North Woodburn Reservoir

The reservoir sits quietly in the rolling countryside between Larne and the Antrim plateau, a long stretch of water that catches you off guard when you come round the bend. North Woodburn isn't one of those manicured tourist spots - it's functional, working infrastructure that happens to be genuinely pleasant to spend time around.

Walking the perimeter is the main draw here. The path winds along the water's edge with decent views across to the hills, and it's straightforward enough that you won't need hiking boots, though the ground can be muddy after rain. On a clear day you can see right across the water, which reflects the sky beautifully. It takes roughly an hour to do a decent loop depending on where you start, though you can cut it short if you need to.

Historically minded types will appreciate that this has been supplying water to the Larne area since the late 1800s - there's something satisfying about walking past infrastructure that's been doing the same job for well over a century. The spot works well for families who want a low-key walk that doesn't require scrambling or navigation skills, though there's limited play equipment so older kids might get restless.

It's free to visit and there's no formal opening hours - you just go. If you're staying at Down to Earth Wild Camping just a few miles away, this makes for a decent morning outing to stretch your legs. The real advantage is that it's quiet. You won't be queuing or dodging crowds. It's the sort of place that reveals itself better on a second visit.