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The starting point for the 2 km trail (4 km return) to the 508m summit of Slieveanorra is the entrance to a forest road on the southern boundary of the Altarichard Road, signed for the Moyle Way and the Ulster Way/IAT. Informal parking for 4 or 5 cars is available at this point.
The track climbs steadily through the trees for almost 1km, then exits the forest and you find yourself suddenly deposited on a high, open mountainside. As you climb, spare a thought for the doomed members of the McQuillan and O’Neill clans, who perished near here during the Battle of Orra in 1559.
The track becomes steeper and twists through several switchbacks on the final ascent towards the summit. Walkers pass a small monument commemorating a tragic event during WWII. In October 1942, a US Air Force B17 Flying Fortress bomber, making a trans-Atlantic flight bound for Prestwick, crashed into the mountain during poor visibility killing 8 of the 10 personnel on board.
On reaching the summit, in suitable weather conditions walkers are rewarded with fantastic panoramic views. Knocklayd, Rathlin Island and the outline of Scotland are visible to the north and north-east, while Donegal and the Sperrins appear on the horizon to the west. The volcanic plug of Slemish provides interest to the south, with Lough Neagh glimmering when the sun shines.
At this point walkers can turn and retrace their steps to the starting point, or for those seeking a further challenge, the forest road continues over the summit and descends through further forest cover in the direction of Altnahinch Dam. Walkers should note this optional route is not waymarked. Further off-road walking options are available by following the waymarked UW/IAT from the summit in a south easterly direction.
Did You Know? The north-eastern slope of Slieveanorra once played a prominent role in local history. During the Battle of Orra in 1559, the MacDonnell clan covered the ground with rushes to make it appear solid. Members of the rival McQuillan and O’Neill clans were tricked and floundered into chest-deep bog, only to be slaughtered as they tried to struggle free.
Facilities: Informal lay-by car parking for 4 or 5 cars.
Closest services/amenities in Armoy, Loughgiel or Cushendall
Facilities
Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
