D2205 : Stile, Slemish (2)

Slemish

438m Elevation
151m Prominence
I Country
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D2205 : Stile, Slemish (2)

Albert Bridge Photo source

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Slemish Hill Trail

A well-marked path beginning at the base of the mountain, leading hikers up through lush farmland and rocky terrain to the summit.

4.5 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

438m

1,437 ft

Prominence

151m

Coordinates

54.8814, -6.0974

D221053

OS Map

09

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent grassy area with a small stone cairn, offering the perfect spot for a well-deserved rest and some breathtaking views.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy paths and rocky outcrops with sections of steep ascent near the summit.

Slemish is primarily composed of basalt and is a remnant of an ancient volcanic plug. This unique geology offers interesting rock formations that showcase the region's volcanic past.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can catch stunning views of the surrounding countryside, the village of Broughshane, and the distant peaks of the Antrim Hills.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Slemish is believed to derive from the Irish 'Slemh', which means 'a place of the sloping ground'.

Historical Significance

Slemish holds a significant place in local folklore; it is said to be where Saint Patrick tended sheep during his time in Ireland, adding a layer of cultural importance to its natural beauty.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at the foot of the hill off the Braid Valley road, capable of accommodating a handful of vehicles.

Public Transport

Public buses run from Ballymena to the nearby village of Broughshane, where further access can be gained via a short walk.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities directly at Slemish, but Broughshane offers a few cafes and small shops for refreshments and basic amenities.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be mindful of slippery paths, particularly after rain. Some areas may have loose rocks, so watch your step!

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?

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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: D221053

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