Colin Glen
Colin Glen Forest Park is regarded as Belfast’s ‘green lung’. Following the Colin River through the beautiful wooded glen on surfaced paths creates the opportunity to experience great views of the glen, the Belfast Hills (Black Mountain) and Belfast City.
The Forest Park is popular throughout the year with the public and visiting groups for a variety of outdoor activities, educational visits and events.
County Antrim
Distance 1.8 miles
OS Map Sheet 15 + Belfast Street Finder
Terrain Surfaced paths, some steep hills
Nearest Town Stewartstown Road, Belfast
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J286705
Route Type Parkland & Grassland, Riverside
From the car park go through the pedestrian gate into the park and follow the main path past the red suspension bridge, keeping the Colin River on your right.
Following the Hannahstown Trail, (red way marking arrows), keep left at the next two junctions, climbing uphill through the woodland. Views will open up across the glen, the hills above and the city below. On your left is a former landfill site.
At the next junction turn right which leads down the 39 steps to a wildlife pond. Take the path to the left, following it until you reach the Tri-bridge. If you turn right this leads you to the Cantilever Bridge under the Glen Road into Upper Colin Glen, a National Trust property.
If you turn after you cross the bridge, this will take you back down the glen. Pass the Weir and Gamekeepers Bridges’ and return down the glen back to the car park.
Wildlife pond, wild flowers in spring
Car park at Colin Glen Centre – entrance signposted off the Stewartstown Road.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Colin Glen Forest Park Centre – car parking, toilets, cafe and information, opening hours apply. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Café (wheelchair accessible) – Disabled toilets.
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Colin Glen
A really pleasant surprise in the middle of urban west Belfast! Bluebells were out when I was there. Decent steep trails Up and back over a bridge and down the other side.
Very disappointing, looks like it has lacked some care. Directional signage really confusing/missing. Part of red/blue trail completely closed because it looks like someone about to build a house with no alternative directions given.
Very good for wildlife