The best walks and hikes around Kilroot

Yes, the area offers several good options for walking with your dog. Oakfield Glen and Bashfordsland Wood is a popular local choice, known for its beautiful woodland paths perfect for a dog walk. Many walkers also enjoy the trails in Woodburn Forest, but remember to keep your dog under control, especially around the reservoirs and any livestock.

There are several excellent circular routes. For a longer walk that takes in some local history, the Carrickfergus Castle – Carrickfergus Castle loop from Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Centre is a great option. It provides a mix of town and coastal scenery. For a shorter, very accessible loop, consider the paths around Carrickfergus Marina.

Definitely. For a very gentle and historic walk, the Carrickfergus Castle – Carrickfergus Castle loop from Carrickfergus is an excellent choice. It's relatively flat and short, making it ideal for families with children. Another highly-regarded spot for a family outing is The Fairy Glen in Rostrevor, which features an easy path along a river that is popular with all ages.

The Blackhead Coastal Path is the premier coastal walk in the immediate area, offering fantastic views across Belfast Lough and leading to the iconic Blackhead Lighthouse. The path combines rugged shoreline with rolling grasslands, and you might even spot seals or seabirds.

The coastal paths are great for spotting seabirds, and seals are often seen near the Blackhead Lighthouse. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the mudflats of Belfast Lough are a significant habitat for migrating birds. The RSPB's Belfast Window on Wildlife offers hides to observe lapwings, terns, and wintering wildfowl. You can find more visitor information at visitbelfast.com.

Yes, Woodburn Forest is the most extensive woodland area for hiking near Kilroot. It features a network of trails that go through dense forest and past several reservoirs. It's a great choice if you're looking for a change of scenery from the coast.

The Woodburn Forest Upper Car Park is a well-known and convenient starting point for many of the trails. From there, you can easily access the paths that loop around the three reservoirs.

You'll find a wide variety of options, with over 75 routes mapped on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls to more challenging hikes, covering coastal paths, forest tracks, and historic town walks.

The routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views across Belfast Lough and the peaceful, well-maintained paths through areas like Woodburn Forest. The blend of natural scenery and local history is a frequently mentioned highlight.

While most trails near Kilroot are easy to moderate, those seeking a tougher challenge often head to Ronans Way Hikes. It's a highly-regarded hiking area known for its rewarding but strenuous routes. Be sure to wear appropriate waterproof footwear.

Yes, many trailheads are accessible. The towns of Whitehead and Carrickfergus are well-served by trains and buses, providing excellent starting points for coastal walks like the Blackhead Path or routes around Carrickfergus Castle. It's always best to check the latest Translink NI timetables before you travel.