The Antrim Hills Way from Shane’s Hill to Glenarm

Hike: The Antrim Hills Way from Shane’s Hill to Glenarm, in Co Antrim. Following the best section of the Antrim Hills Way, this is the most rewarding upland walk in the area. It begins with an ascent of Agnew’s Hill (474m), then heads north across a series of summits between 300m and 400m high. The most striking formation you pass is Sallagh Braes, a basalt amphitheatre defined by vertical cliffs some 2km long and 100m high. The terrain is firm underfoot, and there are fine coastal views throughout. If you have two vehicles, you can avoid the final 3km of tarmac into Glenarm village. If not, use a local taxi or the Glenarm-Larne and Larne-Ballymena bus services to get back to the start.

Start at: Ballyboley Forest, Shane’s Hill.

Finish at: Glenarm.

Get there: Ballyboley Forest car park is located along the A36 at grid ref: J 314,992. Glenarm is reached via the A2 Larne-Carnlough road.

Level: Moderate to difficult — signed mountain paths with a 480m ascent.

Length / Time: 21km / 5-6 hours.

Pack: Your inner geographer for appreciating the mountains’ glacial heritage, and a full route description from Helen Fairbairn’s Northern Ireland: A Walking Guide.

Refuel at: The Londonderry Arms in Carnlough (londonderryarmshotel.com; re-opens July 17, booking advised). Revive at this 19th-century hotel just 4km north of Glenarm.