Ronan’s Way, Blue Loop
A rare opportunity to access some of the most stunning scenery in the Glens of Antrim on foot. The Blue Loop is one of four walking routes through a truly inspiring landscape featuring the Glendun River, farmland, woodland scrub and peatland for a true taste of the countryside and the famous Glens.
County Antrim
Distance 2.3 miles
OS Map Sheet 5
Terrain Grass, farm track, muddy in part
Nearest Town Cushendun
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference D194310
Route Type Hill
Located on the McAuley Farm, a stretch of land in memory of Ronan McAuley, a True Glens man who had a dream that more people would explore and enjoy Glendun and the exquisite views of the land that he called home. These trails provide rare access to one of the stunning Nine Glens of Antrim, Glendun.
Ronan’s Way is located on a working farm so please respect the family property, land and their ability to manage their farm on your visit, as this walk has only been made possible by their generosity.
Beginning at the carpark off the Glendun Rd you will find the trailhead panel and waymarker posts. This walk follows the blue waymarkers. This route takes you up a steeper farm track to Con na gCu and then across to the old ‘Meadow’ of Fear na gCapall and over to Tipan House.
The diversity of natural habitat (woodland, peatland, farmland and the river) in Glendun means that there is an abundance of wildlife to see. You may be lucky to spot some of our most impressive mammals such as the otter, fox and pine marten. There are lots of different bird species including siskins in the woodland, and grouse, skylarks and the occasional curfew higher up the mountain. There are a number of birds of prey in the skies such as the merlin, hen harrier and buzzard. There are also lots of wildflowers and insect species throughout the farm.
Please note as this is working farmland livestock may be present and the ground is often very mucky underfoot so walking boots are strongly recommended. A number of stiles are also present along all routes. As the walks are situated within a glen, steep sections are present on all walks however this makes for incredible views across the glen. A couple of benches are situated along the routes so you can sit back and enjoy a moment of contemplation as you spend time admiring the views.
Breath taking views of the Irish countryside and beyond to the Mull of Kintyre.
From Cushendun Caravan Park head along the Glendun Rd passing under the viaduct and continue along the Glendun Rd for approximately 1.5 miles where you will see a concrete bridge crossing into a field with a driveway directly opposite the bridge. Drive over the bridge and the carpark is in this field on the McAuley family farmland. You will see the waymarkers and trailhead panel here to begin your walk.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs are not allowed.
Public toilets, picnic area, playground, and restaurants are available in the nearby village of Cushendun.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Ronan’s Way, Blue Loop
My better half had seen the feature on Countryfile and we called in to see what was about. It was a misty July day warm enough but not sunny or too hot. The lower part of the trail was delightful decorated to remember Ronan by his daughter and family. We followed the Blue trail leaving the car park from the left-hand side.
It was tough and rough going as advised over absolutely stunning breathetaking scenery. The decent was steep and challenging! The route is well marked and it was a privilege to be allowed access to a working farm area. Ronan would be humbled to see his legacy. Highly recommended.
I walked this early March, great walk. Not a soul about. Very steep slopes up to the top of the Glen and back down again. Strong waterproof footwear recommended. I added this to google maps and left some photos there as WalkNI doesnt now let me add photos to a walk. No phone signal. You walk past the Glendun river for some way. There are stiles at all fences, but you can also go through the gates. No dogs allowed. Carpark is gravel and can accommodate maybe 12 cars. A lot of the blue hike is on farm track, but its very wet. Felt like i was in the mournes. It can be windy here so pack warm clothes. A great walk to stretch the legs and test your fitness on the way up