Gruffalo Trail – Colin Glen
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!
County Antrim
Distance 0.6 miles
OS Map Sheet 15 + Belfast Street Finder
Terrain Tarmac paths
Nearest Town Belfast
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference J284705
Route Type Forest, Parkland & Grassland, Riverside
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.
Sculptures of the much loved characters from the Gruffalo
Car park at Colin Glen Visitor Centre – entrance signposted off the Stewartstown Road, Belfast.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs must be kept under control
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 parking – Disabled toilets
Grade 3
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 5cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 1m wide for its entire length.
- The path will not be steeper than 6° or have a cross slope of greater than 6°.
- There will not be any obstacles such as steps or stiles and surface breaks will be between 12mm and 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- There will be passing places at least every 150m and rest areas at least every 1km.
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Walk Route
Gruffalo Trail – Colin Glen
I assume this trail has gone down hill recently. However, I feel This walk should be taken off your website, or changed to not suitable for children. It was awful full of broken glass and the dog faul.
The gruffalo aspect has been so badly damaged it is not fair to bring people to advertise this as a gruffalo trail any more.
Please don’t take young children on this walk.
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.
Fabulous trail! My three year old loved it. Well worth a visit!