Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Ballycastle Forest car park, forest tracks lead up the slopes of Knocklayd and a path takes over on the open hill for the last climb to the summit cairn, Carn an Truagh, a scheduled monument. The views run along the coast to Rathlin Island and, on clear days, to Islay and Jura. The way back is the same line.
It is 4.4 km out and back with 367 m of ascent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Moderate: forest tracks and a hill path with a sustained climb of about 370 m. The summit is often in cloud: take a map and compass.
nidirect says there may be restricted access to parts of Ballycastle Forest because of forestry works: follow the safety signs. The forest is open daily from 8am until sunset.
nidirect gives no parking charge. The Moyle Way, part of the Ulster Way, also climbs through the forest from Ballycastle on the line of a former railway.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Knocklayd rises to 514 m above Ballycastle; the summit carries Carn an Truagh, a large cairn that is a scheduled monument.
- The Moyle Way, part of the Ulster Way, passes through Ballycastle Forest on the line of a former railway.
- From the upper forest the views reach the coast, Rathlin Island and, on clear days, Islay and Jura.
Summits on the way
- Knocklayd 514 m
Getting there
Start: Ballycastle Forest car park, B15. 55.17346, -6.22670
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Ballycastle Forest car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.