4.9
(19)
159
hikers
15
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Ballyruther traverse a landscape characterized by rolling, forested uplands and heathland habitats. The region features native oak woodlands and diverse natural areas. Hikers can expect scenic viewpoints offering panoramas across the countryside. This varied terrain provides a range of easy walking experiences.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
4.3
(12)
78
hikers
4.74km
01:21
110m
110m
Embark on the Glenarm Forest loop, an easy hike that guides you through tranquil woodland and along the serene Glenarm River. This accessible route covers 2.9 miles (4.7 km) with…
1
hikers
2.69km
00:46
60m
60m
Hike the easy 1.7-mile Heritage Trail in Carnfunnock Country Park, gaining 200 feet in about 46 minutes.

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9
hikers
3.76km
01:06
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
6.68km
01:48
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The tower is an exact replica of an Irish round tower and is 27 m high and 7.5 m wide at the base.
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The Chaine Memorial Tower, or "The Pencil" as it is known locally, is an impressive lighthouse made of Irish granite, built in 1887 as a memorial to James Chaine, the developer of Larne Harbour. The tower was converted into a lighthouse by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in March 1899.
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The MV Princess Victoria, completed in 1947, was one of the earliest roll-on/roll-off ferries. During a severe winter storm, the ferry sank on January 31, 1953, and 135 people lost their lives.
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Affectionately known as ‘The Pencil’ The granite tower was built in 1887 as a memorial to James Chaine, the Harbour's developer. It's an accurate replica of an Irish Round Tower and was converted into a lighthouse by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1899. Has stood like a sentinel over the Lough ever since.
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Carnfunnock Country Park offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and engaging attractions for visitors of all ages. The park features a number of discoveries including sprawling gardens, enchanting walking trails, and a wide range of activities such as a maze, adventure playground, and a miniature railway.
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Start your walk off in the picturesque seaside village of Glenarm in County Antrim. There are a number of enjoyable things to do here such as visit the mighty Glenarm Castle, discover one of the many fantastic small eateries and bars, or take a walk down the marina.
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Enjoy a gentle stroll along a shaded woodland path that runs alongisde Glenarm River. The river is teeming with aquatic life so try your luck spotting species such as Brown Trout, Salmon, and Sea Trout, or even Mallard, Ducks, and Heron, the odd otter or two has been spotted here too!
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'The Pencil' as it's known locally. Built in the 1890's as a memorial to James Chaine who developed Larne Harbour.
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There are 7 easy hiking trails available in Ballyruther, offering a variety of experiences through forested uplands, heathland, and native oak woodlands. In total, the region features 15 hiking routes across different difficulty levels.
Easy hikes in Ballyruther generally range from 2.7 km to 6.7 km in length. You can expect these walks to take anywhere from 45 minutes to just under 2 hours to complete, depending on the specific route and your pace. For example, the Heritage Trail is about 2.7 km and takes around 46 minutes, while the Carnfunnock Country Park loop from Ballygally is 6.7 km and typically takes 1 hour 48 minutes.
Yes, the Ballyhoura region (which Ballyruther is part of) is known for its natural beauty, including waterfalls. The Clare Glens Loop, for instance, offers easy trails that follow the Clare River through a sandstone gorge, featuring multiple waterfalls. While not explicitly listed in the immediate Ballyruther routes, this regional characteristic suggests similar features may be found nearby.
Absolutely. Many of the easy trails in Ballyruther are suitable for families, offering gentle gradients and pleasant scenery. Routes like the Glenarm Forest loop provide a great opportunity for a leisurely walk with children through forested areas.
Easy hikes in Ballyruther will take you through a diverse landscape of rolling, forested uplands and heathland habitats. You'll encounter native oak woodlands, blanket bog, and wet and dry heath, supporting a variety of flora like bog cotton and bilberry bushes. These trails often provide scenic viewpoints with extensive panoramas across the countryside.
Yes, several easy routes in Ballyruther are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Glenarm Forest loop and the Ballycoos – Scawt Hill loop from Scawt Hill, which are both popular choices for a convenient and scenic outing.
The Ballyruther area is rich in history. While hiking, you might encounter historical sites such as Glenarm Castle, an ancient monastery near Ballinaboola Woods, or the Chaine Memorial Tower. The region also has remnants of ancient settlements and burial sites, adding a cultural layer to your outdoor experience.
The trails in Ballyruther are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 18 reviews. Hikers often praise the region's varied terrain, the pleasant forested areas, and the accessibility of the easy routes. Over 150 hikers have used komoot to explore these paths, indicating their popularity and appeal.
Yes, many easy trails in Ballyruther offer rewarding viewpoints. The region's rolling uplands provide numerous opportunities for scenic panoramas across the Munster countryside. For example, the View of the Antrim Coast from Scawt Hill is a notable highlight that can be enjoyed from nearby trails.
The Ballyruther region is beautiful year-round, with its natural beauty changing with the seasons. Spring brings vibrant greens, while autumn offers golden hues. For comfortable hiking, late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally provides the most pleasant weather conditions. However, the well-maintained trails can be enjoyed in all seasons.
Yes, the Carnfunnock Country Park loop from Ballygally is an excellent option for an easy hike through a country park. Additionally, the Glenarm River Path offers a pleasant walk through a forested area, showcasing the region's natural beauty.
Along easy hiking routes in Ballyruther, you can discover several interesting landmarks. These include the historic Glenarm Castle, the scenic Black Hill, and the distinctive Chaine Memorial Tower. Many trails also offer views of the Antrim Coast.


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