Knocklayd

Knocklayd

Knocklayd Group Walks | Join a Walk

514m Elevation
392m Prominence
I Country

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Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Arderin

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Knocklayd together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

514m

1,686 ft

Prominence

392m

Coordinates

55.1621, -6.2510

D115363

OS Map

05

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent stone cairn and panoramic views that stretch across the glens and mountains of County Antrim.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and rocky with some steep sections

Knocklayd is primarily composed of basalt and dolerite, with rugged cliffs and rolling grasslands that speak to its volcanic origins. The terrain offers a fascinating mix of ancient geological history and stunning landscapes.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains, the stunning Causeway Coast, and even the distant hills of Scotland on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Knocklayd' is believed to derive from the Irish 'Cnoc Léata', which translates to 'hill of the otters'.

Historical Significance

This area is steeped in mythology, with local legends speaking of faeries and ancient rituals among the hills.

Popular Routes

Knocklayd via the forest trail

Moderate

A picturesque route that meanders through lush forests before ascending to the summit, offering both beauty and challenge.

5.5 km 2.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available at the forest trailhead on the B56 road, which offers easy access to the trail.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Ballymoney and Ballymena to the nearby village of Armoy, which is around 4km from the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Though the immediate area is quite rural, Armoy offers basic amenities, including a shop and a café. Toilets are often found in the nearest towns, so plan accordingly.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep gradients, loose rocks, and occasionally muddy paths can pose risks. Be wary of sudden weather changes, as conditions can shift quickly.

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

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Knocklayd?

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

Are there other walkers around Knocklayd?

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 Knocklayd search or of course create your own walk for Knocklayd

Can I organise a walk to Knocklayd?

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 Knocklayd.

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 Knocklayd?

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 Knocklayd 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