Skernaghan Point

Skernaghan Point Is beside Brown’s Bay at the northernmost tip of Islandmagee. This largely unmarked walk is on 90 acres of open access farmland so you could enjoy a short coastal walk of 1 mile or a longer walk over fields for up to 4 miles. Allow at least 20 minutes. Dogs are not allowed inland as cattle are usually in the field. The land is owned by the National Trust.

This is an easy  walk, the path is uneven and narrow but very gentle.

Brown’s Bay is the starting point and has a substantial car park. Public toilets are at Brown’s Bay car park, refreshments can be found at the Stable Shop, Browns Bay.

This is a walk which takes you onto 90 acres of open-access National Trust property in a relatively unexplored part of County Antrim. From the car park, cross the road and follow the concrete promenade to the right and up the slight slope towards Skernaghan Point. The 5 minute walk to the end of the gravel path from the car park provides an excellent viewpoint. From here, there are good views across the Bay. The chimneys of Ballylumford Power Station can be seen from behind the hill. On the mainland, the uplands of Agnews Hill and hightown, Sallagh Braes and Scawt Hill are clearly visable. The outer edges of Larne Town, Carnfunnock Bay, Ballygally Head and Garron point can also be seen. The gravel path gives way to a well-worn grass path and this can be rough and wet in places. The path runs alongside the rocky coastline and passes the rather colourful ‘Rocking Stone,’ a local landmark. However the Rocking Stone rocks no more as a concrete plinth has been built around it.

The National Trust property extends a considerable distance inlsnad and you are permitted to cross fields using the stiles provided. Take care as there may be cows and calves in the fields.A wide variety of seabirds feed on or around the rocky coastline, so look out for cormorants, shag, oystercatchers, curlew and redshank.

Information gained from Walk NI .

Sunset photo by Aaron Martin Photography