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GIANT’S CAUSEWAY - MERRELL'S 7 WONDERS OF THE UK
Running Route
Moderate
12.04 km
311 m
The most challenging part of running this stretch of Northern Ireland’s jaw dropping coastline? Getting round without stopping every 500m to take in the views. It’s not every day your trail runs through a UNESCO World Heritage site now is it?
Looking across to Scotland’s Kintyre peninsula as the North Atlantic Ocean pounds the rugged coastline a couple of hundred feet below, this trail offers something for everyone, including the geologist. Beginning at the mind-blowing Giant’s Causeway, where 40,000 interlocking basalt columns rise from the sea, there aren’t many words that can be found to describe the experience of leaping from column to column, aware that you’re treading upon the result of volcanic activity some 50-60 million years ago.
The Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site extends roughly 3km from northeast to southwest and 0.5km from northwest to southeast at its widest. It occupies approximately 70ha of land and includes much more than the famous ‘stones’ alone, making this trail one to treasure. As you run East from the stones, the trail splits into an upper and lower path. Whilst the lower path only continues for 1-2km before you reach a barrier protecting you from a collapsing cliffside, it is worth the effort just to see the wild landscape of the headland and bays.
I’ve not been to the Faroe Islands but it bears a remarkable likeness from the Instagram shots I have seen! The emerald green of the hillside, complete with scattered herds of sheep clinging to the hillside, contrasts beautifully with the burned red soil and as the trail rises and falls toward the ruins of Dunseverick Castle, you’re reminded what an incredible coastline the United Kingdom has.
Looking across to Scotland’s Kintyre peninsula as the North Atlantic Ocean pounds the rugged coastline a couple of hundred feet below, this trail offers something for everyone, including the geologist. Beginning at the mind-blowing Giant’s Causeway, where 40,000 interlocking basalt columns rise from the sea, there aren’t many words that can be found to describe the experience of leaping from column to column, aware that you’re treading upon the result of volcanic activity some 50-60 million years ago.
The Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site extends roughly 3km from northeast to southwest and 0.5km from northwest to southeast at its widest. It occupies approximately 70ha of land and includes much more than the famous ‘stones’ alone, making this trail one to treasure. As you run East from the stones, the trail splits into an upper and lower path. Whilst the lower path only continues for 1-2km before you reach a barrier protecting you from a collapsing cliffside, it is worth the effort just to see the wild landscape of the headland and bays.
I’ve not been to the Faroe Islands but it bears a remarkable likeness from the Instagram shots I have seen! The emerald green of the hillside, complete with scattered herds of sheep clinging to the hillside, contrasts beautifully with the burned red soil and as the trail rises and falls toward the ruins of Dunseverick Castle, you’re reminded what an incredible coastline the United Kingdom has.
Created By
Seana Forbes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushfoot Court Climb | 0.31 km | 40 m | 12.7% |
| Runkerry Road Climb | 0.56 km | 41 m | 7.2% |
| Causeway Rd Climb | 0.44 km | 46 m | 9.3% |
| Here come the hot steppers | 0.28 km | 42 m | 14.6% |
| Cliff Path - Top of Organ Steps to Dunseverick Castle | 5.88 km | -80 m | -0.6% |