Walk Northern Ireland - Mountaineering Ireland

Glenariff Forest
Park
Amongst the Glens of
Antrim, Glenariff is
considered the queen.
The writer Thackeray
called the valley
“Switzerland in
Miniature” alluring to
its towering cliffs,
thundering waterfalls
and whispering pines.
At the heart of the
valley lies Glenariff
Forest Park, with a
network of waymarked
trails that is extensive
enough to allow
several hours of walking. Those
who opt for the higher paths are
rewarded with fine views down the
valley to the coast, but there’s no
doubt that the riverside trails are
the park’s main attraction.
Two rivers, the Glenariff and the
Inver, converge in the park, and as
they meet each passes through a
series of spectacular cascades. The
most dramatic falls lie at the
northern edge of the park near
Manor Lodge. From here a path
follows the turbulent water
upstream past numerous small
rapids. Before long the rock walls
surrounding the river draw closer,
forcing the path onto a thrilling
wooden walkway built into the
cliff.
This dark, moist gorge is a haven
for many species of fern, moss and
liverwort, and has been designated
a National Nature Reserve. At the
head of the ravine you’ll find
perhaps the most famous waterfall
in the Glens of Antrim, the
powerful, double drop of Ess-na-
Larach, meaning ‘the Mare’s Fall’.
The billowing spray is refreshing.
Glenariff Forest Park F2
Starting Point: Main Car Park Glenariff
Forest Park
Distance: Up to 9km
Maps & Books: Glenariff Forest
Park leaflet, www.forestserviceni.gov.uk
OSNI sheet: 9
Facilities: Parking, toilets, refreshments at
Forest Park
…the Glenariff
and the Inver,
converge in
the park, and
as they meet
each passes
through a
series of
spectacular
cascades
Below: Cranny Falls
Cranny Falls
The picturesque harbour at
Carnlough is one of the highlights
of a visit to the Glens of Antrim.
But there’s more to this village than
fishing boats and sea breezes. Just a
few kilometres inland lies the
beautiful and secluded Cranny
Falls, a Local Nature Reserve. The
walk from Carnlough begins at the
harbour and climbs gently along a
quiet path surrounded by
blackberry and hawthorn. This is
actually the route of an old railway
line, which once transported
quarried limestone to the harbour.
Before you reach the falls
walk… Waterfalls
themselves,
consider
making a
short detour
into Gortin
Quarry to
view the
regeneration
taking place
since
excavations
ceased.
Limestoneloving
flowers
such as ox-eye
daisy and
yellow vetch are now thriving in a
place once dominated by industrial
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