Walk Northern Ireland - Mountaineering Ireland

eing rather boggy underfoot. If
possible, try to wait for dry
conditions before attempting the
walk.
Most people allow two days for
the route, though it’s not unknown
for very fit walkers to complete the
distance in a single outing. This is
not recommended however unless
you’re very sure of your stamina
levels. If you split the walk in two
you’ll probably want to stop for the
night in one of the more remote
valleys mid-way along the path.
The picturesque harbour town of
Ballycastle provides a fitting start
for the route. The castle from
which the town got its name lies
beside the church on the Diamond,
Above: The Antrim Coast and Glens
the town’s central square. It was
built in 1612 by Sir Randal
MacDonnell, a member of the
powerful MacDonell clan which
arrived by sea from Scotland in the
early sixteenth century. Ballycastle
marks the spot where the Atlantic
Ocean officially meets the Irish Sea
and is the place to catch the ferry if
you want to visit Rathlin Island.
The gap between island and
mainland became world famous in
1898 when the Italian inventor
Guiglielmo Marconi successfully
sent the first ever commercial radio
transmission between Ballycastle
and Rathlin.
The Moyle Way leaves Ballycastle
along the route of the old narrow
gauge railway. This line finally
closed in 1950. The path then
diverts into Ballycastle Forest and
climbs along a series of forest tracks
to Ballyveely.
The steep cone of Knocklayd is
the second highest mountain in
Antrim at 514m. This peak enjoyed
a brief moment of fame in 1788
when a Dublin newspaper reported
that the top had blown off,
discharging molten rock over the
surrounding landscape.
The route continues south from
Knocklayd and enters the Breen
Oakwood Nature Reserve and up
the slopes of Bohilbreaga. A steep
descent then brings you down to
the Glenshesk River, and a very
pretty section of trail follows the
river upstream. Look out for a
small waterfall and pool, and an
old gravestone on the opposite
bank. This stone marks the place
where a MacQuillan chief died
after being defeated at the bloody
Battle of Orra in 1559.
After a brief trip up Altahillion
Gorge you leave the forest behind.
The slopes of Slieveanorra can now
be seen rising ahead, where the
Battle of Orra took place during
the sixteenth century. During this
particular skirmish, the
MacDonnell clan covered the
boggy mountain slope with rushes
to make the ground appear solid.
They then goaded their enemies
into crossing the area. The
MacQuillans and O’Neills
floundered into the chest-deep bog,
only to be slaughtered as they tried
walk… Moyle Way
to struggle free.
Fortunately today a gravel track
allows modern walkers to traverse
the bog without difficulty. Fine
views reward your effort as you
arrive at the 508m summit of
Slieveanorra. The outline of
Scotland’s highlands and island
should also be visible on the
horizon.
The route descends south from
the summit, passing through
Slieveanorra Forest at the base of
Glendun. A wooden footbridge
then brings you safely across the
Glendun River. You must now
gather yourself for the final climb
of the route. A rough, moorland
path climbs over the shoulder of
Trostan, the highest peak in
County Antrim at 550m. The cairn
at the summit was built by the
victorious members of the
MacDonnell clan after the Battle of
Orra. It was intended as a
memorial to their leader, Sorely
Boy MacDonnell.
The descent from Trostan takes
you back into a coniferous forest,
where you pick up the line of the
Essathohan Burn. A final stroll
through the trees brings you to the
end of the route opposite the
entrance to Glenariff Forest Park.
If you still have energy to spare,
it’s well worth continuing into this
forest park. The Glenariff River
passes through the trees, creating
countless spectacular waterfalls.
If not, then relax, you deserve it.
You have just spent two days
traversing Antrim’s highest and
wildest peaks. The least you can do
is treat yourself to a cup of tea!
The Moyle Way E2–F2
Starting Point: Ballycastle
Distance: 32km
Maps & Books: ‘Moyle Way: An illustrated
guide to walking the Moyle Way’
OSNI sheet 5/9
www.waymarkedways.com
Facilities: Parking available. Toilets:
Available at Ballycastle and Glenariff
discovernorthernireland.com
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