Carnearny

The walk up Carnearny rewards you with views across Antrim and beyond - nothing fancy, but proper rewarding if you've got an hour to spare. It's a modest peak rather than a mountain, the sort of place locals know and tourists miss, sitting just outside Antrim town itself.

Once you're up there, the landscape opens out nicely. You can see across the loughs on a clear day, and the surrounding farmland rolls away in all directions. The climb itself is straightforward enough - no scrambling or technical bits, just steady legs required. Families with older kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might find the walk tedious, if I'm honest.

Go midweek if you can. Weekends bring the predictable crowd of local walkers, which isn't terrible, but it does take the edge off the quiet. Early morning works brilliantly too - you'll have the place to yourself and the light's better for photos.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Blair's Castlewood or Six Mile Water, both well-rated spots - Carnearny makes an easy afternoon sortie. It's close enough that you're not spending half the day driving, but far enough that it feels like a proper outing rather than a stroll round the park. Antrim town itself is just minutes away if you need supplies or a bite afterwards. Worth the detour if you're after a quick leg-stretcher with decent views, but don't expect drama or solitude.