Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair]
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Explore routes near Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair]
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
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Peatlands Park Red Trail: Annagarriff Wood and Derryadd Lough
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
C406 Road Approach
A well-trodden route that begins near C406, this approach allows for a moderate hike with lovely views.
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Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
260m
853 ft
Prominence
246m
Coordinates
54.9999, -7.3992
C385171
OS Map
07
At the Summit
The summit is marked by a small stone cairn, offering a perfect spot for a well-deserved rest and snack break. There is a fantastic viewfinder that helps orient the surrounding landscape.
Terrain & Geology
The hill primarily consists of sedimentary rocks, predominantly greywacke and mudstone, formed during the Silurian period around 425 million years ago. The landscape features a mixture of gentle slopes and steep inclines, revealing fascinating evidence of past geological processes.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, daredevil hikers can catch stunning glimpses of the Mourne Mountains to the south and the rolling hills of County Down. On clear days, the shimmering waters of the Irish Sea are also visible.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
Cnoc an Tobair translates to 'Hill of the Well', alluding to the historical significance of water sources in local folklore.
Historical Significance
The hill has been a popular site for local gatherings and has deep connections to the spiritual beliefs of the surrounding area.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Parking is available at the C406 roadside, with just a short walk needed to access the trailhead.
Public Transport
The nearest bus station is in the town of Newcastle, with connections available from Belfast.
Nearby Facilities
In Newcastle, you can find numerous cafes, restaurants, and public toilets to refresh before or after your adventure.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Beware of sudden weather changes typical of Northern Ireland, which can make trails slippery. It's advisable to keep an eye out for roaming sheep; they may not yield much of the right-of-way!
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 Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair]?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair] through the maps
Are there other walkers around Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair]?
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 Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair] search or of course create your own walk for Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair]
Can I organise a walk to Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair]?
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 Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair].
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 Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair]?
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 Holywell Hill [Cnoc an Tobair] 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
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: C385171
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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