Let's start with the active adventures, perfect for working off the calories from days of over-indulgance (some of them at least!) and for clearing the mind after the whirlwind of Christmas.
Here in Mid & East Antrim we've got it all on our doorstep; mountains, forests and beaches. So try one of each between Christmas and New Year...
Slemish
Not far from Ballymena, you'll approach Slemish by car along a country road and watch as the ancient volcanic plug seems to grow and grow as you approach. There's a good sized car park at the base of the trail, with handy toilet facilities and some interpretive signage on the area. Even from here you'll get great views across the countryside, but follow the well-trodden pathway up the side of Slemish Mountain and you soon reach the summit where you'll enjoy 360 degree views right across the country. What a perfect place to recharge, ready for the New Year!
The Gobbins Cliff Path
It doesn't get more wild, exposed and elemental that a walk along the Gobbins Cliff path! Hugging the rugged cliff face, this infamous trek takes you across bridges, over coves, past ancient caves and up steps to some of the most spectacular views on the Causeay Coastal Route. You'll get the sea spray on your face and the freshest air in your lungs - just perfect for some post-Christmas invigoration! Once you book your tour, it's advisable to arrive at the visitor centre 15 minutes before your designated start time. You'll be given a quick safety briefing, and a super-trendy helmet to wear (for good reason, the over-hanging rocks can come as a surprise!) before hopping on a minibus for the short 5 minute journey to the start of the walk itself.
Bring walking boots if you have them, if not don't worry, you can hire a pair at the centre. An experienced guide will then lead you on an incredible journey for the next couple of hours. By the time you've finished your walk, you'll be ready for a cuppa and a bite to eat back where you started! Book your tour here.
Ballyboley Forest
.jpg)
Just a few miles from Larne, on the high grounds of Shane's Hill you'll find Ballyboley Forest. Here you have the opportunity to take a long hike through a wooded wonderland which eventually leads walkers around a reservoir. The scenery around this area is quite stunning with its mix of dense forest and expanses of barren hilltops. It's the perfect place for some headspace while you hike.
Listen closely as you walk alongside the dense forest for a variety of birds, including woodpecker, and also the thumping of rabbits' feet in the deep wooded areas as they warn others of your approach!
Portglenone Forest
.jpg)
This forest is a hit with families due to its excellent facilities. There's a large car park and a toilet block at the beginning of the walk, and even picnic benches, so why not bring some turkey and stuffing sandwiches with you to enjoy befor eor after your walk?
You can follow the clear path through the woods, or go off exploring between the trees and logs. The path takes you to the River Bann, where you'll follow the river bank and pass a jetty which offers some lovely views up the river.
Be on the look out for squirrels and a variety of birds as you wander through this ancient woodland
This is a loop walk so keep goimg until you find yourself at the car park again.
Beaches
It's one thing to walk barefoot on a beach on a sunny day during summer, but sometimes there's nothing like wrapping up and getting onto the sand in the bleak mid-winter!
Portmuck & Brown's Bay
Portmuck Harbour has a small sandy beach waiting to be explored, and a rocky headland which leads you to a secluded vantage point from which you can admire the ocean views and the Isle of Muck, an impressive island nature reserve and home to the third largest colony of cliff-nesting seabirds in Northern Ireland. Just a couple of minutes drive around the coast from Portmuck you'll find Brown's Bay, a much longer beach providing plenty of opportunity to stretch the legs and fill the lungs with the invigorating coastal air.
Or for somehwere with a chance to warm up afterwards, try Ballygally Beach, another very walkable stretch of sandy beach on the edge of the Causeway Coastal Route. After you've stretched your legs (and kicked the sand off your shoes!) call into the Ballygally Castle Hotel for a tea or coffee. Or for something stronger head a mile or so up the road to Matty's Bar for a pint or a hot toddy.
You've treated everyone else...now treat yourself!
Maybe you've spent the entire Christmas period looking after others, decorating, wrapping presents, making Christmas dinner... now it's time to look after yourself!
Galgorm Spa
Start with a visit to Galgorm Spa (they've recently been awarded "Best Destination Spa in the World" and "Best Luxury Spa Resort"!) where you can let any stresses of the festive holidays float away during a treatment or as you unwind in one of the pools.
Make A Night Of It
You don't always need to rush home either - treat yourself with an overnight stay in one of Mid & East Antrim's fabulous places to stay. We've got a great choice of accommodation, from hotels including Galgorm, Ballygally Castle, Adair Arms and Londonderry Arms, to more quirky options like The Lightkeeper's Cottage at Blackhead Lighthouse, or even your very own mini-castle at The Barbican Gate in Glenarm.
Click here to explore all the accommodation in Mid & East Antrim.
Check out the current offers here.
So in these days leading up to the New Year, take some time out to explore, get your steps in and pamper yourself in a Land Shaped By Sea and Stone!
