Walks In and Around Belfast City
Belfast has a very beautiful and natural framework of hills, valleys and foreshore giving it a magnificent physical setting which is perfect for getting out and exploring! It plays host to a variety of walks, catering for all abilities, from short walks through city parks to river walks along the Lagan to wild rambles through the Hills.
So why not pull on your walking shoes and get out and see what Belfast has to offer.
Ormeau Park
Walk through Belfast's oldest municipal park, which officially opened in 1871. Ormeau is one of Belfast's largest parks and provides great walks overlooking the River Lagan, offering a great mix of horticulture, woodland, flower displays and wildlife.
Lagan Towpath
The Lagan Towpath takes the walker along the river and canal system through a variety of wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodland from Belfast to Lisburn. Home to a variety of wildlife, the canal system dates back to the late 18th century and many features still give an insight into the majestic era of the lighter.
Divis and Black Mountain
The mountains rest in the heart of the Belfast Hills which provide the backdrop to the city’s skyline. They offer spectacular views across Northern Ireland, Belfast Lough and as far as Donegal and the coasts of England, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Cave Hill Country Park
A challenging route, over unsurfaced paths, past the caves to McArt’s Fort, and crossing moorland, heath and meadows. You will discover much of what the park has to offer from archaeological sites and wildlife to panoramic views.
Lagan Meadows
This route explores a beatiful Local Nature Reserve in the Lagan Valley with varied wildlife habitats. A rare chance to see cows grazing within a few miles of the city centre.
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.
Waterworks
Enjoy a walk though the Waterworks, in the mid 19th century this was the source of Belfast's water. Today, however, walkers to the park will see it is an oasis for wildfowl in the north of the city. Here you can find many greylag geese and mute swans, as well as other birds such as mallards, tufted ducks, coots, pochards, goldeneyes, cormorants and great-crested grebes.
Botanic Gardens
This route explores an historic city park with many interesting features, buildings and botanical col lections. It is home to the famous Palm House and Tropical Ravine.
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