St Patrick's day Slemish walk

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is expecting up to 3,000 visitors to come to the site on Thursday March 17.

Mayor Councillor Billy Ashe is urging everyone to enjoy a challenging hike along the slopes where the saint reputedly tended sheep.

“Reward yourself with one of the most beautiful sights around, many miles of rolling countryside in every direction and great views across large areas of County Antrim, by taking part in this now well-established annual hike,” he said.

Broughshane’s Raceview Mill will be the hub, with storytelling, traditional music and children’s entertainment.

These events will take place between 12.30 and 3.30pm, and visitors can also enjoy traditional Irish fayre at the onsite cafe.

To access the mountain, visitors can park at Raceview Mill, Buckna Presbyterian Church car park or Buckna Gospel Hall car park.

The council’s Park & Ride services will run continually from Raceview Mill from 9am-2pm and Buckna Car parks from 9am-3pm.

For foot passengers, a bus will depart from Ecos approximately every 30 minutes between 9am and 2pm for a connecting bus to Slemish.

Last coaches will return from Slemish from 4pm. The service will cost £2 for adults and £1.50 for children from Raceview Mill, and from Buckna the price will be £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. Children under five go free. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Only disabled badge holders will be allowed to park at Slemish car park (limited parking) and no parking will be permitted along the Carnstroan Road or the Carnstroan Lane approach to the mountain. General parking is otherwise only available at Raceview Mill and Buckna car parks and for anyone using the shuttle service. The walk takes approximately one hour. Suitable clothing and footwear are necessary.