Ballyboley Forest
Ballyboley Forest provides a good example of multiple land-use with its large catchment area supplying water to the surrounding communities and the forest growing raw material for the saw mills.
The forest has some non way marked walking trails to allow you explore this forest on foot.
There is still remains of a Boley House in the south west corner of the forest. This was used when the cattle were brought up the hill for summer grazing. The forest was first planted in 1957 and boasts species such as Japanese larch. Waymarked trails run through the forest and the Ulster Way passes through and over the top of Carninard (366m).
The dam at Killylane was constructed in 1955 and can supply Larne, Ballymena, Ballyclare and parts of Antrim with up to three million gallons of water a day. It is stocked annually with rainbow trout and attracts many anglers to the area.
How to get there
If driving From Larne, take the A8 for two and a half miles, then turn right onto the A38, Shanes Hill Road, and travel for about three miles. Turn left onto Upper Ballyboley Road and the forest entrance is signposted.
Or if you are coming from Ballymena, take the A36 signposted for Larne (about 14 miles). Turn right onto the Upper Ballyboley Road. The forest entrance is signposted.
Walking Trails in co. Antrim
https://www.ballygallyapartments.com/accommodation-causeway-coastal-route/
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/ballyboley-forest