County Antrim’s highest may not have the might or distinction of some of the highest in the other counties but it has a great quality. It is rarely visited. In my 17 years of visits I have only ever seen another person once and that was when I had been on its northern slopes for 13 hours after camping overnight. On nearly every other Antrim Hill I have met lots of folk but not on this blessing. This near promise of peace is what draws me back again and again. I adore the place. Windmills on the horizon are minimal. The variety in approaches are good, the views are wonderful in most directions with it’s southern vistas in particular being very photogenic and the lunar landscape of the summit is such a unique feature that is worth the visit all by itself. So what is my best route? The apparent pattern to my routes of ascent of all hills seems to be the ones that disguise the best views until the last minute and while that is difficult in this instance this route has the bonus of including its neighbour Slievenanee. As with all good routes in the Antrim Hills I would advise you to have cars at both ends as the landscape doesn’t help create great long, circular routes without too much road walking. It is made for multiple lines from inland valley or forest to the coast. When done this way a lifetime of walks become obvious. Leave one car in Glenariff Forest Park car park and the other near the shed on the Altrichard Road NW 31278 78280 G while not obstructing any access and then turn onto the Old Cushendun Road and walk a few hundred yards to you can see the fence going up the mountain on your right NW 31923 78457 H Simply follow its right side up to the fence junction, cross it and then make your way across to the summit NW 33039 78103 I. When you have had your fill of the view make your way north east across the boggy gap and up to Trostan NW 34666 80265 J. This approach hides the views that await on the northern edges of the summit plateau but when you do reach it they will take your breath away. Tievebulliagh with its pointy profile is dominant to the north and you have the bulk of Slieveanorra to the west and Lurig and the coast to the east. This is a wondrous view that takes a long time to study and get your fill of so allow plenty of time to do so. When you have seen everything you want to it’s time for the best route of descent. On the mountain’s eastern side there is a large ledge. If you descend on to it then turn southwards eventually it will lead you to the Ballyeamon Road NW 35464 80105 K This descent allows you to complete your picture of the mountain and it’s place in the landscape while at the same time giving great views over to Lurig, the coast and the bog on its lower slopes. When you finally reach it, cross the road and use the last entrance to enter Glenariff Forest NW 36184 79021 L This track leads you down to the main entrance on the Glenariffe Road where you can make your way to your car in the Forest Park NW 37491 76701 M Enjoy :-) Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/361/comment/19862/