Hello.

[Spud]

Welcome Michael

[Mourneman]

welcome michael

[GMB]

Howdy Michael 

With regards to your fitness mate, don't underestimate the benefit of just walking out the front door and getting a mile or two in if you are squeezed for time. Scenery might not be the same though 
Time on your feet building a bit of muscular endurance will pay dividends when up in the hills. How close are you to Woodburn Forest? Some nice walking to be had up there with a good mixture of gradient. Ballyboley Forest is handy to Newtownabbey also and you can venture over onto Shane's & Agnew's Hill if you fancied   

[Michael B]

Hi, I live in Glengormley not too far from the Sandyknowes. I have a car so any of those spots aren't too far away. I'm actually the only person in our street that's went anywhere since Thursday. I have a Hilux which has proven quite useful, and good fun too.

I was cycling 60-70 miles a week last summer but got out of it over the winter. Once I start it shouldn't take too long to get back but it's just getting motivated to start and then you can't wait to get out. Never heard of Shane's and Agnews. Must have a look for them.

Appreciate all the advice so far. I've a busy couple of weeks with work coming up and then I finally get a decent break for the first time in ages. Want to make the best of it.

Thanks, M.

[summit86]

Welcome to the forum Michael

[whoRya]

Hi Michael, welcome to the forum.

If you drive down the Larne Line and approach the roundabout at the top of the Hillhead Road and turn to look into the distance at 1 o'clock you'll see Ballyboley forest, just to the right and above is Agnew's Hill. The smaller hill in front and to the right of Agnew's Hill is Hilltown.  You can climb these from a carpark on the Larne-Ballymena Line, it's part of the Ulster Way.

If you haven't already (most haven't) then Carnmoney Hill is a great spot for a blast up.  I'd usually start from the playpark in Rathfern estate.

[RedLeader]

Hi and welcome!