Walk

Glenarm Coastal Trail and Forest Walk

County Antrim

Dog Friendly Rating:8/10A dog friendly village walk that pairs a short harbour coast loop with a wooded river glen behind the castle walls.

Glenarm is the oldest village in Ulster and this walk stitches the sheltered harbour shore to the forest behind the castle for a varied, dog friendly morning out. The coastal half is short and smooth with sea views straight across to Scotland, and the forest half climbs gently through beech, hazel and an old deer wall.

Dogs need to stay on a lead throughout, with some cattle grazing in the parkland just inside the forest gates and traffic near the harbour. Paths are a mix of tarmac, compacted gravel and woodland track, rarely muddy on the main trail. Parking is tucked down Toberwine Street with around 10 spaces, and facilities in the village include a cafe, a pub and toilets at the marina.

At a Glance

Distance: 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
Walk Type: Coastal, Woodland, Forest, Historic
Route Type: Circular
Off Lead Potential: None
Livestock Risk: Low
Facilities: Cafes, pub and marina toilets in Glenarm village, seats and picnic tables at harbour car park.
Parking: Small free car park on Toberwine Street at the forest entrance, roughly 10 spaces.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Glenarm Coastal Trail and Forest Walk dog friendly?
Yes, Glenarm Coastal Trail and Forest Walk is a great choice for dogs, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The walk combines a harbour shore section with a gentle forest climb through beech and hazel woodland, giving your dog plenty of variety. Facilities in the village — including a cafe, a pub and marina toilets — make it a comfortable outing for owners too.
Can dogs be off lead at Glenarm Coastal Trail and Forest Walk?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead throughout this walk. There is cattle grazing in the parkland just inside the forest gates, and the harbour area has traffic nearby, so leads are required for safety on both sections of the route.
What should I know before visiting Glenarm Coastal Trail and Forest Walk with my dog?
Parking is limited to around 10 free spaces on Toberwine Street at the forest entrance, so arriving early is a good idea, especially on weekends. Underfoot, the paths are a mix of tarmac, compacted gravel and woodland track — rarely muddy on the main trail, which is good news for muddy paws. The coastal section offers views straight across to Scotland, while the forest half follows a wooded river glen behind the castle walls, making for a varied and enjoyable outing.