When I turned the bend in the road and spotted the sea for the first time after lockdown, I don’t mind admitting I cried a little. Partly from relief I guess, and partly from sheer joy at how beautiful it all was. A few miles further along the County Antrim coast, I stopped at a small car park about a mile south of Glenarm village. I took a walk along the flat gravel path which winds its way along the sea edge there, marked by car parks at either end. This is the Glenarm Coastal Path.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
It’s been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and it’s easy to see why.
On one side of the path lies pockets of white shingly beach leading out to the expanse of the Irish sea. On the other side, you find coastal grasslands and limestone rock formations, all set against the green backdrop of the Glens of Antrim. I enjoyed the walk so much that I’ve been back a few times since my first visit.
It’s not a long walk by any means (about 500m), but there’s plenty to enjoy. The sea air, the beautiful landscape and lots of coastal wildlife make it an engaging walk. Remember to bring a flask of tea. You can round off your walk with a sit down and a brew at the picnic tables at either end of the path.
The Glenarm Coastal Path
Wildlife to discover
There is an abundance of wildlife among the grasses and rocks including pretty coastal wildflowers and a myriad of insects.
I came across speedwell, a pretty blue flower that can be found in coastland grasses and roadside verges. Considered a good luck charm for passing travellers , Germander Speedwell is meant to ‘speed’ you on your way.
I also discovered sea campion. According to The Wildlife Trusts, it has also been referred to as ‘dead man’s bells’ and ‘witches thimbles’.
I also encountered many of these as I walked along – the six spot burnet. Aren’t her wings pretty?
I can see myself returning to the Glenarm Coastal Path over the coming months to enjoy the walk and see how the scene changes over the seasons. Normally, I might have headed further along the coast to some of the more popular spots. But I find myself drawn these days to the quieter, more wilder places off the beaten track.
I do hope you’ve enjoyed these scenes from my walks.
Have a lovely Sunday and keep safe,
Paula
Useful Links
Other content from Typewriter Girl to enjoy:-
Discover Kearney: A Picturesque Village on County Down’s Coast
The Timeless Charm of Cushendun Village
Beautiful and tranquil. After so long away, it must have felt both new and familiar at the same time. X
Yes absolutely..it was like looking at it with fresh eyes 🙂
Great post 😁
Thank you very much 🙂
Looks idyllic. Those waves. Magnificent..X
I could hear the sea in your post, that’s what I meant to say. 😁
Ah thank you…wish I was at the sea today instead of stuck in the office 🙂
Definitely on my list!! 💙❤️❤️💙
Ha…that must be a long list by now 🙂🙂
A beautiful area. I’d like to walk the coast at some stage especially to see orchids there. Good to get out and about again.
Yep…things are slowly returning to some sort of normal!
I love the Antrim coast, and this is my favourite kind of day out. I’m also liking the quieter, wilder places off the beaten track though. Love the flower pics: I find them so hard with the constant wind here!
Such a pretty area! I grew up on the Oregon Coast, love these photos.
Also, I completely relate to that overwhelming feeling that came with leaving lockdown. 🤍
Thank you so much for your comments. Yes the whole situation has been overwhelming hasn’t it and we have a long way to go !