Blackhead Path is one of those coastal walks that rewards you at every turn. Located near Whitehead in County Antrim, the path follows the rocky shoreline of Belfast Lough towards the striking white tower of Blackhead Lighthouse.
It’s a wonderful place to explore with a camera, with sea caves, rugged cliffs, changing light and far-reaching views across the water.
Walking Blackhead Path
The walk begins near Whitehead and follows the coast, passing rocky coves and sections of shoreline where the waves break against the cliffs. The path has a lovely sense of drama, with the lighthouse appearing ahead as you make your way around the headland.
I particularly enjoy the contrasts here: the dark rocks against the sea, the greenery along the path and the changing colours of the water and sky. There are plenty of details to notice along the way, as well as wider coastal views that make you stop and take everything in.
Blackhead Lighthouse
The lighthouse is the focal point of the walk, standing prominently on the headland above Belfast Lough. First lit in 1902, it has guided vessels towards Belfast for more than a century.
As you approach the lighthouse, the path climbs steeply up steps towards the headland. The effort is rewarded with wonderful views across the lough towards the County Down coast and, on a clear day, further across the North Channel.
For photography, it’s a particularly rewarding place. The lighthouse makes a striking subject against the sky, while the surrounding cliffs and sea offer plenty of opportunities to capture the atmosphere of this stretch of coast.
A favourite stretch of the Antrim coast
Blackhead Path is a lovely reminder of how much there is to discover close to home. Whether you’re drawn to the lighthouse, the rugged shoreline or simply the changing light over the sea, it’s a walk worth taking your time over.
I always find that the best part of exploring with a camera is noticing the details as well as enjoying the bigger views. Blackhead has plenty of both.
If you’re exploring Northern Ireland’s coastline, this is a beautiful place to experience the character of the Antrim coast for yourself. You can learn more on the Discover Northern Ireland website
Other coastal photographs and stories
You can learn more on the Discover Northern Ireland website here
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This looks like a stunning walk! Beautiful photos.
Thank you very much Pippin. Hope you are keeping well 🙂
A beautiful area and I am amazed at the quality of the footpath. It makes for an easy walk.
Yes the footpath certainly makes it much easier…until you get to the edge of the headland. Not so easy then !
Looks very atmospheric and dramatic in the mist. Lovely lighthouse too. X
Another one added to the list..well it’s really more of a small journal now!! 😉❤️❤️
Lol…think you’d need to stay a few months !
I know!! That would be ok with me…😁
Looks a beautiful walk even with the stormy skies. I can just imagine a flash of lightning happening any minute. X
I’d have loved that…not sure my husband would…lol 🙂
Looks like a fantastic walk and it always helps when it ends in a lighthouse!
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you Andrea. Its been a mad week at work with this virus. Yes it was a lovely walk..I wish I was back there now. I hope you are safe and well?
I am thanks.
I would love to be there to go for a walk. Thanks for the photos.
Thank you very much…its a lovely place for a wander 🙂