Knockore

Knockore rises 1,272 feet above the Mid Antrim plateau, and on a clear day you can see right across to the Scottish coast - which alone makes the walk worthwhile. It's not a dramatic peak, more of a steady trudge up moorland, but that's precisely why it works. No scrambling, no technical bits, just proper walking country where you can actually breathe and think.

The summit itself is fairly bare - a trig point and views that stretch on forever. On my visit, the wind was properly brutal, but that's half the appeal of being this exposed. Walkers and hiking types will get the most from it; families with young legs will manage it fine if they're prepared for bog and uneven ground. Allow two to three hours return from the base, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top.

It's completely free and accessible year-round, though winter can be grim - bring proper waterproofs whatever the season. Spring and early autumn are your best bets for decent conditions and visibility.

If you're basing yourself at Ocean View Pods near Ballymena, Knockore sits nicely within striking distance for a half-day outing. The landscape around here is quieter than the Mourne Mountains further south, which means fewer crowds and a more genuine sense of solitude. Worth the drive from Ballymena if you're after an uncomplicated hill walk that doesn't require special skills.