Minnowburn and Giant’s Ring
Minnowburn Path – a nice walk taking you around the old Terrace Hill estate lands and remarkable Beech trees. Farmland, river bank, wetlands, woodlands and a formal garden make up this lovely path. It is steeped in history, and is part of the Lagan Valley Regional Park system.
Giant’s Ring Path – takes you through the Minnowburn and Ballynahatty countryside. Through the picturesque and quaint countryside, farmland, riverbanks and woodland on the outskirts of the Belfast urban fringe.
As you leave National Trust lands and enter Ballynahatty you pass through the famous Giants Ring, a Neolithic earthwork circle set in the middle of beautiful farmland.
| County | Distance | OS Map |
| Down | 2.1 miles | Sheet 15 |
| Nearest Town | Route Shape | RouteType |
| Belfast | Circular | Riverside, Woodland |
| Terrain | Grid Reference (Start) | Grid Reference (Finish) |
| Dirt, gravel & wooden boardwalk | J325686 | J325686 |
| Point of Interest | Minnowburn Bridge, Giants Ring |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty | Lagan Valley |
| Route Description | Giant’s Ring path is is 3.4 km. 1-2 hours. Both trails begin in the carpark by Minnowburn Beeches. Follow the path beside the River Lagan heading upstream and turn left when you reach the boardwalk. Cross the Edenderry Road and go over the stile opposite. After 30m you will see a path on your left through the woods. This is the Minnowburn trail. Take this path. When you reach Freddy’s steps turn right and climb to the top. At the top, turn left and enter the Terrace Hill garden. Follow the path to the right round the stone wall, join with a gravel path to the right of the formal garden and continue to the right on the old Terrace Hill avenue. At the bottom turn left and continue and cross the stile before you reach the Giants Ring road. Cross the field and follow the cut path, until you reach Minnowburn car park. For the Giant’s Ring path do not turn right onto the woodland path. Carry on until you come to the stile at the Ballynahatty Road. Turn right and walk along for about 30m and take the stile on your left. Follow this path for about 1km until you reach the Giant’s Ring. Cross over the centre and follow the road out past the car park. Turn left at the gate and take the stile on the opposite side of the road. Cross the Sandpit field to the stile at the edge of the Giant’s Ring road. Cross the road taking care to look out for traffic and go through the small gate opposite. Here you can either turn right and follow the path to the car park or go straight ahead up the avenue to the garden and down Freddy’s steps and back to the car park. Note: These walks cross agricultural land in parts. There are two fields in which you may encounter stock grazing. Always close gates behind you and please keep dogs under control. |
| Getting to the Start | Road: Minnowburn is just of the Ring Road next to Shaw’s bridge. Follow the signs. Buses: Ulsterbus 13D, 13H, 313 from Europa Buscentre http://www.ulsterbus.co.uk/ Cycling: Access is available through Lagan Valley Regional Park and is part of the National Cycle Network (route 9) Boat: Access to a canoe dock is available from the Lagan |
| Facilities | Toilet and refreshments nearby at Barnett’s Demesne or Forestside Shopping centre. Also free car parking, viewing point and canoe landing. Leaflets are available. |
| Accessible Toilet Facilities | No |
| Accessible Terrain | Off road paths, unsurfaced |
| Accessible Signage | N/A |
| Publication | / |
| Publication Availability | / |
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One feedback comment has been left by a reader about Minnowburn and Giant’s Ring:
Best of the Lagan Valley in my view. We did this on Xmas Eve 2009 and it was Winter Wonderland with frost glistening on the trees and, in a more practical vein, the muddy bits frozen solid. Recommended.
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