Carnmoney Hill Walk

This walk takes you around the woodland area at Carnmoney Hill in County Antrim. The woods are a popular spot for a walk being only a short drive from Belfast.
The walk starts at the car park at the woods, where you are immediately surrounded by a mix of native trees such as oak, birch, and hazel. These trees provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, with the cheerful songs of birds such as chaffinches, blackbirds, and wrens filling the air. In spring and summer, the undergrowth is alive with wildflowers like bluebells, primroses, and foxgloves, creating bursts of colour among the greenery.
As you ascend the hill, the path weaves through a tranquil forest environment, occasionally opening up to reveal stunning views over Belfast Lough and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Mourne Mountains to the south and the Scottish coastline across the water. The hill is also a vantage point for observing the urban sprawl of Belfast, offering a fascinating juxtaposition of natural and man-made landscapes.
The fauna of Carnmoney Hill is as diverse as its flora. Keep an eye out for red foxes or rabbits in the undergrowth, while birds of prey such as kestrels or buzzards can sometimes be seen circling overhead. The woodland floor is rich with life, from the scurrying of small mammals like wood mice to the occasional sight of a slowworm basking in sunny clearings.
Carnmoney Hill is also steeped in history and folklore. The hill has long been associated with ancient settlement, and its proximity to the coast has made it an important location throughout various periods. Local legends add an air of mystery to the walk, with tales of hidden treasures and ghostly apparitions tied to the area's past.
The descent takes you back through the woods, where the light filtering through the leaves creates a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.

Carnmoney Hill Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Carnmoney Hill Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

You can continue your walking at the nearby Woodburn Forest and Reservoirs where there are miles of fine trails to try. The historic Carrickfergus Castle, Belfast Castle and the popular Cave Hill Country Park are also not far away.

Woodburn Forest and Reservoirs, Carrickfergus, Belfast Castle, Cave Hill Country Park

GPX File

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