The best walks and hikes around Belfast

Yes, Belfast offers several great options for walking with your dog. Many of the larger parks, like Belvoir Park Forest and the Lagan Towpath, are excellent choices. However, some areas, particularly those managed by the National Trust like Divis and the Black Mountain, may have restrictions to protect wildlife and livestock. It's always best to keep your dog on a lead and check local signage for specific rules before you start your walk.

The Belfast area has some fantastic looped trails. The 4.5-mile (7.2 km) Cavehill Trail in Cave Hill Country Park is a challenging but rewarding circular route offering panoramic city views. For a less strenuous option, the Ridge Trail at Divis and the Black Mountain provides a 4.2-mile loop with spectacular scenery. Many forest parks also feature well-marked circular paths of varying lengths.

Several key hiking areas are reachable without a car. Cave Hill Country Park is well-served by buses from the city centre. You can also access the start of the Lagan Towpath easily from central locations. For other spots like Divis and the Black Mountain, it's recommended to check the Translink journey planner for the most current bus routes and timetables, as services to more rural trailheads can be less frequent.

Absolutely. For a flat and accessible walk, the Lagan Towpath is ideal, offering a peaceful riverside path. Victoria Park also has a flat trail around a lake that's perfect for a gentle stroll. For a woodland experience, the trails within Stormont Estate are generally gentle and well-maintained, providing a beautiful setting for an easy walk.

Both offer fantastic views but present different challenges. The main trail at Cave Hill is generally considered more rugged and steep, involving a climb up to McArt's Fort. The ground can be uneven and muddy. The trails at Divis and the Black Mountain, such as the Ridge Trail, are often on boardwalks or gravel paths, making for a more consistent and less technical climb, though the ascent to the summit is still a good workout.

Colin Glen Forest Park is a top choice for families, offering a range of activities and woodland walks, including the popular Gruffalo Trail. The flat, paved paths along the Lagan Towpath are also perfect for walkers of all ages, including those with pushchairs. Additionally, the grounds of Stormont Estate provide ample space for kids to explore on easy-to-follow paths.

For a proper challenge within the city's immediate surroundings, the summit trails at Divis and the Black Mountain provide the highest ascent in the Belfast Hills. The Cavehill Trail also offers a strenuous climb with rewarding views. For more significant mountain days, many hikers take a day trip south to the Mourne Mountains, which offer the highest and most rugged peaks in Northern Ireland.

While the immediate Belfast area is more known for its hills and riverside paths, you can find some beautiful waterfalls. Cregagh Glen, managed by the National Trust, features a lovely woodland walk that follows a stream with small, cascading falls, especially after rainfall. Colin Glen Forest Park also has a river running through it with some small weirs and falls along the way.

The weather in Belfast can change very quickly, so it's essential to be prepared. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must, as trails like those on Cave Hill can be muddy and rocky. Layering is key: a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or mid-layer for warmth, and a waterproof and windproof outer jacket are highly recommended, even if it looks sunny when you set out.

Yes, the coast is just a short journey away. A popular route is the path from Holywood to Bangor, which follows the shoreline of Belfast Lough. This is a relatively flat and easy walk with great sea views. For something more rugged, sections of the Ulster Way along the County Antrim coast offer dramatic cliffs and scenery, though these often require a car to reach the trailhead.

Many trailheads have nearby options. The National Trust café at Divis and the Black Mountain is a popular spot for a post-hike coffee and cake, praised by many visitors. Belfast Castle, located within Cave Hill Country Park, also has a café. After a walk along the Lagan Towpath, you'll find numerous cafes and pubs in the Stranmillis area or Lisburn, depending on which direction you walk.