Slemish Mountain

What You'll Find

Slemish is the mountain most of us know from primary school: the volcanic plug above Broughshane where Saint Patrick is said to have herded livestock as a young slave. It's also one of the best short climbs in County Antrim for a family with children old enough to enjoy a challenge.

From the car park on Carnstroan Lane, a grassy track takes you to the foot of the mountain. After that you pick your own way over rocky ground to the summit, some 1,437 feet up, and the view from the top takes in a huge sweep of Antrim. WalkNI puts the whole thing at around a mile and about an hour — but don't let the short distance fool you, because the upper section is steep and small legs will need time and encouragement.

It's free to climb, there's no booking, and the car park has picnic tables, toilets and a small information centre. That combination makes it a brilliant first mountain for a primary-school child: hard enough to feel like an achievement, short enough that nobody's out after dark.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Feeling like real explorers heading up an actual mountain
• ✓Picking their own route over the rocks near the top
• ✓Spotting hares, wheatears and ravens on the way up if they're quiet enough
• ✓The enormous view when they finally get there
• ✓A picnic at the car park afterwards

Before You Visit

This is a steep, rocky climb rather than a walk. WalkNI grades it strenuous, over a steep rocky track, and describes the route as 1.2 miles circular taking around an hour — the upper section is loose underfoot, so proper shoes and free hands make a big difference.

It's not a buggy route or a toddler route. A carrier works for a baby, but children need to be steady on rough ground for both the climb and the descent, which is the trickier half.

The car park at the foot of the mountain has toilets, picnic tables and an information centre, with brown signs from Ballymena. We couldn't confirm whether there's a parking charge, so come prepared. Dogs must be kept on a lead. On Saint Patrick's Day the annual pilgrimage fills the place and access is by park and ride from Silverwood near Broughshane, with no parking at Slemish — a wonderful day out, but not a spontaneous one.

The weather at the top isn't the weather in the car park. Take jackets, even on a bright morning.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Pick a clear day. The view is the reward, and cloud on the summit is a long way to climb for grey.
• ⭐Start earlier than you think — the car park fills on fine weekends.
• ⭐Turn back at the base if little legs are tiring. The grassy track to the foot of the mountain is a grand wee walk in itself.
• ⭐Dogs must stay on a lead, and the Irish hares and ground-nesting birds will thank you for it.