D2205 : Stile, Slemish (2)
Difficult; short, steep rocky climb

Slemish

438m Elevation
151m Prominence
I Country
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Overview

Slemish is a 437.8 m volcanic plug near Broughshane in County Antrim. Its steep dolerite crags rise above the Braid Valley and surrounding farmland. The short summit-return walk from Carnstroan Lane is rocky and can require hands for balance; wet descents need particular care. The hill is traditionally associated with Saint Patrick and attracts pilgrims on 17 March.

Slemish

Overview

Slemish is a 437.8 m hill near Broughshane in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This isolated volcanic plug has 151 m of prominence and is a Marilyn. The short walk is a steep, rocky climb with an exposed top.

Summit return from Carnstroan Lane

Start at Slemish car park at the end of Carnstroan Lane. Follow the grassy approach track to the foot of the hill, then stay on the established worn line through rocky ground to the summit. Retrace the ascent line to the same car park. Local guidance gives approximately 1.5 km for the summit-and-back outing and about an hour in good weather; allow extra time for a careful descent.

The upper line is not continuously obvious or fully waymarked. Hands may be needed on rock steps, and the descent can be more difficult when wet. Do not continue up ground that you cannot safely reverse or descend directly over neighbouring crags. The Antrim Hills Way at the base is a separate long-distance walk.

Summit and views

DoBIH v18.6 records the high point as an embedded stone 5 m west of the larger cross, at D 22165 05400. In clear conditions the outlook reaches across the Braid Valley towards the Antrim and Scottish coasts, Lough Neagh and the Sperrins. Cloud can hide the views and the return line.

Geology

The plug is dolerite, including olivine-rich rock, intruded through the surrounding Antrim basalts. It preserves evidence of repeated magma movement within an ancient volcanic vent. Volcanic activity here dates to around 60 million years ago; later erosion exposed the resistant core.

Access, transport and facilities

The normal start is the western car park at the end of Carnstroan Lane, signed from Broughshane. Keep access lanes and gates clear. Special St Patrick’s Day arrangements can replace on-site parking with park-and-ride, so follow the council’s instructions for that event.

Translink services connect Ballymena and Broughshane, but the village is not the trailhead. Arrange onward transport and the return journey to match the current timetable.

The car-park area has picnic facilities and interpretation boards. The council lists toilets as open daily 9am–5pm during April–October and closed November–March. Bring food and drinking water; Broughshane has refreshment options.

Safety and care

Steep rock, slippery grass and nearby crags make this a serious short climb. Wear grippy footwear and carry waterproofs, warm layers, water and a map. Avoid strong wind, poor visibility and icy upper slopes; allow sufficient daylight and supervise children closely. Keep dogs on a lead, respect livestock, stay on established paths and take litter home. Event rules can be stricter. Camping is not permitted.

Name and tradition

The Irish name Sliabh Mis is translated as “mountain of Mis”. Local tradition says Saint Patrick spent about six years tending livestock here while enslaved. The precise Slemish association is traditional rather than securely established historical fact. Pilgrims still climb the hill on 17 March.

Other Antrim hills

Agnew’s Hill (474 m) and Trostan (550 m) are separate Antrim hill outings. Neither is part of the short Slemish return described here.

Explore routes near Slemish

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Belfast street-art walk

View route

Comber Greenway: Dee Street to Belfast Road

11.3 km 2h 55m–3h 50m Moderate

View route

Lagan Towpath: Shaw's Bridge to Drumbeg Footbridge

9.5 km 1h 55m–2h 25m Easy

View route

Drumbeg to Hilden Bridge: Lagan Towpath, Lambeg and Canal Locks

9.7 km 2h–2h 25m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

Carnstroan Lane: summit return

Start and finish at Slemish car park at the end of Carnstroan Lane. Follow the grassy approach track to the hill’s foot, then the established worn line through steep rocky ground to the summit. Retrace your ascent line to the same car park. Local guidance gives about 1.5 km for the summit return and roughly an hour in good weather; allow longer for a careful descent. Hands may be needed, wet rock is slippery and the upper line is not fully waymarked.

1.5 km Difficult
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

438m

1,436 ft

Prominence

151m

Coordinates

54.8814, -6.0974

D221054

OS Map

09

At the Summit

The DoBIH v18.6 record identifies the high point as an embedded stone 5 m west of the larger cross, at Irish Grid D 22165 05400. The recorded height is 437.8 m. The crosses are landmarks; a small cairn is not the surveyed summit definition.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy approach track steep rocky worn paths dolerite outcrops and crags exposed upper slopes wet grass and muddy patches

Slemish is a volcanic plug made of dolerite, including olivine-rich varieties, intruded through the surrounding Antrim basalts. It preserves evidence of repeated magma intrusions close to the surface of an ancient volcanic system. The volcano was active around 60 million years ago in the Palaeogene; erosion later exposed its resistant core.

Views & Scenery

Clear weather brings views across the Braid Valley and Antrim countryside towards Lough Neagh, the Sperrins and the Antrim coast. The Scottish coast can also be visible. Low cloud can obscure both the panorama and the way down.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Slemish is an anglicised form of the Irish Sliabh Mis. Paul Tempan translates the name as “mountain of Mis”.

Historical Significance

Local tradition places Saint Patrick on Slemish as an enslaved young shepherd for about six years. This specific association belongs to tradition rather than a securely established location for his captivity. The continuing pilgrimage to the summit on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March, is part of the hill’s cultural importance.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

Use Slemish car park at the end of Carnstroan Lane, on the western side of the hill, reached by the signed approach from Broughshane. Keep lanes, gates and working access clear. St Patrick’s Day events can replace normal parking with park-and-ride; follow the council’s arrangements for the particular event.

Public Transport

Translink lists Ulsterbus 128/128a and 128b between Ballymena and Broughshane. Broughshane is not the mountain trailhead: arrange onward travel to Carnstroan Lane and a return pickup. Check the current journey planner for your date and last return service; do not rely on a short walk from the village or an event shuttle outside its advertised day.

Nearby Facilities

The car-park area has interpretation boards, picnic facilities and toilets. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council lists Slemish toilets as open daily 9am–5pm from April to October and closed November–March. Bring drinking water and food. Broughshane has refreshment options, including The Thatch Inn; check opening before relying on them.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The upper climb is steep and rocky, with crags and abrupt drops nearby. Keep to the established worn line and away from edges; do not improvise a direct descent over the crags.
  • Rock and grass can be very slippery after rain. Hands may be needed on rocky steps. Descending can be harder than climbing, so turn back before ground that you cannot safely reverse.
  • The upper route is not consistently obvious or fully waymarked. Note your ascent line and return direction, and avoid the summit in poor visibility or strong winds.
  • Wear footwear with a good grip, carry warm and waterproof layers, water and a map, and leave enough daylight for a careful descent. Supervise children closely on the steep ground.
  • Keep dogs on a lead, respect grazing livestock, stay on established paths and take litter home. Special event rules may be stricter; camping is not permitted at the site.

Seasonal Hazards

Rain makes the rocky paths and grass slippery in any season. Snow or ice substantially increase the difficulty of the steep climb and descent. Winter brings short daylight and closed on-site toilets; choose a clear, calm day and turn back if the upper rocks are unsafe.

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 Slemish?

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

Are there other walkers around Slemish?

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 Slemish search or of course create your own walk for Slemish

Can I organise a walk to Slemish?

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 Slemish.

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 Slemish?

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 Slemish here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

Slemish location map

Grid reference: D221054

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

Big Collin

353m

Mid Hill

444m

Carnearny [Tobernaveen Hill]

319m

Slievenanee

543m

Trostan

550m
See 5 more nearby hills

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