5 Hiking Places in Belfast That Made Us Forget We’re Out of Shape
My friend and I thought hiking in Belfast meant we would have a chill little stroll—maybe 30 minutes, tops. But then, we spotted some gorgeous girls on the trail. And suddenly, it became our full-blown mission to impress them.
But as we tried to keep up, we had to stop because we were already wheezing. And the moment we tried again, we took one wrong turn, and the rain caught us, finally destroying our dream romance.
That was our wake-up call, so we decided to level up, work out, and gain more stamina. We also found these top hiking spots in Belfast for all skill levels and practised until we’re hiking pros. Check them out below!
Where can I go on a hike in Belfast?
There are many places where you can go on a hike in Belfast! Notable ones are Cave Hill Country Park, Divis and the Black Mountain, and Lagan Towpath.
Cave Hill Country Park
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Address: Antrim Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9077 6925
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.3 km
Estimated Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
A great hiking trail in Belfast is Cave Hill, offering panoramic views best seen during a clear day. We also think the ‘Napoleon’s Nose’ cliff can provide one of the most scenic backdrops in the city. Not to mention, there are a couple of birds and deer too.
What’s more, we appreciate that the trails seem manageable for all skill levels. You’ll see everything from easy loops to steeper climbs, suitable for hiking, walking, or running.
But if you’re done hiking or just not feeling active, no worries! You can find Belfast Castle at the base of this hill. You can just relax with a post-hike picnic or chill at a cafe around here.
| Pro tips: We recommend bringing a flask and snacks to the top of Cave Hill so you can eat and drink while taking in the sights—there are no shops once you start hiking on the trail! |
Divis and the Black Mountain
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Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/divis-and-black-mountain/
Address: Divis Road, Hannahstown
Contact Details: +44 28 9082 5434
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.8 km
Estimated Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Divis and the Black Mountain are two separate peaks but part of the same upland ridge. They share trail systems too, so you’ll feel like you’re just in one hiking spot in Belfast. And while Divis is the taller one, we reckon the Black Mountain stands out more visually.
On this destination, you’ll capture 360-degree views. And even if it’s just around 15 minutes from the city centre, it’s got a peaceful and remote vibe if you hate noise.
We also think the trails (Ridge, Summit, and Divis) are pretty safe since they’re well-marked with sturdy gravel paths and wooden boardwalks. Moreover, nature lovers might adore the mountain hares and birds of prey around.
| Friendly reminders: Need a little pick-me-up drink? We say go to the small cafe around Divis and the Black Mountain! It will likely be windy up there, so we recommend layering up and bringing a hat. We also suggest wearing windproof clothing to be sure. |
Lagan Towpath
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Address: Northern Ireland
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 11 km
Estimated Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Looking for an easy walk? We reckon Lagan Towpath is the hiking path to consider. You might also love that this provides a serene escape minutes from the city. It follows the River Lagan through forested parks, canal locks, and wetlands.
Since this path is mostly flat, we believe this is amazing for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, as well as families with little kids wanting to run around.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot swans, kingfishers, herons, and otters. Those who love flowers can visit during spring or summer, when the shaded trees and wildflowers are more vibrant.
| Cool ideas: Need more green spaces to wander around? Lagan Towpath connects a bunch of lovely spots like Lagan Meadows, Belvoir Forest, and Shaw’s Bridge. We recommend tailoring your route beforehand so you can visit them all! Mosquitoes and midges can appear around the wetlands, so don’t forget to wear insect repellent if you’re visiting in the summer! |
Cregagh Glen and Lisnabreeny
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Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lisnabreeny
Address: A55 Upper Knockbreda Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9064 7787
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.5 km
Estimated Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
The enchanting woodland walk from Cregagh Glen to Lisnabreeny is for nature lovers! You’ll go alongside a gentle stream up to cascading waterfalls.
And since this is just off the A55 Upper Knockbreda Road, we’re stoked that this trail is a quick nature getaway.
Once you see the historical Lisnabreeny House, you’ll also see where the U.S. Army headquarters lived during the Second World War—a nice stop for history buffs! Also, you’ll bask in tonnes of flowers, like bluebells, Scots pine, ash, beech, and the like.
| Insider scoop: Why not try birdwatching at Cregagh Glen and Lisnabreeny? You’ll find birds, like jays, bullfinches, and grey wagtails, as well as red squirrels. Just be sure to bring your binoculars! |
Giant’s Ring
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Website: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/heritage-sites/giants-ring
Address: Belfast BT8 8LE
Contact Details: +44 28 9082 3207, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00am – 9:00pm
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.4 km
Estimated Time: 50 minutes
Want to see something cool? The Giant’s Ring is a 5,000-year-old Neolithic ring built around 2,700 BC. You can find a tomb at the centre, where you’ll get a sneak peek into ancient history.
If you’re sick of the loud hustle and bustle in the city, we bet you’ll adore the peaceful natural setting of its green space. There are meadows, old trees, and picturesque sights over the Lagan Valley.
| Just remember: Plan your visit to the Giant’s Ring accordingly, since there are no toilets, cafes, or shops right at the Ring. Don’t forget to bring snacks and water too! Alternatively, you can plan a stop at Lock Keeper’s Inn nearby if you’re also going to the Lagan Towpath. |