Black Hill
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Black Hill is a 381 m hill above Glenarm in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Its trig-marked summit lies on the Antrim Hills Way, a waymarked route across working farmland and exposed upland. Access follows landowner-permitted paths; dogs are not allowed, even on leads. The Glenarm–Linford walk crosses Black Hill before continuing over Scawt Hill and Ballycoos.
Black Hill above Glenarm, County Antrim
Black Hill is a 381 m summit in the Antrim Hills of Northern Ireland, with 102 m prominence and Irish grid reference D329107. A trig pillar marks the summit. Its position above Glenarm identifies this hill separately from the many other Black Hills.
A linear walk from Glenarm to Linford
The Walk NI itinerary published on Visorando begins at Glenarm Coast Road car park, climbs Town Brae Road and follows waymarks onto the hill. After Black Hill it continues over Scawt Hill (378 m) and Ballycoos (361 m) to Linford car park on Feystown Road.
The published estimate is 6.75 miles, approximately 10.9 km, and 4 hours 20 minutes, graded moderate. These figures cover the complete one-way walk to Linford. The older Outdoor Recreation NI guide gives 9.5 km for its Glenarm–Linford section, so treat the figures as guide estimates and check the chosen itinerary. Arrange return transport before leaving Glenarm. A shorter summit turnaround would be a different itinerary; these figures do not describe it.
Access and conditions
The Antrim Hills Way follows designated permissive paths across private land. Dogs are not permitted, even on leads. Follow waymarks, respect gates and farming activity, give livestock space and obey diversion signs, including those used during bird breeding.
Mid and East Antrim’s current notice says the Glenwherry Hill Farm section is closed to walkers. That is a later section of the longer Antrim Hills Way, beyond this Glenarm–Linford walk. Do not use the older guide’s uninterrupted through-route to Slemish without checking current arrangements. Check the council’s latest notice and signs on arrival for any further changes.
Road walking gives way to grazed fields, heather, rough grass and a peaty ascent. Wet ground, tussocks, wind and low cloud can make progress slower and navigation harder. Carry an appropriate map, waterproof layers, food and water.
Summit and surroundings
Clear-weather views include the Belfast Hills, Mourne Mountains and Sperrins; the southward continuation has coastal views towards Scotland and the Maidens. Black Hill is part of the Antrim Plateau, a regional landscape of basalt lava over older chalk.
Glenarm has toilets and refreshments. Ulsterbus 162 serves Glenarm from Larne and Carnlough; consult Translink for the intended day and arrange the Linford transfer separately. OSNI Discoverer sheet 9 covers the hill.
Explore routes near Black Hill
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Belfast street-art walk
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Belfast street-art walk
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Lagan Towpath: Shaw's Bridge to Drumbeg Footbridge
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Drumbeg to Hilden Bridge: Lagan Towpath, Lambeg and Canal Locks
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Glenarm to Linford via Black Hill (linear)
Walk NI/Visorando’s linear itinerary starts at Glenarm Coast Road car park, climbs Town Brae Road and follows waymarks over Black Hill, Scawt Hill and Ballycoos to Linford car park. Published estimate: about 10.9 km, 4 h 20 min. Arrange return transport. Access is by landowner permission; no dogs, even on leads. Stay on the signed route. The separate Glenwherry Hill Farm closure affects the longer through-route beyond Linford.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
381m
1,250 ft
Prominence
102m
Coordinates
54.9262, -5.9277
D329107
OS Map
09
At the Summit
A trig pillar marks the summit on the Antrim Hills Way at 381 m, Irish grid D329107.
Terrain & Geology
Black Hill stands on the Antrim Plateau. The regional plateau structure is basalt lava above older chalk, with glacial deposits and deeply cut glens shaping the landscape.
Views & Scenery
In clear weather, the summit outlook includes the Belfast Hills, Mourne Mountains and Sperrins. The continuation towards Scawt Hill opens coastal views towards Scotland and the Maidens islands.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
For the published linear approach, start at Glenarm Coast Road car park, The Cloney, BT44 0AB. Linford car park on Feystown Road is the finish. Arrange a pickup or other return transport. These are route endpoints, not summit parking; follow signs and keep working access clear. The Antrim Hills Way uses landowner-permitted paths and does not allow dogs, even on leads.
Public Transport
Ulsterbus 162 links Larne, Glenarm and Carnlough. Check Translink for the intended day and return journey. The Glenarm–Linford hill walk is linear: arrange onward transport from Linford separately rather than assuming a bus at the finish.
Nearby Facilities
Glenarm has toilets and places for refreshments. Carry food and water for the hill section. The Antrim Hills Way is a landowner-permission route; stay on the designated waymarked line and do not bring dogs, even on leads. The council currently reports the later Glenwherry Hill Farm section closed, so do not plan an uninterrupted through-walk to Slemish without checking an authorised alternative.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Soft peat, wet ground and uneven tussocks can slow progress; carry navigation equipment for poor visibility.
- The hills are exposed and conditions can change quickly. Wear suitable footwear and carry windproof and waterproof layers.
- The permitted route crosses grazing land where cattle, sheep and sometimes bulls are present. Give livestock space; dogs are not allowed, even on leads.
- The Glenarm approach includes road walking. The Glenarm–Linford itinerary finishes away from its start; arrange return transport before setting out.
Seasonal Hazards
Follow any bird-breeding-season diversion signs. Rain worsens already wet ground; wind and low cloud increase exposure and navigation demands. Check current access notices before travelling.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Black Hill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Black Hill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Black Hill?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Black Hill search or of course create your own walk for Black Hill
Can I organise a walk to Black Hill?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Black Hill.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Black Hill?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Black Hill here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
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Location
Grid reference: D329107
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