Sand dune and estuary walk
Many walkers and families enjoy the two miles of magnificent golden sand at Portstewart Strand.
Walk through the dunes where wildflowers dance in the breeze
Fewer are aware of the trail that meanders through 6,000 year-old dunes to the river edge at the Bann Estuary. It’s a different world with colourful wildflowers, butterflies and birds.
Map
Start:
Portstewart Strand Visitor Centre, OSNI grid ref: C813368
1
Start your walk at the visitor centre and make your way to lifebuoy station 10; approximately 1 mile (1.6km) from the visitor centre.
2
Climb the sand ladder at lifebuoy 10 to leave the beach behind. Soon you will enjoy the tranquillity of the dunes.
3
You have the choice of two different paths. The one on the right leads you through the kissing gate inside a fenced area where cattle is grazing between September to March. Small way marker post will guide you across to the Bann Estuary. You can also choose the path on the right side. Just follow the path along the fence line to the Bann Estuary.
Orchids
We have at least four different types of orchids in the dunes. The most exciting one is probably the bee orchid.
4
No matter which path you have chosen before, turn right when you come to the river Bann. You are now walking through an area of salt marsh. Be aware that cattle can graze on the salt marsh also.
Salt marsh
Look out for birds resting on the river's edge like shelducks and other waders. If you like watching birds why not make the most of it and get a key for the Barmouth birdhide; located just across the river. Keys are available at the visitor centre.
5
Follow the path through the salt marsh and you will come to a kissing gate leading into Crab Bay and around the edge of the dunes.
Crab Bay
If the bay is called Crab Bay then there must be some crabs around. Can you find them?
6
The path brings you back to the beach at lifebuoy 14. From here it is approximately two miles back to the visitor centre.
End:
Portstewart Strand Visitor Centre, OSNI grid ref: C813368
