Walking
Larne Town And Country Walks
Larne town and its surrounding area has some great places to walk - coastal and inland, riverside, parkland, forest and valley, long and short. For walks specifc to Larne please see the following downloadable document- Larne Town and Country Walks Datasheet. There should be enough information here to give you a fair impression about each walk but if you would like more detail you can speak to the Countryside Officer at 028 2827 2313 or the Tourism Information Centre on 028 2826 0088. Another good source of information for these and almost all other walks in Northern Ireland, is: www.walkni.com.
Map
Ordnance Survey NI Sheet 9 map covers this area.
Advance Preparation For Long Walks
- Bring some food, water and first aid. Bring a map and compass and know how to use them.
- Appropriate clothing and body protection will be required according to the time of year and conditions. However, please be aware that the conditions can change unexpectedly. On high ground, it can become extremely windy and cold. Mist is more prevalent on high ground and this can hamper visibility, making it difficult to see the route ahead in spite of marker posts. In hot weather the sun can be extremely strong so protection of eyes and skin is advised. Strong footwear with good ankle support is advised.
- It is best not to walk in remote places on your own. In any case, tell someone at home where you will be walking and your expected time of arrival. Keep in touch with them from time to time.
- Carrying a mobile phone is a good idea but please be aware that reception might not be available in all the areas that you will be passing through.
- Check the weather forecast in advance. If severe weather is forecast for that area, it is advisable to reconsider your walk plans.
Leave No Trace
These walks and all public places are where we share our beautiful landscapes with everyone else. It is best to leave all natural objects such as plants, leaves, seeds and pebbles where they are so that others can enjoy them. The aim is to leave the places we visit as if we had never been there. All litter, even an apple core, should be taken home and placed in a bin. For more information on the principles of Leave No Trace, go to www.leavenotraceireland.org.uk
Tides
To find out what the tides are doing for any of your coastal or beach walks, go to www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast/tides/nireland.shtml or http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk for a different layout. These websites give you the tides for the next 6 or 7 days. Alternatively you can buy a tide booklet with tables for the whole year, for £2 from the Harbour Office, Olderfleet Road just outside the Larne Harbour Terminal. This information will be helpful when you are planning a trip to the beach, especially to Carnlough where the high tide water attains a depth of 3 or 4 meters beside the road defences and as much as 1km of the length of beach that is exposed at low tide, then comes under seawater.
Grades
- Easy – these walks are predominantly flat and/or relatively short and do not require a high level of fitness.
- Moderate – these are walks that could be pleasantly challenging for some people.
- Strenuous – these walks cover difficult terrain, sometimes in remote places and require a reasonable level of fitness, specialist footwear, clothing and advance planning.
Type Of Walk
- Linear – there are two types of linear walk:
OR – Optional Return. In this walk, you can come back the same way or you can arrange to be picked up at the other end.
CR – Compulsory Return. In this walk, you have to come back the way you went as there is nowhere to be collected at the end point. - Circular – In this walk, it takes you back to the start on a continuous walk.
Estimate Of Time To Walk
Everyone is different but an average walk on level ground is 3 miles/hour. If it is over uneven, hilly ground it is likely to take longer to cover the same distance and you might take more rest stops. A rough idea of duration is included in the table but this is a guideline only.
Dogs
The Council recognises that people need places to walk their dogs. Having a dog is a great comfort and pleasure to their owners.
In the following table, the column for dogs gives information on how your dog should be controlled on that walk and we would ask that you adhere to this. In particular we would bring to your attention the fact that dogs can attract danger to their owners if in the same field with livestock and that is why dogs are not permitted at all on the Antrim Hills Way. The livestock could feel threatened by the dog and try to attack it, possibly also injuring the owner - this has been known to happen.
And lastly, please clean up after your dog. Dog fouling is one of the biggest complaints that the Council has to deal with every day and if you are found to be an irresponsible owner, you will be fined. Carry a plastic bag and poop scoop and dispose carefully.
If you need any help with matters relating to your dog licence, or chipping, neutering, spaying and dog training courses, you can speak to our Environmental Warden at the Council on 028 2827 2313.
Your Walking Experience
We are keen to have your comments on your walk experience whether it is good or bad. To contact the Countryside Officer ring the Council at 2827 2313 or email admin@larne.gov.uk . Thank you.
Photo Gallery
Photos of each of the walks are available in our online photo gallery accessible from the home page ot click the link below to be brought straight to the Walks gallery:
http://www.larne.gov.uk/gallery_images.asp?id=58&catid=58&area=5&text=text=1
Trained Walk Leaders
Mr Cowper Lynas www.walkantrimhills.com Tel: (028) 2858 3483
Mr Seamus Milliken. Tel (028) 2858 3355
More Websites:
Countryside Access and Activities Network – www.countrysiderecreation.com
Disabled Ramblers – www.shopmobilitybelfast.co.uk
Forest Service – www.forestserviceni.gov.uk
List of places to walk in Northern Ireland – www.walkni.com
List of Walking Clubs in Northern Ireland - http://www.walkni.com/UsefulWalkingInfo.aspx?ID=16
Local Walk Organiser Mr Cowper Lynas – www.walkantrimhills.com
National Cycle Network – www.sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near-you/northern-ireland-and-the-republic-of-ireland
National Trust – www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs - www.ufrc-online.co.uk
You may also print out these walking cards for around Larne Borough:
Documents
Islandmagee Walks- 18/11/2009
2.71Mb- Larne Harbour Heritage Trail- 23/11/2007
515Kb - Larne Highway to Health Walks- 21/09/2007
305Kb - Larne Town and Country Walks Datasheet- 25/01/2010
41Kb
