Glenarm to Ballynure incorporating Antrim Hills Way
The Antrim Hills Way cuts a scenic route through the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It explores a high coastal plateau and encompasses some of the most enjoyable upland walking in County Antrim. Dramatic scenery, isolated hills and fantastic history are just some of the treats on offer.
| County | Distance | OS Map | Terrain |
|---|
| Antrim | 26 miles (43 km) | Sheet 9 | Mainly off road moorland paths interspersed with quiet rural roads and forest paths. Higher ground is very exposed and can be very soft under foot after a period of rain. |
| Start Town / Village | Finish Town / Village | Grid References | Points of Interest |
|---|
| Glenarm | Ballynure | Starts at D310152
Ends at J317936 | Glenarm, Glenarm Castle, Glenarm Forest, Scawt Hill, Linford, Sallagh Braes, Ballynure |
Accommodation and Useful Facilities
Refreshments are available at the start and finish of the route in Glenarm and Ballynure. However this is a long route with no refreshment stops along the way – walkers should carry provisions accordingly. There is also no accommodation along this section of the route but a small number of Bed and Breakfasts are available at the start in Glenarm and finish in Ballynure.
Click on an item in the table below for more details and information.
Town, Villages, and Points of Interest
| Type | Name | About |
|---|
| Point of Interest | Glenarm Forest | Glenarm forest is small, but has a wide variety of ... |
Glenarm forest is small, but has a wide variety of tree and floor plant species growing under excellent conditions of soil and climate.
There are numerous feeder streams running down the side of the glen to join the Glenarm river which is well stocked with Trout and Salmon along with a variety of wildlife being seen along its banks.
The Lead, which was built early in the 19th century to bring water from the top of the glen to the 'whitening mill' beside Glenarm harbour, now forms a part of Glenarm's industrial archaeology. |
| Point of Interest | Linford | Two large circular mounds can be seen beside the car ... |
Two large circular mounds can be seen beside the car park and are possibly ancient sites of rituals or burial grounds. It is believed this location may have been in use from the Bronze Age to the Norman Conquest, as there is evidence of iron mining in the area. The condition of the mounds also suggests that this landscape has changed very little over thousands of years. |
| Point of Interest | Sallagh Braes | Several important habitats found in this area include ... |
Several important habitats found in this area include acidic dry heath, acid flush, standing water and swamp. This increases the biodiversity of the area supporting a wide range of flora and fauna. |
| Point of Interest | Scawt Hill | Scawt Hill (378m) dominates the skyline on the Antrim ... |
Scawt Hill (378m) dominates the skyline on the Antrim Coast Road as you turn towards Ballygalley. Scawt Hill is a volcanic plug which means that it is the central cylindrical feeder of a volcano, in which the molten rock has solidified.
The volcano has long since eroded away and the hill now exposes its roots. On its way to the surface the molten basaltic rock passed through the Cretaceous Ulster White Limestone, and it was the reaction between the molten rock and the limestone that created the extraordinary variety of minerals.
Scawt Hill has yielded five minerals entirely new to science. |
| Town / Village | Ballynure | Ballynure from the Irish: Baile an Iúir meaning "town ... |
Ballynure from the Irish: Baile an Iúir meaning "town land of the yews" is a small village. It is effectively split in two by the A8 main road which runs from Belfast to Larne. A stream called the Ballynure Water runs through it and the houses are a mixture of old fashioned buildings and new estates. Christ Church, Church of Ireland and the Old Mill are some of the old buildings of note in Ballynure. |
| Town / Village | Glenarm | Glenarm, southernmost of the nine glens, is among the ... |
Glenarm, southernmost of the nine glens, is among the most under populated of the glens due mainly to the Glenarm Castle Estate that spans the glen.
Claiming to be the oldest town in Ireland after being granted a charter in the 12th century, Glenarm is tiny village with narrow little thoroughfares soaked in culture with friendly people, a forest walk and a jewellery workshop/showroom on the main street.
The Barbican gate stands proudly in one of the side streets as a reminder of the immense history that surrounds the village. |
| Visitor Attraction | Glenarm Castle | Glenarm Castle is one of Northern Ireland’s oldest ... |
Glenarm Castle is one of Northern Ireland’s oldest estates. Home to the McDonnell family, Earls of Antrim, since the early 17th century, Glenarm Castle is currently the home of Randal, Viscount Dunluce. Visitors can enjoy Glenarm Castle’s historic Walled Garden open from May to September, the charming Tea Room open from Easter until mid-october. In July it hosts an annual Highland Games |
Accommodation and Facilities
| Place | Type | Name | Rating |
|---|
| Ballynure | B&B | Beechcroft | N/A |
|
| Ballynure | B&B | Cherith House | N/A |
|
| Ballynure | B&B | Rockbank | N/A |
|
| Glenarm | B&B | Castleview B&B | N/A |
|
| Glenarm | B&B | Riverside House | N/A |
|
