Giant's Causeway Red Trail
Follow the Red Trail at the Giant's Causeway for a bracing clifftop walk with vistas of the world-famous Causeway Coast and North Channel. Look out for the Grand Causeway, the largest of the three outcrops that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spot wildlife in the surrounding heath and enjoy viewpoints off the beaten track before descending the 162 Sheperd's Steps for your return journey.
Cliffs, high winds and rock falls
Please be aware of unfenced cliff edges, high winds, steep steps and rock falls. The Grand Causeway rock outcrop is extremely dangerous, particularly in high winds.
Total steps: 4
Total steps: 4
Start point
Car park 1
Step 1
Assume your starting point in front of the Causeway Hotel. Facing the hotel entrance, turn right and walk in the direction of the visitor centre. You'll see the sloping grass roof of the visitor centre. Providing no conservation work is in progress, you can cut across the roof and pick up signs for the Red Trail from the rear. There's a wooden plinth with a map and directions.
Step 2
Continue along the visible path and up a steep hill leading to Weir Snout. Look for the viewfinder to get more information on the views from this point.
Step 3
Following the visible trail from the Weir Snout viewpoint (away from the visitor centre) you'll arrive on top, but inland from the headland known as the Aird. You'll see boulders which act as a deterrent to people walking out on to this headland. This area is spectacular, but extremely dangerous, particularly in high winds. It's not fenced off and we urge visitors to exercise due caution.
Step 4
At this point along the path, you'll come to the top of the Shepherd's Steps. Onwards, the path becomes the Yellow Trail and leads to the Hamilton's Seat, taking in an aerial view of the Amphitheatre. To follow the Red Trail, descend the steps from the clifftop. When you get to the bottom of the steps, you can choose to follow the trail towards the Organ, or turn left and head towards the Grand Causeway, linking to the Blue Trail.
End point
Car park 1
Trail map
More near here
Giant's Causeway Blue Trail
Discover rock formations steeped in Irish legends on the Blue Trail, a direct route of under a mile, leading directly to the world-famous stones of the Giant's Causeway.
Giant's Causeway Green Trail
Follow an accessible clifftop trail with views of the Giant's Causeway, Scotland and the Inishowen Peninsula and plenty of Irish legends and birdlife to enjoy.
Giant's Causeway Yellow Trail
Follow a 1.8-mile clifftop trail along the Causeway Coast Way starting at Runkerry Head and ending at Hamilton's Seat.
Get in touch
44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Coastal walks in Northern Ireland
Discover dramatic views and unexpected architecture on leisurely strolls through nature reserves and rugged hikes on clifftop paths.
Top tips for coastal walks
Get safety tips for walking by the coast, including the essential clothing and equipment to take with you and what to do before you set out.
Visiting Giant's Causeway with your dog
Discover Giant's Causeway with your dog. Head out for a bracing walk to see the world-famous stones and coastline, stop by the café or explore the visitor centre. Giant's Causeway is a three pawprint rated place.
Eating and shopping at Giant's Causeway
Refuel for a giant adventure in the cafe, and discover handcrafted ranges made by local artisans in the shop. Find something unique to take home.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Walking in Northern Ireland
Step into Northern Ireland’s enchanting landscapes this Christmas season and feel the warmth of its festive welcome. Whether you’re strolling or hiking, iconic sites like the Giant's Causeway invite you to explore coastal paths glistening with winter’s charm, while ancient bogs whisper their tales along frost-touched boardwalks.