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Shepherd's Steps

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Woodland, Riverside

Walking, Photography

Year round

Andrew Mcmillan / CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Shepherd's Steps is a steep stone stairway that climbs the cliffs on the Giant's Causeway coast in County Antrim, linking the clifftop path down to the shore below near the great basalt columns. Once a rough track used by shepherds, it is now a formal flight of some hundred and sixty steps with a ha...

10

Parking nearby

0

Food Spots nearby

3

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

5 day, 5 overnight

Finn McCools Giants Causeway Hostel, Islandcorr Farm Glamping Lodges, Alken Cabin

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Shepherd's Steps?
County Antrim's dramatic coastline holds this steep coastal rock stairway. Walkers discover the path cutting straight through the cliffs near a famous landmark.

What type of place is Shepherd's Steps?
Shepherd's Steps is a steep cliffside stone staircase on the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland.

When is the best time to visit Shepherd's Steps?
Autumn mornings provide the perfect conditions because the summer crowds disappear and the coastal fog clears. Heavy downpours make the steps slick, so a dry day works best.

What can you do at Shepherd's Steps?
Climbing the 162 narrow stone steps rewards people with an incredible panoramic perspective of the hexagonal columns below. Fans of television fantasy drama can also stand on the exact spot where a character emerged from the water.

How long should I spend at Shepherd's Steps?
Allowing roughly forty-five minutes gives ample time to complete the sharp incline and snap some photographs. A longer stay suits anyone looking to connect with the wider clifftop trails.

Where do I park at Shepherd's Steps?
Drivers have access to ten available spaces close by, which divide into five day and five overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Shepherd's Steps?
There are no food spots recorded immediately near Shepherd's Steps, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

Where can I stay near Shepherd's Steps?
Finn McCools Giants Causeway Hostel, Islandcorr Farm Glamping Lodges, and Alken Cabin provide three options for accommodation right in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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