The best walks and hikes around Burnside

Burnside offers a selection of 10 hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to moderate excursions. This includes 5 easy hikes and 5 moderate routes, providing options for various fitness levels.

The hiking trails in Burnside are primarily characterized by forest paths and scenic reservoir loops. You can expect gentle elevation changes, making most routes accessible and enjoyable for a range of abilities. The landscape often features woodlands and water bodies, particularly around Killylane Reservoir.

Yes, Burnside has 5 easy hiking trails that are perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed walk. These routes typically feature gentle terrain through forests and alongside reservoirs, offering a pleasant outdoor experience without significant challenges.

Many of the trails in Burnside are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Killylane Reservoir & Ballyboley Forest loop and the Forest Path loop from Carnearny, which offer varied scenery without retracing your steps.

While many trails in Burnside are dog-friendly, it's always best to keep your dog on a lead, especially around livestock or in nature conservation areas. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Burnside is well-suited for family outings, with several easy and moderate trails that are not overly long or strenuous. The gentle terrain and scenic reservoir views make for an enjoyable experience for children and adults alike. Consider routes like the Killylane Reservoir loop from Glenwhirry River for a pleasant family adventure.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many popular starting points for trails, especially those around Killylane Reservoir and Ballyboley Forest, often have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for the most accurate parking information before you go.

Hiking in Burnside offers opportunities to explore several natural attractions. You can enjoy the serene waters of Killylane Reservoir, wander through the peaceful Ballyboley Forest, and even catch a distant view of Slemish Mountain from Colin Road on some routes.

Burnside's trails are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, the forest paths can be quite atmospheric, though conditions may be wetter underfoot.

The Burnside area is characterized by gentle elevation changes and offers primarily easy to moderate trails. There are no routes classified as difficult, making it more suitable for those seeking a relaxed or moderately active hiking experience rather than a strenuous challenge.

Hikes around Burnside vary in length and duration. For example, the Killylane Reservoir & Ballyboley Forest loop is about 5.4 miles (8.7 km) and takes approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. Other routes, like the Foxes Pub – Templepatrick BP loop from Templepatrick, are around 5.7 miles (9.2 km) and can take about 2 hours 23 minutes.

While specific pub stops directly on every trail are not guaranteed, the Burnside area and nearby villages offer local establishments where you can enjoy refreshments or a meal. Some routes, like the Foxes Pub – Templepatrick BP loop from Templepatrick, are designed with nearby amenities in mind.