The best walks and hikes around Shanes

There are over 10 hiking routes available around Shanes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy walks, moderate excursions, and more challenging long-distance hikes.

Yes, Shanes offers several easy trails. For instance, the Gracehill House – The Dark Hedges loop from Bush is an easy 2.1 km (1.3 mi) route. Another accessible option is the Hiking loop from Slieveanorra, which is 3.5 km (2.2 mi) long and also rated easy.

Shanes features several excellent circular routes. The Moyle Way: Breen Forest Loop is a popular moderate 9.1 km (5.7 mi) option through dense woodland. For a longer, more challenging circular hike, consider the Breen Forest loop from Croaghan, which spans 22 km (13.7 mi).

Hiking around Shanes offers diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and views towards the Antrim Coast & Glens. Trails often ascend hills like Knocklayd and Slieveanorra, providing varied elevation changes and scenic vistas. You'll encounter a mix of natural paths and forest tracks.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, the Breen Forest loop from Croaghan is a difficult 22 km (13.7 mi) trail with significant elevation gain, offering an extensive experience through forest and open terrain.

Near the hiking trails, you can explore several notable attractions. These include the iconic The Dark Hedges, the historic Gracehill House, and the scenic Torr Head Coastal Road. For panoramic views, the Knocklayd Summit is also a significant point of interest.

The trails in Shanes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, the immersive woodland experiences in places like Breen Forest, and the rewarding ascents to summits like Knocklayd.

While the guide data doesn't explicitly state dog-friendliness for every trail, many natural trails in the Antrim Coast & Glens region are suitable for dogs, especially those through forests and open hillsides. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in protected areas, and to check local signage for specific restrictions.

The longest hiking trail listed in the area is the Breen Forest loop from Croaghan, which is a challenging 22 km (13.7 mi) route that typically takes over six hours to complete.

Yes, several trails provide a good workout with notable elevation gain. The Knocklayd from Drumavoyle Road — Antrim Coast & Glens route, for example, involves an ascent of over 330 meters (1,080 ft) to the summit of Knocklayd, offering a rewarding climb.

Yes, the Shanes area features routes that connect to wider trail networks. For instance, the Moyle Way: Breen Forest Loop is part of the Moyle Way, which is a longer-distance walking route, allowing for extended hiking opportunities beyond individual loops.