Glenarm Forest
Glenarm is probably one of the least known of the nine glens of Antrim. The forest is small, but has a wide variety of tree species growing under excellent conditions of soil and climate. Throughout the forest the tree species such as oak, ash, beech, sycamore, Japanese larch, Sitka spruce and many others compete for survival. On the forest floor plants such as bluebells, primroses, dog’s mercury and ground ivy can all be found.
The numerous feeder streams which run down the side of the glen to join the Glenarm river form ribbons of natural vegetation through the man made forest. 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.
The Glenarm river runs on a straight course down the centre of the glen to join the sea at Glenarm village. It is normally well stocked with Brown Trout, Sea Trout, Salmon and Eels; and along its banks Mallard, Heron, Dipper, Kingfishers and the odd otter can be seen.
County Antrim
Distance 2.1 miles
OS Map Sheet 9
Terrain Forest paths, some hills
Nearest Town Glenarm
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference D312151
Route Type Forest
Follow the waymarkers within the forest.
Red – 2 miles
Blue – 1 mile
Yellow – 0.5 miles (riverside walk)
These walks are situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversion and closure from time to time.
Up to date information is available on the Forest Service web site – link below.
Nearby beaches include Carnlough Beach.
Wildlife, views
From Glenarm Village (A2 larne to Carnlough Rd): Follow Toberwine Street to forest where there is parking for up to 10 cars.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
In Glenarm village there are public toilets and numerous shops and cafes.
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Walk Route
Glenarm Forest
Very nice and lovely trail. Close to to Glenarm Marina. Picnic areas along the Glenarm. Quiet and peaceful place. It would be good if there are additional signs for the route to take.
A lovely forest, trail has a solid base, a little short on signposting (and benches!!). Moderate uphill climb. We tried the red route but had to turn back as we couldn’t find the turn point and Google maps suggested we had already passed it.
Beautiful expanse of forest in Glenarm Village with an impressive river flowing alongside the forest, great country views of Glenarm Estate, picnic areas and a great opportunity to stretch your legs out. And if you are lucky you could see a Red Squirrel or two.