Slemish
A short, steep climb up the plug of an old volcano, where St Patrick is said to have herded sheep.
- Distance
- 2.6 km
- Ascent
- 250 m
- Time
- 1–1.5 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 437 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Slemish is a moderate 2.6 km out-and-back walk with 250 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at Slemish car park (grid reference NW 369 613). It climbs Slemish (437 m), a Marilyn.
Slemish rises sharply out of the Antrim plateau, the core of an extinct volcano. Tradition says St Patrick worked here as a shepherd after being brought to Ireland as a slave, and many people climb it on St Patrick's Day.
From the car park, the path heads straight up the steep, rocky south-west slope to the summit. Return the same way.
Route
-
1
Straight up
Climb the steep path up the south-west slope to the summit. Return the same way.
Summit
Slemish
437 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does Slemish take?
- Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 2.6 km route, which has 250 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Slemish car park (grid reference NW 369 613). Car park below the mountain.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Very steep, rocky and eroded path; slippery when wet.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the hills: keep dogs on a lead, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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