Easy hikes and walks around Ballymullan
4.3
(69)
1,724
hikers
71
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Ballymullan offer access to diverse natural landscapes, primarily centered around Crawfordsburn Country Park. The area features varied coastline along Belfast Lough, including sandy beaches at Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn Beach. Inland, the terrain transitions to tranquil meadows and mature wooded glens, with the Crawford's Burn flowing through undulating beech woodlands. These features provide a range of environments suitable for easy outdoor exploration.
Best easy hiking trails around Ballymullan
- The most popular easy hiking route is Riverside…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
3.7
(6)
84
hikers
3.99km
01:02
20m
20m
Embark on the Riverside Circular Walk, Minnowburn, an easy hike that guides you along the tranquil River Lagan. This route spans 2.5 miles (4.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain…
5.0
(3)
49
hikers
3.41km
00:54
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
8
hikers
7.41km
01:56
50m
50m
This easy 4.6-mile loop near Belfast offers diverse scenery, from riverside paths to woodlands, passing historic Malone House.
84
hikers
4.89km
01:20
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
26
hikers
6.47km
01:39
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The facility is of impressive size.
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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.
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There is probably no better way to get to Belfast city centre by bike.
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The park covers almost 130 hectares and offers a variety of landscapes - from wide meadows and shady woodlands to manicured rose and Japanese gardens. The International Rose Trials, which take place here every year, are particularly exciting. If you come at the right time, you can admire an impressive variety of roses, which are judged by international experts. But the park has a lot to offer away from the roses in bloom: whether you just want to take a quiet walk in the Walled Garden, explore the Japanese Garden or challenge yourself on the orienteering course - everyone will find a favorite spot here. A small café provides refreshments and the playground also has something for younger visitors. The park has many hidden corners that make it an ideal stop to recharge.
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As you get closer, the mystical aura of the place unfolds, with its mighty, almost circular earthen wall, which measures over 180 meters in diameter and dominates the view over the surrounding plateau. This ancient henge complex is one of the largest and best-preserved monuments of its kind in Ireland - hard to miss when you get close to Shaw's Bridge. In the center of the ring, a megalithic tomb awaits you, which tells its own story with its five supporting stones and a mighty capstone. You can literally feel the thousands of years that have passed here since ceremonies and gatherings probably took place at this place. It is impressive how the Giant's Ring has survived over time, while the wooden structures of the Ballynahatty settlements are long gone.
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Running from Belfast to Lisburn, the Lagan Towpath is a pleasant, walk around the River Lagan with peaceful surroundings such as wetland, riverside meadows, & woodlands. The canal system itself dates back to the late 18th century and now offers a glimpse into the area's past.
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The Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is one of the most popular green spaces in Belfast. The park covers a huge area – 130 acres (52 ha) in total. The park has lots of diverse landscapes including woodland, formal rose gardens, meadows, riverside fields, a Japanese garden and a walled garden.
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After you have rested up a while on the banks of this magical place - you can carry on through to the other side, where you will find a ride able trail taking you down in to the Lagan Valley, Connecting to the tow path that will take you all the way in to the city. Prehistoric enclosure, over 200 metres in diameter, with a dolmen in the centre. The big earthwork circle, roughly 200m across, is a beautiful example of a 'henge' monument, built in about 2700BC during the Neolithic period. Similar monuments are found elsewhere in Britain and Ireland, but this is one of the finest. In the middle is a tomb made up of 5 upright stones and a large capstone, the bare frame of what was originally a chambered grave, covered with a cairn of stones and earth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Ballymullan?
Ballymullan offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 40 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails are highly rated by the komoot community, averaging 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews.
Are there any easy circular walks near Ballymullan?
Yes, several easy circular walks are available. For example, the Giant's Ring loop — Lagan Valley is an easy 2.1-mile path exploring a historic area with minimal elevation. Another option is the Riverside Circular Walk, Minnowburn, a 2.5-mile trail following the river.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on easy hikes around Ballymullan?
Easy hikes around Ballymullan, particularly within Crawfordsburn Country Park, feature diverse landscapes. You can explore varied coastline with sandy beaches like Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn Beach, tranquil meadows, and mature wooded glens with ancient beech, pine, and cedar trees. The Crawford's Burn flows through these woodlands, leading to an impressive waterfall.
Are the easy trails in Ballymullan suitable for families with children or pushchairs?
Many easy trails in the area are family-friendly. For instance, Crawfordsburn Country Park's Coastal Walk is a 1.9-mile linear path with gravel and tarmac surfaces and minimal slopes, making it accessible for pushchairs. The Glen Walk, a 1.5-mile circular route through beech woodland, is also considered suitable for individuals with limited mobility.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails?
Crawfordsburn Country Park, a central hub for easy hikes in Ballymullan, is generally dog-friendly. Many trails allow dogs, but it's always recommended to keep them on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or near livestock, and to check specific park regulations upon arrival.
Where can I find parking for easy hiking trails in Ballymullan?
The Visitor Centre at Crawfordsburn Country Park serves as a convenient starting point for many trails and offers parking facilities. This provides easy access to the park's diverse network of paths, including coastal, meadow, and glen walks.
Are there any waterfalls to see on easy hikes?
Yes, within Crawfordsburn Country Park, the Crawford's Burn flows through the wooded glens and leads to an impressive waterfall. This natural feature can be enjoyed on some of the park's easy trails, such as the Glen Walk.
What historical landmarks or attractions can I see on easy walks?
Along the easy coastal paths, you can spot Grey Point Fort, an old coastal battery built to defend Belfast. Other notable points of interest include Lagan Towpath and Shaw's Bridge, which can be incorporated into longer easy routes like the Culchrist Bridge loop from Lagan Valley AONB.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on easy hikes around Ballymullan?
The wooded glens of Crawfordsburn Country Park are home to hedgehogs, squirrels, and badgers. Along the coastal paths, seals can often be observed. Stream-side habitats support grey wagtails and dippers, and Brent geese are winter visitors to the area, offering diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
What is the best time of year to go hiking on easy trails in Ballymullan?
Ballymullan's easy trails are enjoyable year-round. During summer, the wildflower meadows, such as the '21 Acres' and 'Wildflower Meadow' in Crawfordsburn Country Park, are vibrant with blooming wildflowers. Winter offers opportunities to spot Brent geese along the coast. The mature woodlands provide beauty in all seasons.
Are there any cafes or amenities near the easy hiking trails?
The Visitor Centre at Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a starting point and often has facilities. For more options, the nearby towns of Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn offer cafes and pubs where you can refresh after your hike.
Can I reach the easy hiking trails using public transport?
Yes, public transport options are available. Helen's Bay, which is part of Crawfordsburn Country Park and features one of its sandy beaches, is accessible by train, making it convenient to reach some of the coastal and park trails without a car.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Ballymullan?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, from tranquil woodlands and meadows to scenic coastal views, and the well-maintained, accessible paths that make for enjoyable and relaxing walks.
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