Croaghan Mountain

The walk up Croaghan Mountain from Ballymoney takes you through proper countryside - moorland and open grassland that feels a world away from the coast, even though you're only a few miles inland from the Causeway Coast. It's not a dramatic peak. The summit sits at 370 metres, which means the climb is steady rather than brutal, usually manageable in under an hour depending on your fitness. What makes it worth the effort is the view across County Antrim on a clear day - you can see right over to the Glens and towards the coast if you're lucky with the weather.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's straightforward terrain without technical scrambling, so families with older kids who don't mind a decent incline will be fine too. Bring decent boots though - it gets boggy in patches. The summit itself is fairly bare, so don't expect a cosy cafe or shelter. That said, the solitude is part of the appeal. You won't be queuing for photos here.

From North Coast 9 Glamping, just 3.5 miles away, you could easily combine this with a morning on the actual coast - grab Croaghan early, then head to the beach later. It works well as a half-day activity rather than a full afternoon commitment. Free to access, naturally. Go on a crisp autumn day when the visibility is good and the moorland has colour to it. Winter and spring can be misty and underwhelming.