The best walks and hikes around Dunmurry
4.4
(182)
3,828
hikers
205
hikes
Hikes around Dunmurry provide access to a varied landscape on the outskirts of Belfast. The area is characterized by the River Lagan and its towpath, which runs through the expansive Lagan Valley Regional Park. The terrain includes level riverside paths, rolling meadows in local parks, and the more rugged, open heath of the nearby Belfast Hills.
Best hiking trails around Dunmurry
- The most popular hiking route is Lagan River – View of the River Lagan loop from Lagan Valley AONB, a 10.3 mile (16.6 km) trail that takes around 4 hours 25 minutes to complete. This route follows the river, offering a long and scenic walk through the regional park.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Shaw's Bridge – Red Bridge loop from Finaghy, a moderate 5.0 mile (8.1 km) path. The trail features a mix of woodland and riverside sections along the Lagan.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Milas Lake loop from Poleglass, a 4.2 mile (6.8 km) trail leading through local parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Hiking around Dunmurry is defined by riverside towpaths, wooded glens, and access to the open hillsides of the Belfast Hills. The network of walking trails near Dunmurry offers routes suitable for various fitness levels.
- The routes in Dunmurry are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 4,300 hikers have used komoot to explore Dunmurry's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
3.08km
00:48
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
41
hikers
6.86km
01:50
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
28
hikers
16.6km
04:24
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
20
hikers
8.30km
02:14
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
8.92km
02:19
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Cycle and pedestrian bridge over the Lagan
1
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The bridge is named after Captain John Shaw of Oliver Cromwell's army, who built an oak bridge here in 1655. A stone bridge was built by Thomas Burgh in 1691, although this was destroyed by flooding, which led to it being replaced by the present bridge in 1709.
3
0
Canoeing route in the whitewater rapids of the Lagan river
2
0
The facility is of impressive size.
3
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The structure consists of a circular earthen ring with a diameter of 180 m and an area of 28,000 square meters, surrounded by an earthen rampart 3.5 m high. At least three of the five irregularly distributed gaps in the ring are intentional and possibly original. East of the center of the ring is a small passage grave with a westward-facing entrance.
4
0
Very nice cafe-restaurant with good food and beautiful garden
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there around Dunmurry?
There are over 200 hiking routes to explore around Dunmurry. The area offers a wide variety, from easy riverside strolls within Lagan Valley Regional Park to more challenging climbs in the nearby Belfast Hills.
What is the terrain like on the walking trails?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find many level, surfaced paths along the River Lagan towpath and in parks like Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon. For more rugged experiences, the trails on Divis and the Black Mountain consist of open heath, blanket bog, and gravel tracks.
Are there any good family-friendly walks near Dunmurry?
Yes, Colin Glen Forest Park is a fantastic choice for families, featuring a beautiful river and the whimsical Gruffalo Trail which is a favourite with younger visitors. Another excellent option is Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, which has several waymarked trails on surfaced paths through its famous gardens.
Where can I find a good circular walk?
For a moderate circular route, the Dipping Pond loop from Poleglass is a great option. This 4.8-mile (7.8 km) trail takes you through local parkland and offers a pleasant walk of about 2 hours.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails?
Many trails in the Dunmurry area are dog-friendly, especially in open spaces like Lagan Valley Regional Park and Belvoir Park Forest. However, some areas like Divis and the Black Mountain are working farms, so you must keep your dog on a lead to protect grazing livestock.
Where can I find the best views?
For spectacular panoramic views, head to Divis and the Black Mountain. This highly-regarded spot offers breathtaking 180-degree vistas across Belfast, Lough Neagh, and even as far as Scotland on a clear day. The trails here lead you through a wildlife-rich landscape to the summit.
What are the parking facilities like at the main trailheads?
Parking varies by location. Major sites like Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park and Colin Glen Forest Park have dedicated car parks. The car park at National Trust - Divis and the Black Mountain is very popular and can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Can I get to the trails using public transport?
Yes, Dunmurry's location on the outskirts of Belfast provides good public transport links. Train and bus services connect to Dunmurry, from where you can access the Lagan Towpath and other local walks. This makes it easy to plan a hike without needing a car.
Are there any historical sites to see while hiking?
The Lagan Valley Regional Park is rich in history. While walking along the towpath, you can see relics of the old Lagan Canal and the area's linen industry. A short detour will also take you to the Giant's Ring, a significant Neolithic henge monument.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Dunmurry?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the peaceful, flat towpaths along the River Lagan to the stunning, wide-open views from the Belfast Hills. The well-maintained paths in parks like Belvoir Park Forest are also frequently mentioned.
Are there any easy, shorter walks available?
Certainly. For a very accessible and short walk, consider the Mila's Lake loop from Poleglass. It's just under 2 miles (3.1 km) on mostly flat terrain and can be completed in about 50 minutes, making it perfect for a quick outing.
Where can I find a good forest walk?
Belvoir Park Forest is a popular favorite for woodland walks. It features 75 hectares of mature trees along the River Lagan, with numerous walking trails offering a peaceful escape. Redburn Country Park is another great option, known for its beautiful bluebells and walking paths through the woods.
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