Knocklayd

The walk up Knocklayd from Ballymoney is one of those rewarding slogs that leaves you wondering why you didn't do it sooner. It's not a massive peak - 370 metres, roughly - but the views across the Causeway Coast are genuinely excellent on a clear day. You get proper panoramas of Rathlin Island and the Scottish coast, which makes the huffing and puffing worthwhile.

The ascent takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on your pace and the conditions underfoot. It's straightforward rather than technical, though it can be boggy in places and the path winds through moorland that feels properly wild. No crowds, which is refreshing. You'll get the most from this if you're into hill walking or just want some proper air and a decent vantage point without committing to a full day's mountaineering.

There's free access and no facilities at the summit, so bring water and something to eat if you plan to linger. Early morning or late afternoon light is particularly good for photography. Allow two to three hours including the descent.

If you're staying at North Coast 9 Glamping or Watertop Farm nearby, this works brilliantly as a morning outing before heading to the coast proper. It's the sort of local knowledge walk that makes a park holiday feel less touristy - you'll barely see another soul, and that's precisely the point.