttle bus instead.
Book your parking and shuttle bus when you register. -
What if my Mighty Hike gets cancelled?
If we ever need to cancel your Mighty Hike, we know how disappointing that will be after all the training, fundraising and excitement leading up to the big day.
We’ll make sure you know what’s happening.You'll be contacted by email and text, and live updates will be made to this FAQ document with all the information you need.
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Is the Giant's Causeway Mighty Hike accessible?
We aim to make our Mighty Hikes as inclusive as possible and will do our best to support participants with health conditions or disabilities.
However, please note that our routes are not wheelchair accessible.
If you have any questions about accessibility or specific needs that could help make the hike more comfortable for you, we encourage you to get in touch with us at mightyhikes@macmillan.org.uk.
Ready to join?
Potential training routes in and around Giant's Causeway
Volunteering at a Mighty Hike
Don’t fancy hiking?
Become a Mighty Hike volunteer instead!
From helping with registration to handing out medals and bubbly at the finish line, there’s a role for everyone. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new, meet like-minded people and explore beautiful corners of the UK.
Every hour you give makes a Mighty difference.
See other Mighty Hikes
Don’t fancy this one? No sweat! We’ve got many other beautiful Mighty Hikes in all corners of the UK, hilly and flat, so you can find the perfect challenge for you.