Glenarm Forest

You'll find yourself in proper woodland walking country about fifteen minutes from Ballymena, where Glenarm Forest sits as a genuine breath of fresh air. It's the real deal - mixed forest with trails that actually feel like you're somewhere quiet, not some manicured tourist route. The woodland spreads across the valley floor with a decent stream running through it, and the paths are well-maintained without feeling overdone. Most people spend between one and two hours here, depending on whether you're the amble-about type or you're after a proper walk to work up an appetite. The forest works best for families with older kids and anyone who actually enjoys trees rather than just Instagram moments. Walkers will appreciate the sense of escape it offers - you're close enough to town for convenience but far enough removed to feel like you've got the place mostly to yourself on a weekday. The trails vary in difficulty, so you can pitch it to whatever fitness level you've got. If you're staying at Ocean View Pods just down the road, this is the obvious spot to burn off energy before breakfast. There's no admission charge that we can find, which is refreshing. Go midweek if you can - weekends bring more foot traffic. The whole thing takes a couple of hours maximum, so it's a genuine bonus activity rather than a full day commitment. Decent spot, worth the short drive from wherever you're based in Mid and East Antrim.