Ahoghill Park

The woodland paths through Ahoghill Park wind through decent walking country just outside Ballymena, where you'll find yourself among mature trees and open grassland that's genuinely pleasant if you're after an hour's stretch of the legs. It's a straightforward nature reserve - the sort of place where you might spot birds and the occasional bit of local wildlife without needing to hike for half the day.

The park works best for families with younger kids or anyone after a gentle stroll rather than serious hikers. The paths are manageable, though surfaces vary depending on recent weather. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're doing the full circuit at a leisurely pace, or just 20 minutes if you're cutting through.

Worth knowing: it's free to access, which is proper generous. The best time to visit is spring or early autumn when you're not trudging through mud or fighting midges. Winter's bleak but quieter if solitude appeals to you.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby glamping spots - Sunset Glamping or Lough Beg Glamping, both highly rated - Ahoghill makes a convenient morning or late afternoon option before heading back to your accommodation. It won't dominate your itinerary, but it's a solid addition to a Ballymena-area break if you've got transport sorted. Don't expect anything dramatic or jaw-dropping; this is quiet countryside walking, nothing more, nothing less.