Slievetrue [Carn Hill]

Rising above the historic town of Carrickfergus, this Antrim outpost is marked by its cluster of communication masts. Despite the industrial skyline, the grassy summit offers a commanding vantage point over Belfast Lough. It’s a straightforward Marilyn to bag, providing a clear perspective of the busy shipping lanes and the distant Mourne Mountains.

• •The name Slievetrue is derived from the Irish Sliabh Rua, meaning 'Red Mountain', likely a reference to the autumnal colour of the heather or grasses that once dominated its slopes.
• •Locally it is frequently referred to as Carn Hill, a name owing to the ancient burial cairn located near the summit, though the site has been significantly altered by modern infrastructure.
• •On a crisp day, the summit provides an exceptional cross-channel vista; looking east beyond the mouth of Belfast Lough, the hills of the Mull of Galloway in Scotland are often clearly visible.
• •The ascent is made considerably easier by a service road that leads almost to the top, serving the various telecommunication towers that make the hill a prominent landmark for sailors on the North Channel.
• •You might expect a 'Red Mountain' to offer a wilderness experience, but between the humming masts and the tarmac access, it is effectively a high-altitude utility room for the Antrim coast.