With each character magically recreated by sculptor Andrew McIntyre and set against the backdrop of a stunning forest park this family attraction is perfect for kids and kids at heart!
Antrim
0.6 (one way) miles
Sheet 15 + Belfast Street Finder
Belfast
Linear
Forest, Parkland & Grassland, Riverside
Tarmac paths
J284705
J279711
Sculptures of the much loved characters from the Gruffalo
Other Area
The characters from the much loved picture book, The Gruffalo, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, have been brought to life along this trail at Colin Glen Forest Park in Belfast.
Each character has been magically recreated by sculptor Andrew McIntyre and is set against the backdrop of the forest park and the Colin River. From the car park, go through the Gruffalo Archway and follow the main path past Sky Trek and the red suspension bridge, keeping the Colin River on your right. You can then follow the Gruffalos footsteps to meet the silly old fox, owl and snake on the way to an amazing 8 foot tall Gruffalo - complete with knobbly knees, turned out toes and a poisonous wart on the end of his nose.
The trail will take approximately 20 mins to get to the Gruffalo (depending on how many photos and selfies you take at each sculpture) and then you can sit for a moment or two and take in the beauty of the forest next to the river, before a comfortable stroll back down to the visitors centre, where you can grab a nice cup of tea or coffee.
The experience is completely free so bring the family and enjoy one of Belfast’s most beautiful parks and rather than read the Gruffalo book (again!) come and live it.
Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Car park at Colin Glen Visitor Centre - entrance signposted off the Stewartstown Road, Belfast.
Dogs are allowed. Dogs must be kept under control
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
.jpg) | Café (wheelchair accessible) |
 | Disabled parking |
 | Disabled toilets |
Colin Glen Forest Park Centre - car parking, toilets, cafe and information, opening hours apply.
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“ | Fabulous trail! My three year old loved it. Well worth a visit! | ” |
“ | Visited here today with my daughter and grandsons and they loved it!! Only disappointed that the shop inside cafe was shut, although the food smelled good! | ” |
“ | Extremely disappointed when i looked up this trail i was expecting an adventure for my kids but there was there was like 6 things and the gruffalo... no park for kids to play in no picnic areas and kids were very bored very quick... entrance looks amazing and all the photos i had seen were amazin until we went i will not be back again as kids were bored very quick... | ” |
“ | Great walk, good family fun events & outdoor activities for older kids including Skytrek. The sculptures are amazing & kids really love them! Bit hilly in parts, but good to stretch the legs! | ” |
“ | Extremely disappointed in this. Little car park, constant up hill and no picnic place | ” |
“ | My daughter just loves this walk! | ” |
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Gemma Hunter 6 May, 2019 @ 01:34
Very disappointing! Sadly the beautiful setting could not make up for the poor state of the characters due to vandalism. The fox has been decapitated, the squirrel is brandishing a sectarian slogan, the snake's log pile house has been demolished and the gruffalo himself is stuck together rather badly in several places.