Braid Riverbank

The Braid River winds through countryside south of Ballymena, and its riverbank is one of those spots locals know but visitors often miss. It's a proper walk rather than a quick loop - you're looking at a decent stretch of water lined with trees, good for stretching your legs if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping sites like Sunset Glamping.

What you get here is straightforward: a decent riverside path, woodland on either side, and the sort of peace that comes from being far enough from main roads. It's not dramatic or showy. There's no visitor centre, no admission charge, no Instagram moment waiting to happen. But that's rather the point. Walkers will appreciate it, especially if you've got dogs - the terrain is manageable and there's proper access to the water. Kids will manage fine for an hour or two, though they won't find anything particularly thrilling once the novelty of splashing about wears off.

The river itself moves gently through the landscape. On a clear day the light catches it nicely enough. Bring decent shoes because it can get muddy after rain, and allow at least ninety minutes if you want to see anything worthwhile rather than just a quick fifteen-minute stroll.

If you're basing yourself in Mid and East Antrim for a few days, this slots in well as a morning walk before heading into Ballymena or towards other attractions. It's the sort of place that rewards you for wandering off the beaten track, but don't expect it to be life-changing.