Belfast Hills Partnership Series No. 4
The Linear Walk
Long Discription:
Carnmoney Hill, an ancient green monument, is one of Newtownabbey’s greatest landmarks. It’s one of a chain of hills, steeped in history and folklore, which watch over Belfast City. The name Carnmoney gives us a clue to its history; it’s from the Irish Carn Monaidh, meaning ‘cairn of the bog’. Environment and Heritage Service say that there may have been a cairn, or stone-pile, on the hilltop, which could place man’s influence on Carnmoney Hill as far back as the Bronze Age, two thousand years ago. Two Souterrains (man-made underground tunnels) have also been found on the Hill. These were probably used as escape routes from Vikings and other raiders. Thankfully times are now more peaceful for Carnmoney and its precious wild inhabitants.
The Backdrop:
The wood at Carnmoney Hill is rich in history and is a honeypot for wildlife. It is one of the Borough's ancient, natural monuments and forms part of a chain of hills — the Belfast Hills — which provide a striking backdrop to the city. Archaeological gems include two souterrains (man-made underground tunnels) that were probably used as escape routes from Vikings and other raiders.A prehistoric rath or fortified settlement, known as Dunanney, provides evidence of human habitation on the Hill some 1,200 years ago. In ancient times, fairs and festivals were held at Dunanney, with its wonderful views over Belfast Lough. Also, keep a look out for the restored Victorian well .The woodland includes fragments of rare ancient woodland — that's land which has been continuously wooded since at least 1600. The Woodland Trust has planted more than 57,000 young native trees that link and buffer the fragments of ancient woodland, providing an extended haunt for Carnmoney's precious wildlife. The best viewpoint is from the top of the hill, where you can stop and stare at views over Belfast Lough, the Harland & Wolff cranes, south to the Mournes and north to the Antrim Coast. You'll also get an excellent view of Cave Hill — Carnmoney's impressive neighbour.
Walking Routes:
Walkers can choose between a lower woodland walk, which will take about 45 minutes; and, for the more energetic, an invigorating hilltop walk lasting approximately two hours. Be prepared for some steep inclines, but in return you have the promise of breathtaking views over Belfast Lough and the surrounding countryside.
Management:
This Woodland Trust wood has its own management plan compiled by the woodland officer responsible for its care.
Having a management plan helps us ensure that our woodland management achieves the Trust's four aims:
1 No further loss of ancient woodland
2 Improving woodland biodiversity
3 Increasing new native woodland
4 Increasing people's understanding and enjoyment of woodland
It also ensures that management is consistent and appropriate to the unique nature of the individual wood.
The plan consists of four main parts:
Summary of information about the wood
Evaluation of key features
Vision and objectives for management of the wood
Progress reports
How to get there:
From the M2, proceed onto the M5. At the end of the M5 you will see a roundabout; follow the sign for Carrickfergus. At the next roundabout take the first left signed to Glengormley. This is Station Road. Travel for about one mile to the mini roundabout. Go straight ahead at this roundabout onto O'Neill Road (B531). Turn first right immediately after the traffic lights onto Knockneagh Avenue. Travel over speed bumps for a quarter of a mile and park ar Rathfern Community Centre and play area.
The Cache:
The cache is a round black screw top box containing a log, pencil and a few small swaps.
Plan ahead - know where to walk, what to wear and how to minimise waste.
2. Be safe - pay attention to signs, weather conditions traffic levels. Consider your personal safety, don’t walk alone, bring a mobile phone, let people know where you are.
3. Understand Access - know where you are allowed to go and leave gates as you find them.
4. Minimise impact - TAKE ALL LITTER HOME, extinguish matches cigarettes carefully, don't pollute water.
5. Control dogs - Please keep dogs on a lead especially near farm animals.
6. Respect the countryside - don't disturb or feed wildlife.
7. Consider others - don't interfere with livestock, crops or machinery.
8. Minimise noise.
The Belfast Hills the Partnership
The Belfast Hills stretch from Colin Mountain in the south to Carnmoney Hill in the north and are home to important wildlife and archaeological sites, stunning landscapes and scattered communities. The Belfast Hills Partnership Trust was established in 2004 as an independent company with charitable status with the following aims:
- To increase people's appreciation of the value of the Belfast Hills
- To plan and carry out work programmes to protect and enhance biodiversity on the hills
- To help people enjoy the hills through a range of well managed public sites
- To improve the quality of life for local people
The Belfast Hills Geocaching Series is supported by the Belfast Hills Partnership (BHP) – for more information about their activities and walks check out their website – www.belfasthills.org. If you would be interested to add to this Geocaching series please contact the BHP for up to date access information and landowners’ permission.
