River Maine walks

The River Maine flows through the heart of County Antrim, rising in the Antrim hills near Cargan and winding south through Cullybackey and Randalstown before reaching Lough Neagh. A series of riverside paths and quiet country walks follow its course, offering a gentle way to explore the countryside between Ballymena and the lough shore.

One of the most popular sections runs through Cullybackey, where a well-maintained riverside walk passes the old weir, the former mill and the wooded banks that gave the village its name (Cuil Dachaigh, the secluded place). Anglers know the Maine as one of Northern Ireland's finest game rivers, with salmon and sea trout running up from Lough Neagh in season, and herons, dippers and kingfishers are regularly seen along the banks.

Further downstream, paths and lanes around Andraid and Shanes Castle estate carry walkers towards the wetlands at the river's mouth, an important habitat for wintering wildfowl. The walks suit families and casual ramblers, with mostly level ground, mature trees overhead and constant glimpses of the slow-moving river beside you.