Ballypatrick Forest Walk
County Antrim
Ballypatrick Forest sits on high ground beside the A2 between Ballycastle and Cushendall, close to the Giant's Causeway coastline, with an extensive network of gravel forest roads open to walkers and cyclists, though sheep grazing in parts mean a dog is safest on the lead here. The route climbs through the forest to viewpoints looking out over the Causeway Coast and Knocklayd Mountain, before descending back through woodland, passing a Double Horned Cairn dating to around 2,000 BC with two burial chambers and, close by, the curious intermittent Loughareema, known as the Vanishing Lake. Wild deer are commonly glimpsed among the trees, and a picnic area at the Irish Ford, with its stone archway, makes a good stopping point partway round.
This is a dog friendly walk through varied forest and moorland edge, though the forest asks that dogs are kept under proper control at all times, and especially so near the sheep grazing areas found within parts of the site. Livestock is a real presence here, which limits off-lead time more than in a typical forest walk, and the surface can vary from good gravel to rougher, looser sections, particularly on the climbs. The tree cover gives shade for much of the route, and the high viewpoints are a highlight for both dog and owner. Facilities are limited to picnic areas near the car park, and forestry operations occasionally affect access, so it is worth checking conditions before a visit.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 25 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Picnic areas, including at the Irish Ford; no cafe on site.
- Parking
- Off-road parking at the main forest entrance on the A2 Ballycastle to Cushendall road.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Ballypatrick Forest Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in County AntrimFrequently Asked Questions
Is Ballypatrick Forest Walk dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The forest's viewpoints, ancient cairn and chance of spotting wild deer make for an interesting walk, and there is a picnic area to stop at along the way. The score reflects the sheep grazing found within parts of the forest, which the forest itself specifically asks dog owners to be careful around.
Can dogs be off lead at Ballypatrick Forest Walk?
Off-lead potential is low. Ballypatrick Forest specifically asks visitors with dogs to keep them under proper control at all times, and especially so when walking near the sheep grazing areas found within parts of the site, so a lead is the safer choice throughout.
What should I know before visiting Ballypatrick Forest Walk with my dog?
Surface conditions vary across the gravel forest road network, with rougher, looser ground on some of the climbs. Sheep graze parts of the forest, so keep dogs under close control throughout. Facilities are limited to picnic areas, including one at the Irish Ford, and forestry operations can occasionally restrict access.
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