Overview
The Braid River (Irish: Abhainn na Brád) is a 30 km (≈19 mi) spate river that rises in the Antrim Hills and flows south‑westerly through County Antrim. It joins the River Main near the townland of Tullaghgarley, making it a key tributary of the Main’s Lough Neagh catch‑area. The river’s clear, gently meandering waters are framed by pastoral farmland, the edge of Galgorm Castle Golf Club and a series of historic railway cuttings, creating a ribbon of green that is both tranquil and visually striking.
Length & Geography
- Length: Approximately 30 km (19 mi) from source to confluence with the River Main.
- Course: Rises in the Antrim Hills, passes the village of Broughshane – the “Garden Village of Ulster” – and reaches the market town of Ballymena before meeting the Main.
- Hydrology: Classified as a spate river, the Braid can rise quickly after rain, offering good conditions for salmon, trout and Dollaghan runs.
History & Background
In the 19th century the Braid Valley marked the parish boundary between Skerry and Rathcavan, a role it continues to play as a natural divider in the landscape. The late‑1800s saw the Ballymena, Cushendall and Red Bay Railway cut across the valley, transporting iron ore from the mines north of Ballymena to Red Bay harbour. Though passenger services ended in 1930 and the line closed by 1940, embankments, cuttings and a few crumbling bridges remain, especially near Glenravel, offering tangible reminders of the area’s industrial past.
Local groups have built on this heritage, proposing a Braid River Greenway that would link Ballymena with neighbouring settlements and the wider Glens of Antrim. The most concrete step so far is the Braid River Path, a short out‑and‑back walk that showcases the river’s ambience while hinting at the larger greenway potential.
What to See & Do
Braid River Path
- Length & Access: 4.3 km (return) loop starting at the Grange Road trailhead, 0.7 mi southwest of Ballymena railway station.
- Difficulty: Rated Easy on the 10Adventures guide – suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities.
- Elevation: About 98 m total gain, with gentle undulations.
- Duration: Typically 1–1.5 hours.
- Signage & Crowd Levels: Average signage; moderate visitor numbers during weekends, quieter on weekdays.
- Year‑round: Open all seasons; spring brings blooming grasses, summer highlights wildlife, autumn offers golden reeds, winter provides mist‑filled tranquillity.
- Pets: Allowed on a leash.
- Highlights: Seasonal riverside scenery, panoramic farmland views, proximity to historic railway embankments, and sightings of kingfishers, waterfowl and occasional otters.
Little Acorn Riverside Walk & Wildlife Sanctuaries
Beyond the main path, the Little Acorn Riverside Walk winds through Little Acorn Wood and connects to the Broughshane Waterfowl & Wildlife Trust sanctuary. Visitors can hear the river’s gentle rush, watch waterfowl, and explore a dedicated hedgehog habitat on the adjoining Butterfly Walk. The sanctuary is one of only two sites worldwide where all seven swan species can be observed.
Wildlife Highlights
The Braid corridor supports a rich mix of birds and mammals:
- Kingfishers and dippers are regular river‑bank visitors.
- Otters have been recorded along quieter stretches.
- The waterfowl sanctuary hosts whooper swans, mute swans, Bewick’s swans, swan geese, trumpeter swans, black swans and black-necked swans – a unique assemblage for bird‑watchers.
- Seasonal salmon and sea trout runs (June‑September) attract anglers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Angling
The Braid Angling Club manages a stretch from the Fork bridge on Carnlough Road to the Motorway Bridge on Broughshane Road. The river supports healthy populations of brown trout, Dollaghan (migratory Lough Neagh trout), and seasonal runs of salmon (June‑September) and sea trout. Anglers may fish by bait or spinning; a day permit costs £4.00, while a full‑day licence is available for £10 at McNeills Hardware Store. The club actively improves access for disabled anglers.
Cultural Highlights
A short walk from the river leads to Raceview Mill, a 200‑year‑old former mill now serving as a centre for tourism, arts and crafts. Its adjoining Butterfly Walk returns to the riverbank, linking nature and heritage. Nearby, the historic Wool Tower has been repurposed as a unique exhibition space, adding an extra cultural dimension to a riverside visit. The town of Ballymena also offers Ballymena Castle, a short drive away, for those interested in local history.
Future Greenway Plans
Local community groups continue to lobby for a full Braid River Greenway, which would extend the existing path from Ballymena through Broughshane, Glenravel and on to the Glens of Antrim. The proposal aims to create a safe, traffic‑free route for walkers, cyclists and families, linking the river’s natural assets with the wider regional trail network.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballymena Castle – a 17th‑century manor with gardens and a visitor centre.
- Galgorm Castle Golf Club – the golf course borders the river’s upper reaches and offers scenic views.
- Broughshane – explore the “Garden Village of Ulster” and its award‑winning floral displays.
- River Main – follow the water downstream to Lough Neagh for further fishing and wildlife opportunities.
Practical Information
- Location: Mid and East Antrim, Northern Ireland. Nearest town: Ballymena.
- Getting There: By car, use the A42; the trailhead is off Grange Road, 0.7 mi SW of Ballymena railway station. Public transport options include regular trains to Ballymena and local bus services to Broughshane.
- Parking: Limited free parking is available at the Grange Road trailhead; additional spaces can be found in Ballymena town centre car parks.
- Facilities: Public restrooms in Ballymena town centre; picnic areas near the river’s edge.
- Accessibility: The Braid River Path is mostly level but includes some uneven sections; the Angling Club provides disabled‑friendly fishing points.
- Safety: Stay on marked routes, watch for livestock, and be cautious near water during high‑flow periods.
The Braid River offers a blend of natural beauty, historic intrigue and recreational opportunities, making it a rewarding destination for walkers, bird‑watchers, anglers and anyone seeking a peaceful slice of County Antrim’s countryside.