The best walks and hikes around Templepatrick
4.7
(22)
359
hikers
20
hikes
Hiking around Templepatrick explores a landscape characterized by riverside paths, rolling hills, and the expansive shoreline of Lough Neagh. The terrain is generally low-lying, with routes following the Six Mile Water river and venturing into nearby woodlands. Most trails feature gentle gradients, making the area accessible for a wide range of walking abilities.
Best hiking trails in Templepatrick
- The most popular hiking route is Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop, a 4.4 miles (7.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to complete. This path follows the shore of Lough Neagh.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Antrim Castle Ruins – Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim loop from Antrim, a moderate 5.9 miles (9.5 km) path. This route offers an extended exploration of the lough's shoreline with minimal elevation gain.
- Local hikers also love the Forest Path loop from Carnearny, a 3.9 miles (6.3 km) trail leading through local woodland, often completed in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Hiking around Templepatrick is defined by tranquil lakeside walks, riverside greenways, and paths through managed gardens and forests. The network of trails provides options suitable for both easy family walks and longer, more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Templepatrick are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 400 hikers have used komoot to explore Templepatrick's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.6
(8)
56
hikers
7.11km
01:49
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
37
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
6.27km
01:45
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Templepatrick
Tips from the Community
The Protector of the Lough statue shows the mythological giant Finn McCool standing guard at Antrim Marina on the shores of Lough Neagh. It's an eight-metre-tall sculpture created by Spanish artist Casto Solan to celebrate the local folklore of the Lough.
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Enjoy a scenic section of running along the shoreline of Lough Neagh . The path is made of gravel and entirely flat making it perfect jogging material. The lough itself holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's water!
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Antrim Castle Gardens is the perfect place for a jog. It has flat gravel paths throughout as well as a wonderful medley of landmarks to discover such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Scenic section of walking along the shore of Lough Neagh from Antrim. The lough holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and this footpath gifts you with some gorgeous vantage points to enjoy it from.
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Here you can discover the beauty of Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House. There's many beautiful landmarks along the way such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Ruins of Antrim castle set in green grounds next to the river. A great place to stop for a breather.
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Good cake & hot chocolate. Can sit inside or in the castle courtyard as you like.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Templepatrick?
Yes, there are over 20 designated hiking routes in the area. The trails are predominantly easy or moderate, with no difficult-rated hikes, making it a very accessible region for most walkers. The landscape is defined by riverside paths, woodland trails, and walks along the Lough Neagh shore.
What do other hikers think of the trails near Templepatrick?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the tranquil scenery along the Six Mile Water, and the beautiful grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens.
Are there any good circular walks in the area?
Absolutely. Many routes are designed as loops so you can end where you started. A great example is the Pump Tower loop from Antrim, which offers a pleasant walk with minimal elevation change, exploring the area around the lough.
Can I bring my dog on the hikes around Templepatrick?
Many trails in the area are suitable for walking with a dog, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near farmland or in managed gardens. Rea's Wood is a popular spot for dog walkers, offering a lovely forest trail, but be aware that you'll need to take your own dog waste bags and carry them out with you.
What are the best options for a short, easy family walk?
For a gentle walk that's perfect for the whole family, the Antrim Castle loop from Antrim is an excellent choice. It's a short, flat route of about 2.5 km through the historic and beautiful Antrim Castle Gardens, which has plenty to see for all ages.
Where can I find the best viewpoints near Templepatrick?
For panoramic views, a hike up Lylehill is highly recommended. From the summit, you can see across the surrounding County Antrim countryside. For a different kind of scenery, McClelland Point offers lovely views looking out over the vast expanse of Lough Neagh.
Are there any hikes that include a bit of local history?
Yes, the region is rich in history. The walk along the Six Mile Water on the Mill Race Trail showcases the area's industrial heritage. Additionally, many routes pass through or near historic sites like the 400-year-old Antrim Castle Gardens and the grounds of the Castle Upton estate.
Is it possible to get to the trailheads using public transport?
Yes, there are public transport links between Templepatrick and the nearby town of Antrim, which is the starting point for many popular walks around the castle gardens and Lough Neagh. It's always a good idea to check the latest bus schedules in advance to plan your trip.
What is parking like at the main hiking spots?
Parking is generally available at the main starting points. Antrim Castle Gardens has dedicated car parks, which are convenient for accessing the trails that begin there and lead to the Lough Neagh shore. For other trails, you may find smaller lay-bys or on-street parking, so it's wise to arrive early on sunny weekends.
Are there any good pubs or cafes to stop at after a hike?
After exploring the trails, you can find several welcoming pubs and cafes in Antrim and Templepatrick village itself. They provide a great opportunity to relax and enjoy some local hospitality after your walk.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The varied habitats support a range of wildlife. Along the Six Mile Water, you might spot kingfishers and other water birds. In the woodlands like Rea's Wood and Randalstown Forest, keep an eye out for squirrels, fallow deer, and a variety of woodland birds.
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