C7906 : The Top Of Carntogher. 1522 feet

Carntogher

464m Elevation
138m Prominence
I Country
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C7906 : The Top Of Carntogher. 1522 feet

Michael Murtagh Photo source

Overview

Exploring Carntogher

Carntogher, standing proud at 550 meters, is a beloved Marilyn in Northern Ireland's scenic landscape.

Geology

The geology of Carntogher is primarily marked by Silurian sedimentary rocks. Anyone with a penchant for geology will appreciate the mudstones and sandstones that tell the tale of ancient marine environments. It’s a rocky patchwork that has withstood the test of time.

Routes

The most popular route to Carntogher is the Carntogher Circular Walk, a moderate trek that allows hikers to enjoy the beautiful rural scenery. Spanning about 8 km and taking approximately 3 hours, this route is perfect for a leisurely day out.

Terrain

The terrain is predominantly grassy with patches of rocky outcrops. Expect some boggy sections, particularly in the spring or after a rain, but nothing that will have you up to your knees in muck (well, usually!).

Views

Once you reach the summit, the panoramic views are nothing short of stunning. You can feast your eyes on the Sperrin Mountains and the sprawling Lough Neagh. On clear days, the distant Mourne Mountains peek out to say hello. The best time to soak in these views is late spring through early autumn when clarity reigns supreme.

Hazards

As always, take care on the ascent. Beware of slippery rocks and muddy patches, particularly after a good rain. The weather can change faster than a cup of tea brews, so keep an eye on the visibility as fog can roll in unexpectedly.

Access

Access is fairly straightforward. The nearest parking area is conveniently located off the B40 road, with enough space for about 10 cars. While public transport options are limited, taxis can be arranged from Magherafelt. Speaking of which, Magherafelt offers numerous amenities to refuel after your hike, including cafes and public toilets.

Nearby Summits

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might also consider a trek to nearby summits like Slieve Gallion or Slemish, each steeped in their own intriguing history.

History

Carntogher’s name hails from the Irish 'Carn Tóchair', meaning 'the hill of the causeway'. This reflects its role as a navigation landmark throughout history. It’s whispered that the grounds have seen ancient battles, making it not only a journey through nature but also through time.

In summary, Carntogher is a hidden gem worth exploring. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a curious wanderer, the allure of its rugged terrain and breathtaking views is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Enjoy your trek, but remember—no trekking poles, no triumph!

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Carntogher

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Portballintrae to Giant's Causeway: railway path and Blue Trail return

7.8 km ~2h 15m Moderate

View route

Peatlands Park Red Trail: Annagarriff Wood and Derryadd Lough

9.1 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Portadown to Knock Bridge: Bann Boulevard and Moneypenny’s Lock

8.1 km ~2h 30m Easy

View route

Belfast street-art walk

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Carntogher Circular Walk

A delightful circular walk starting from the nearest village, leading you through lush countryside and providing a clear ascent to the summit.

8 km ~3 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 400-499m hill

Elevation

464m

1,522 ft

Prominence

138m

Coordinates

54.8953, -6.7601

C796060

OS Map

08

At the Summit

The summit features a stone cairn and a small trig point, providing an excellent bookmark for your hiking adventure.

Terrain & Geology

Mostly grassy with some rocky patches along with boggy areas in places typical of the Irish countryside.

Carntogher is primarily composed of Silurian sedimentary rocks, which provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient geological processes. The bedrock consists of mudstones and sandstone, offering a flat yet rugged terrain for exploration.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Sperrin Mountains, Lough Neagh, and on a clear day, even glimpses of the Mourne Mountains to the east.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Carntogher' is derived from the Irish 'Carn Tóchair', meaning 'the hill of the causeway', reflecting its historical significance as a navigational landmark.

Historical Significance

Carntogher has local significance in folklore and is often mentioned in tales of ancient battles and local lore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at the base of the mountain off the B40 road (C746 021). It offers space for about 10 vehicles.

Public Transport

Public transport is somewhat limited; however, you can catch a bus to Magherafelt and arrange taxi services from there to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Magherafelt has several facilities, including cafes, restaurants, and public toilets, ensuring you're well-fuelled for your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery rocks and muddy patches, particularly after rainfall. Visibility can also drop abruptly in foggy conditions.

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 Carntogher?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Carntogher through the maps

Are there other walkers around Carntogher?

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 Carntogher search or of course create your own walk for Carntogher

Can I organise a walk to Carntogher?

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 Carntogher.

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 Carntogher?

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 Carntogher 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

Location

Carntogher location map

Grid reference: C796060

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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