Orlock Point Walk, Northern Ireland: A Beautiful Coastal Walk

The National Trust managed Orlock Point coastal walk is a Northern Ireland gem.

It’s not a very long walk at just under 5k and can be completed in 1-2 hours, but it packs a lot in.

The walk along the rocky outcrops of Orlock Point has nature in abundance, views across the Irish Sea and is steeped in history. Come and explore with me.

Orlock Point Walk: The Copeland Islands

The whole of this walk hugs the coastline, so sea views throughout are a given. The first section involves a climbing a flight of steps up onto the headland from where there are fabulous views across the Irish Sea to the Copeland Islands and, on a clear day, all the way across to the Galloway coast and Mull of Kintyre.

The Copeland Islands are a trio of islands- Lighthouse Island, Big Island and Mew Island- which were once home to island communities but are now a haven for sea birds, seals and rare coastal plants.

Each island is a haven for wildlife now, but the Copeland Islands have an interesting history. Back in the day, the islands were a favourite spot for smugglers who used them to smuggle tobacco and spirits across into County Down.

The Old Coach Road

A short walk along the headland and the path crosses a stone stile before splitting into two. Choosing the lower route takes you down to walk by the sea- rocky outcrops and crashing waves, even on a calm day- and then drops you onto a section of the 19th Century coach road.

You can’t clearly see the coach road now, although if you know it was there you can pick out a rough route. The location is unusual, being built so close to a treacherous shoreline when much safer routes were available. One impressive part does remain though; a tunnel carved through the rock.

The history of the coach road is steeped in mystery. Rumour has it that a local land owner, Mr David Ker paid to have the coach road built from his residence at Portavo House to Sandeel Bay and deliberately had it built close to the shoreline to impress visitors with a daredevil ride by the Irish Sea.

Another theory has it that the coach road was constructed for the aforementioned smugglers to use to outfox the authorities. There might be something in it; as well as being a wealthy coastal landowner David Ker was a magistrate. One who blocked the authorities from building coastguard stations on his land to tackle smuggling.

Make of that what you will…

The WW2 Lookout Point, Orlock Point

The coastline starts to level off at this point in the walk. Dramatic rocky coastline gives way to shingle bays and sheltered coves.

A World War 2 observation post still sits on the cliff top. The lookout was positioned to watch over the entrance to Belfast Lough and would also have been home to artillery gun emplacements.

The gun emplacements are long gone, the old lookout now a peaceful place for sea views. The perfect spot for seal spotting and for watching the Stena Line ferries come and go.

Sandeel Bay

From the WW2 lookout, it’s a short walk to Sandeel bay. The small, rocky bay is ringed by a scattering of pretty coastal homes and cottages. The perfect place to pause, and maybe dip your feet in the Irish Sea, before finishing up the walk.

To complete the walk there are two options; the first is to retrace your steps back to the starting point.

The second is to continue along the clearly signed Sandeel Lane and then follow the main road on a circular route back to the starting point. Be aware there is no footpath along the main road.

Orlock Point: Gorse Season

If you can, I highly recommend this walk in spring / early summer to experience the gorse. This rough and tumble plant is thick on the ground here and as well as being beautiful to look at, the scent is divine.

I’ve no idea how this spiky yellow flowering bloomer gets to make the whole place smell like vanilla and coconut, but I’m here for it. Gorse season is lovely and Orlock Point is a wonderful place to experience it.

How to get to Orlock Point

Parking for this walk can be found at Warren Road, BT19 6YU.

Is the Orlock Point walk free?

Yes, the Orlock Point walk is completely free.

Although the area is owned and managed by the National Trust, there is no charge for entry or parking. The walk is open to all.

Abandoned Islands, smugglers, a cliff top look out and pretty little Sandeel Bay. This walk is like something from a Famous Five story. If you’d like to read about another story book style walk in Northern Ireland, the Gleno Waterfall walk is the one for you.

With the rocky coastline and rolling farmland, Orlock Point actually reminded me a lot of another island adventure; You might also enjoy reading about our trip to the Dutch island of Terschelling.

Helen x