Ronan’s Way Red Loop
County Antrim
Distance 3.4 miles
OS Map 5
Terrain Grass, farm track, muddy in part
Nearest Town Cushendun
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference D194310
Route Type Hill
Route Description
Located on the McAuley Farm, a stretch of land in memory of Ronan McAuley, a True Glens man who had a dream that more people would explore and enjoy Glendun and the exquisite views of the land that he called home. These trails provide rare access to one of the stunning Nine Glens of Antrim, Glendun. Ronan’s Way is located on a working farm so please respect the family property, land and their ability to manage their farm on your visit, as this walk has only been made possible by their generosity. Beginning at the carpark off the Glendun Rd you will find the trailhead panel and waymarker posts. This walk follows the red waymarkers. This route allows the more adventurous to go right to the top of the Glen and take in the breath taking views of the Irish countryside and beyond to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The diversity of natural habitat (woodland, peatland, farmland and the river) in Glendun means that there is an abundance of wildlife to see. You may be lucky to spot some of our most impressive mammals such as the otter, fox and pine marten. There are lots of different bird species including siskins in the woodland, and grouse, skylarks and the occasional curfew higher up the mountain. There are a number of birds of prey in the skies such as the merlin, hen harrier and buzzard. There are also lots of wildflowers and insect species throughout the farm. Please note as this is working farmland livestock may be present and the ground is often very mucky underfoot so walking boots are strongly recommended. A number of stiles are also present along all routes. As the walks are situated within a glen, steep sections are present on all walks however this makes for incredible views across the glen. A couple of benches are situated along the routes so you can sit back and enjoy a moment of contemplation as you spend time admiring the views.All of the walks on Ronan’s Way are located on the McAuley Farm, a stretch of land in memory of Ronan McAuley, a True Glens man who had a dream that more people would explore and enjoy Glendun and the exquisite views of the land that he called home.
Point of Interest
Breath taking views of the Irish countryside and beyond to the Mull of Kintyre.
Public transport
Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dog Policy
Must be kept on a lead.
Facilities
Public toilets, picnic area, playground, and restaurants are available in the nearby village of Cushendun.
Accessibility Grade
Grade
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Walk Route
Ronan’s Way Red Loop
Lovely walk on beautiful lands. I walked here today with my three sons, aged 12, 10 and 6. We did the red trail which is the most strenuous, but with plenty of water, and the odd rest here and there it was completely doable. This was our third hike in 4 days, after Cave Hill and Slemish. All very different climbs. This one felt most off the beaten track. It was full of charm. It felt the most wild, especially when we got to the peatland up top. It was very well sign-posted throughout and full of charm. Ronan really did want to share this with others and I am grateful for the train and the magic of the fairy trail laid out. I would say it is essential to have hiking footwear as the peatland is wet, even through the summer, and you will have to plot your way around for the dry bits. None of us came back with dry feet! The views from the top are exceptional. You see the peaks of the other glens and then an incredible view down to Cushendun bay. It gets windy up top, as you’d expect on exposed peatland, so make sure to pack warm coats and take a bag so you can add/ remove layers easily enough. All in all we walked 4 miles on the red trail at 2 and a half hours. That allowed for rests, exploring, hide and seek, and plotting through the peatland for a dry path. Persevere up top. It can feel like you aren’t sure if you are following the right path, as there isn’t much of a path up there, but stick by the fence, trust the signage – don’t be tempted to deviate – and you will be fine. This is an intriguing hike, full of variation, and very rewarding. Extremely peaceful part of the world – we met nobody on the route at all. A real hidden gem. Enjoy!
A fitting tribute to Ronan with wonderful views and a number of options from modest to the challenging.
Wonderful views from the top of the red trail. One issue for those using public transport to get there (as I did), the start is three and a half miles from cushenden so that adds seven miles to the walk albeit along pleasant country roads.
Great walking yesterday. Well marked but lives up to its strenuous reputation.