The best walks and hikes around Caulside
4.7
(22)
354
hikers
22
hikes
Hiking around Caulside offers a network of trails primarily situated around Antrim, featuring routes that explore the shores of Lough Neagh and local parklands. The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation gain, characterized by open waterscapes and cultivated gardens. This region provides accessible paths suitable for various activity levels, focusing on natural beauty and historical sites.
Best hiking trails around Caulside
- The most popular hiking route is Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop, a 4.4 miles (7.1 km) trail…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4.6
(8)
58
hikers
7.11km
01:49
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
65
hikers
5.46km
01:24
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
46
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
24
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
23
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Caulside
Tips from the Community
The Protector of the Lough statue shows the mythological giant Finn McCool standing guard at Antrim Marina on the shores of Lough Neagh. It's an eight-metre-tall sculpture created by Spanish artist Casto Solan to celebrate the local folklore of the Lough.
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Antrim Castle Gardens are an absolute historical gem. You will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Walk into the past as you stroll around this magnificent setting, visiting beautiful features such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene family. It provides a fantastic opportunity to come and learn about garden history how the lives of the key family members intertwine with the development of Antrim town and the surrounding areas.
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Enjoy a scenic section of running along the shoreline of Lough Neagh . The path is made of gravel and entirely flat making it perfect jogging material. The lough itself holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's water!
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Antrim Castle Gardens is the perfect place for a jog. It has flat gravel paths throughout as well as a wonderful medley of landmarks to discover such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Scenic section of walking along the shore of Lough Neagh from Antrim. The lough holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and this footpath gifts you with some gorgeous vantage points to enjoy it from.
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Here you can discover the beauty of Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House. There's many beautiful landmarks along the way such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Castle gardens including various buildings and ruins on the river. Plenty to look at and explore in the gardens.
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Ruins of Antrim castle set in green grounds next to the river. A great place to stop for a breather.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Caulside?
The Caulside area, centered around Antrim and Lough Neagh, offers a network of 24 hiking trails. These include 17 easy routes and 7 moderate routes, providing options for various skill levels.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers?
Yes, Caulside is ideal for easy walks. There are 17 easy routes available, many of which follow the flat shores of Lough Neagh or wind through local parklands. A great option is the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop, which is 4.4 miles (7.1 km) and takes about 1 hour 49 minutes to complete.
What are the typical lengths and durations of hikes in Caulside?
Hikes around Caulside vary in length, with many routes being between 3.5 to 6 miles (5.6 to 9.5 km). For example, the Antrim Castle Gardens – Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Antrim is 3.5 miles (5.6 km), while the Antrim Castle Ruins – Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim loop from Antrim is 5.9 miles (9.5 km) and typically takes around 2 hours 25 minutes.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in the Caulside area?
Absolutely. The trails around Caulside are generally flat with minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for families. Routes through Antrim Castle Gardens offer cultivated gardens and historical sites, providing an engaging experience for all ages. Many easy routes along Lough Neagh are also great for family outings.
Can I find circular walks around Caulside?
Yes, many of the popular routes in Caulside are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop and the Antrim Castle Gardens – Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Antrim.
What kind of natural features and wildlife can I expect to see on the trails?
The Caulside area is characterized by tranquil lough shores, particularly along Lough Neagh, and gentle parkland paths. You'll encounter open waterscapes and cultivated gardens. While specific wildlife data isn't provided, wetland areas like Lough Neagh are generally rich in birdlife. For a natural setting, consider exploring Randalstown Forest nearby.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can I visit while hiking in Caulside?
The Caulside area is rich in history and natural beauty. You can explore the historic Antrim Castle Gardens and its ruins, enjoy views from the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim, or visit the ancient Antrim Round Tower. There's also The Protector of the Lough, a man-made monument.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Caulside?
The trails around Caulside are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the tranquil lough shores, the beauty of the historic Antrim Castle Gardens, and the gentle parkland paths, highlighting the area's accessibility and natural charm.
Are there any moderate difficulty hikes for those looking for more of a challenge?
Yes, while many routes are easy, Caulside also offers 7 moderate difficulty hikes. An example is the Antrim Castle Ruins – Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim loop from Antrim, which is 5.9 miles (9.5 km) and provides a slightly longer, more engaging experience through parkland and along the lough shore.
Is the Caulside area suitable for hiking during winter?
The terrain around Caulside is generally flat with minimal elevation, making many paths accessible even in winter conditions, provided they are not icy. The focus on lough shores and parklands means less challenging mountainous terrain. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any trails that offer a mix of historical sites and natural scenery?
Many trails in Caulside combine both. For instance, the Antrim Castle Gardens – Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Antrim takes you through beautifully cultivated gardens and past historical ruins, while also offering natural surroundings. Similarly, routes along Lough Neagh often pass by historical points of interest.
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Most popular attractions around Caulside
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