For our last roadtrip we decided to go to Glenariff Forest Park in Ballymena. I had seen some pictures on social media, and felt we just had to give it a go! Especially when it said there was a waterfall-trail, then there is no questions asked!
From where we live in Belfast it takes around 1 hour to get there by car on the motorway. The forest park is very much up the mountains, and bits of the road was icy. Not too bad but as winter tyres is not an existing thing here I would advise to be careful if driving during the colder months!
There are a few trails to pick from. There's the waterfall trail which was around 3K. Then you have a longer one, if I'm not remembering it wrong it was around 8K, and then a wee viewing point trail is only 1K. There is also a trail that you can continue on from the waterfall trail - which we did, and it added another 2K on. This one was pretty much walking up in the woods on a steep hill to get you back to the parking and viewing point, and let's be honest - it killed me a wee bit. Steep hills are not agreeing with me! Luckily you do however feel great after you've defeated it!
/.../ if you're a waterfall chaser - like myself - this is a must!
As it's up on a mountain the winds were quite strong and cold at the viewing point during our visit, but as we walked down the trail it got warmer and my hat and mittens were not really needed! The view however, as seen on the photos, are stunning, and if you're a waterfall chaser - as myself - this is a must!
When it comes to who this visit will be suitable for I'd say that it's a good place for both dogs and children. However there are loads of stairs so you have to be careful when walking, and be aware that the accessibility is not great.
During the summer months they would have a café open that was now closed. Along the waterfall trail there is also a restaurant. Other than this there's plenty of parking but you need to pay a £5 entry fee to visit the forest park.
I would definitely recommend it! There is a lot of other areas around Ballymena to visit, so if you make a full day of it I'd say you would have loads more to explore and do!
~ linnity