The best walks and hikes around Glenarm Demense

Yes, the area is well-suited for family outings. A particularly good choice is the Red Squirrel Trail within Glenarm Forest. It's a gentle 2km looped walk along the Glenarm River, offering a great chance to spot native red squirrels and enjoy views of Glenarm Castle.

Dogs are welcome on many of the public footpaths in the area, but they must be kept on a lead, especially near livestock and wildlife. Within the privately owned Glenarm Castle estate, including the Walled Garden, dogs are generally not permitted, so it's best to check their specific policy before visiting. Trails in the wider Glenarm Forest are a good option for walking with your dog.

Yes, there are several excellent circular routes. For a challenging day out with rewarding views, the Black Hill loop from Glenarm is a fantastic option that takes you up onto the Antrim plateau. It's a demanding hike, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

For a beautiful waterfall walk, the Cranny Falls from Carnlough — Antrim Coast & Glens trail is a local favorite. This easy walk follows a path through a former limestone quarry, leading directly to the picturesque Cranny Falls.

Glenarm offers a distinct mix of coastal scenery, woodland paths, and upland moorland. The trails are set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sallagh Braes, a semi-circular basalt escarpment. You can experience riverside walks rich with wildlife, explore historical paths, and ascend to the Antrim plateau for panoramic views all in one area.

Parking is available in Glenarm village, which is a convenient starting point for many local walks, including coastal paths and routes into the glen. For trails within Glenarm Forest, there is a dedicated car park. Another option is the Linford car park, which is a good base for accessing the Antrim Hills Way.

Yes, the region offers some strenuous treks. The Black Hill loop — Antrim Coast & Glens is a rewarding moderate hike that climbs to the Antrim plateau. For a more demanding experience, the Antrim Hills Way provides a memorable challenge with airy cliff-edge sections and rough, peaty ground that requires good navigation skills and sturdy footwear.

The area is rich in wildlife. Along the Glenarm River, you might spot dippers, herons, and kingfishers. The woodlands of Glenarm Forest are a sanctuary for the native red squirrel. On the coastal paths, look out for seabirds, and if you're lucky, you might even see dolphins in the bay.

Many trails are steeped in history. You can walk past the impressive Barbican Gate of Glenarm Castle, the oldest chartered village in Ulster. Some paths follow the 19th-century 'Lead,' a former waterway for an industrial mill. Near the Linford car park, you can also find Neolithic burial sites, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient past.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find everything from gentle, well-maintained forest tracks and riverside paths to rough, grassy slopes and open, peaty ground on the higher plateau. Good footwear is always recommended, as some sections, particularly on the upland routes, can be wet and exposed to the elements.

For expansive panoramic views, the trails that ascend the Antrim plateau are unbeatable. From the eastern edge of the escarpment, on a clear day, your view can stretch across to the Belfast Hills, the Mourne Mountains, and the Sperrins. The Sallagh Braes offers a dramatic natural amphitheater with stunning cliff-top vistas.

Yes, they offer different experiences. Glenarm Forest provides sheltered woodland walking on well-defined paths, like the popular Glenarm Forest loop — Antrim Coast & Glens, which is ideal for seeing wildlife. The wider demesne and Antrim Hills Way feature more open, rugged terrain with coastal and upland hikes that are more exposed to the elements but offer broader views.