Overview
The Dungonnell Way is a 9.5-mile (15.4 km) circular walking route that traces the northern edge of Glenravel Glen in County Antrim. Positioned just south of Glenariff Forest Park, the trail sits on a significant watershed. To the north, the Glenariff River drops six miles to the sea at Red Bay; to the south, the Glenravel Water flows toward the River Bann and eventually Lough Neagh. The route is fully way-marked with clear signage at every junction, allowing walkers to begin at any point and travel clockwise or anticlockwise. Free car parking is available at the Dungonnell Dam in Cargan village and at the Drum Wood, making the trail easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
Route Profile & Terrain
Classified as a hard walk, the Dungonnell Way demands a reasonable level of fitness. The total ascent reaches 850 ft (259 m), with the steepest gradients concentrated on the approach to the Garron Plateau. Approximately 62% of the route follows quiet, paved country lanes, while the remaining 37% consists of car-free forest tracks and open bogland. The mixed surface means you won’t need technical hiking gear, but the terrain shifts frequently between firm tarmac, gravel tracks and damp, uneven peat. Most walkers complete the loop in around three and a half hours, though taking time to explore the railway ruins and bog flora will easily extend the walk.
Walking Through History: The Lost Railway
Much of the Dungonnell Way follows the footprint of the Ballymena, Cushendall and Red Bay Railway, a narrow-gauge line opened in stages between 1875 and 1876. Built primarily to transport iron ore from the Antrim mines to the coast, the line was later upgraded to carry passengers. Services to the public ceased in 1930, and the railway closed completely by 1940. Today, the route offers a quiet walking tour of this industrial heritage.
Walkers will spot several surviving features:
- Essathohan Bridges: Marking the line’s highest point at 319 m, these structures once carried trains over the valley and remain a striking landmark on the plateau.
- Parkmore Station: The station building still stands near the junction of Ballyeamon Road and Glenariff Road, just short of where the old line crosses into the forest park.
- Evishacrow Siding Bridge: Near the old iron ore mines, a crumbling mineral siding bridge spans the river. The concrete track supports are still visible, though the structure is now home to local livestock rather than freight trains.
- Braced Bridges & Cuttings: Throughout the Glenravel stretch, old stone abutments and timber-braced bridges line the valley. Local advocacy groups have highlighted this corridor as a candidate for a future walking and cycling greenway.
Garron Plateau: Bog, Flora & Wildlife
The upper sections of the trail traverse the Garron Plateau, designated as both an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is the largest intact blanket bog in Northern Ireland, characterised by wet, spongy ground dominated by carpets of Sphagnum moss, cotton grasses and heather.
The peatland supports a rare and delicate ecosystem. In spring and early summer, look for the narrow-leaved March-orchid, the fragrant Bog Orchid, and the distinctive Marsh Saxifrage. Bog Asphodel and Bog Cotton add height to the landscape, while insect-eating Sundew plants cling to the damp soil. The plateau is also a stronghold for red grouse, which use the heather for breeding. Raptors such as merlin, peregrine falcon, buzzard and hen harrier hunt across the open terrain, while waders like snipe and curlew favour the wetter hollows. Keep to the way-marked paths at all times to protect these fragile habitats.
Dungonnell Dam & Reservoir
Completed in 1971, Dungonnell Dam is a key water supply infrastructure for the surrounding area, serving communities including Waterfoot, Cushendall, Cushendun, Glenravel, Clough, Glarryford and parts of Ballymena. The 30-hectare reservoir sits quietly at the base of the glen, offering a calm contrast to the rugged bog above. The water is regularly stocked with brown trout, making it a popular spot for licensed anglers. A small picnic table and bench sit beside the reservoir, providing a convenient rest stop before or after the main loop.
Getting There & Practical Information
- By Car: The main trailhead at Dungonnell Dam is reached via the A43 Ballymena-Waterfoot road. Follow signs for Cargan village. Parking is free but spaces are limited, so arriving early on weekends is advisable. The Drum Wood car park provides an alternative starting point.
- Public Transport: Translink bus service 150 runs between Ballymena and Cushendun, stopping in Cargan. Services are infrequent, so check the latest timetable before planning a car-free visit.
- Cycling: While the paved sections are suitable for hybrid bikes, the boggy and uneven forest tracks are best avoided by cyclists. The route is primarily designed for walkers.
- Facilities: There are no permanent toilets on the trail. The nearest public facilities are at the Dungonnell Dam picnic area. The Greenhills Pub in Cargan is a reliable stop for food, drink and a warm welcome.
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead, particularly in the bog sections where ground-nesting birds and livestock are present.
What to Pack & Safety Tips
Weather on the Garron Plateau can change quickly, and the bog terrain remains damp year-round. Sturdy waterproof boots with good grip are essential. A lightweight waterproof jacket, gloves and a hat are recommended even in summer. Carry a map or download the official GPX file, as the orange way-markers are clear but some junctions on the plateau can be subtle. Mobile signal can be patchy on the higher ground, so save offline maps before setting out. The route is open year-round and accessible on public holidays, but winter walkers should allow extra time for icy or snow-covered sections.
Downloads & Guides
The Causeway Coast and Glens Council provides a free PDF walking guide with detailed maps and points of interest. GPX track files are available through major route-planning platforms, making navigation straightforward on smartphones or GPS devices. For those wanting to extend their day, the Dungonnell Way connects directly to the way-marked trails within Glenariff Forest Park, allowing a seamless transition to the famous waterfall walks.
Start early to beat the midday crowds, keep your boots laced tight for the bog crossings, and take time to trace the old railway lines where they cut through the heather. The Dungonnell Way rewards steady pacing with quiet landscapes, surviving industrial history and one of Northern Ireland’s most important peatland habitats.