Glenariff to Cushendun — Antrim Glens Coast and Forest Road via Glenariff Forest
Nine glens, one coastline, zero tourists on the back tracks.
The Antrim Glens are nine separate river valleys running northeast to the Irish Sea coast, and the backroad network linking Glenariff — the so-called ‘Queen of the Glens’ — north through Glenaan and Glencorp to Cushendun is a legitimate piece of overlanding terrain that most tourists completely miss. The route threads through Glenariff Forest Park on narrow forestry tracks, climbs the plateau between the glens with views across to the Mull of Kintyre on clear days, drops into the dark wooded valley floors, and finally emerges at the chocolate-box village of Cushendun on the Causeway Coastal Route. The forestry sections are tight — overhanging branches, soft verges after rain, and single-track with limited passing places demand patience and decent clearance.
High-clearance 4WD is the right tool here, especially after any sustained rain when the forestry tracks turn to rutted mud. Stock lifted SUVs are capable; dedicated off-road kits are comfortable. No formal permit required for the public forestry roads, but private estate tracks exist — stay on marked routes. Fuel at Ballymena or Cushendall before committing to the forest sections. Best run in late summer or early autumn when the bracken turns and the light on the sea is worth stopping for. Cell service drops hard in the glen bottoms. This is Northern Ireland doing what it does quietly — surprising you.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1306 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Cushendall, Northern Ireland |
| Land manager | Forest Service Northern Ireland / DAERA |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | daera-ni.gov.uk |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Defender or Hilux handle this, or is it too narrow for longer wheelbase rigs?
A standard Defender 110 or similar long-wheelbase rig can manage, but the forest tracks through Glenariff get tight and have overhanging vegetation — expect paint-brushing on both sides in places. Shorter wheelbase is genuinely easier here. High clearance is non-negotiable on the rougher gravel sections.
Is the route accessible year-round or does winter close the forest tracks?
Forest Service Northern Ireland can close tracks after storm damage or severe wet weather, particularly November through March. The best window is May to October when ground conditions are firm and daylight is long. Check with DAERA before a winter attempt — closures aren't always posted online in real time.
Do you need a permit to drive through Glenariff Forest, and is there a fee?
No overland driving permit is currently required for the public forest roads, but Glenariff Forest Park charges a car park entry fee if you're stopping at the main park facilities. The through-route tracks fall under Forest Service NI / DAERA jurisdiction — stay on designated forest roads and don't gate-crash private land that borders the route.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it difficult?
The steepest, roughest stretch is the climb out of the Glenariff valley onto the upper plateau — loose gravel over a cambered track with a meaningful drop-off on one side. It's not technical rock crawling, but it demands confident throttle control and the ability to hold your line. Wet conditions make it considerably more committing.
Is there anywhere to get fuel or supplies along the 18 miles, or do you need to top up before you start?
There are no fuel stops on the route itself — fill up in Cushendall or Ballymena before you head in. Phone signal is patchy through most of the forest and glen sections, so don't count on navigation apps staying live the whole way. Carry paper backup or a downloaded offline map.
Trail track
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