Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Hiking, Walking, Running, Orienteering and Geocaching => Topic started by: Daithi2004 on December 21, 2011

Title: I am going to the Antrim Hills. Can you recommend easy routes
Post by: Daithi2004 on December 21, 2011
A few of us are heading to the Antrim Hills for the New Year. I would be grateful if anyone could recommend any long and short routes and starting points. I have the maps no 5 & 9. I have previously walked Trostan, Tievebulliagh, Crockalough and Lurigethan before. Thanks
Title: Re: I am going to the Antrim Hills. Can you recommend easy routes
Post by: cerbera147 on December 21, 2011
Suppose the obvious is the Antrim Hills Way :)

I've done bits of it but not the whole 22 miles  :o

http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=51
Title: Re: I am going to the Antrim Hills. Can you recommend easy routes
Post by: Mourneman on December 21, 2011
Here's a few a friend of mine has done recently,Murlough Bay to Ballycastle for those that are up for it .
Murlough Bay is perhaps Northern Ireland's most beautiful and peaceful bay. It is accessed by a steep road from the top of Fair Head which winds down the cliffs. The bay is backed by natural woodland and steep cliffs which are home to peregrine falcons and other birds of prey. Coal mining once took place here and there are several old ruins which were once the miners cottages. From Murlough Bay, spectacular views are on offer across to Fairhead, Rathlin Island and to the islands of Scotland.
We then make our way to Fairhead , it lies 3 miles ( 5 km ) east of Ballycastle and is the closest part of the mainland to Rathlin Island.
It is a highly regarded rock-climbing location and is believed to be the biggest expanse of climbable rock in either Ireland or Britain.
Unto Ballycastle passing along the shore line , taking Marconi's cottage , golf course , into Ballycastle.
Meeting at Ballycastle , front of Marine Hotel at 10.30 am
Distance approx 5 miles ( 9 km )
OSNI Map 5 1.50 000
2nd walk
 trek is the Hidden Village in Co. Antrim. 
 
The trek  starts from the coast road , then up to Galboly Village known locally as the hidden village , the village has only one inhabitant ,  we then make our way to Caranure ( 250 mts ) carry onto  Lough Galboly , from there to Knockmore ( 359 mts ) back towards  Lough Galboly and along the cliff line , we then descend down a gully to Lady Londonderry's path , over looking Garron Tower School, we make our way to the coast road and back to the starting point.
 
This trek is one not to have missed , as the village is steeped in history , the way of life , the views from the cliffs are breathtaking.
 
The lenght of the trek is 12.5 km ( 7.7 miles ) approx around 4.30 hours
 Murlough Bay to Ballycastle for those that are up for it .
Murlough Bay is perhaps Northern Ireland's most beautiful and peaceful bay. It is accessed by a steep road from the top of Fair Head which winds down the cliffs. The bay is backed by natural woodland and steep cliffs which are home to peregrine falcons and other birds of prey. Coal mining once took place here and there are several old ruins which were once the miners cottages. From Murlough Bay, spectacular views are on offer across to Fairhead, Rathlin Island and to the islands of Scotland.
We then make our way to Fairhead , it lies 3 miles ( 5 km ) east of Ballycastle and is the closest part of the mainland to Rathlin Island.
It is a highly regarded rock-climbing location and is believed to be the biggest expanse of climbable rock in either Ireland or Britain.
Unto Ballycastle passing along the shore line , taking Marconi's cottage , golf course , into Ballycastle.
Meeting at Ballycastle , front of Marine Hotel at 10.30 am
Distance approx 5 miles ( 9 km )
OSNI Map 5 1.50 000
Title: Re: I am going to the Antrim Hills. Can you recommend easy routes
Post by: Daithi2004 on December 27, 2011
Thanks guys for your quick reply.

If there are other routes, I would be grateful.

Thanking you in advance... David
Title: Re: I am going to the Antrim Hills. Can you recommend easy routes
Post by: Mourneman on December 27, 2011
Hi mate, i've a good friend lives near ,if you like i can arrange you a very experienced guide,with loads of walks
Title: Re: I am going to the Antrim Hills. Can you recommend easy routes
Post by: cerbera147 on December 28, 2011
Dug this thread out. It's one of my favourites  ;D

http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=940.0
Title: Re: I am going to the Antrim Hills. Can you recommend easy routes
Post by: Daithi2004 on January 08, 2012
Thanks again for the suggestions. We used the one that Mourneman suggest. I wasn't able to walk myself because of bad cold but pass on the information. They said they were hard and steep but great view. Weather was perfect too. Thanks again guys.

Hi mate, i've a good friend lives near ,if you like i can arrange you a very experienced guide,with loads of walks

Thanks for that Mourneman. I just got reading this a day before the trip. If any of you need any info on the Cooley Mountains in North Louth. Let me know.