4.4
(253)
4,484
hikers
238
hikes
Hiking around Castlereagh, a townland southeast of Belfast, offers diverse natural landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. The region is characterized by rolling lowlands, accessible riverside paths, and varied woodland trails. These routes traverse urban green spaces, nature reserves, and gentle hills, providing a blend of environments for hikers.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
4.26km
01:07
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
hikers
6.51km
01:40
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
4.90km
01:16
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7.28km
02:03
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The paths meander through lush greenery that makes you feel like you're far away from the city. A well-kept park that offers space for both exercise and relaxed rolling. The tree-lined avenues are particularly beautiful - perfect for cycling in the interplay of light and shadow. The route also runs along the Connswater Community Greenway, a green corridor through Belfast that beautifully connects Orangefield Park with other green areas of the city. The evening atmosphere with the play of light on the manicured lawn and the clouds over Belfast is definitely worth a moment to pause - a calm contrast to the otherwise busy city. Ideal for a relaxed ride in the early morning or to wind down in the evening without being too far away.
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Here, in the middle of the city, the characters from The Chronicles of Narnia come to life in the form of impressive bronze sculptures. As a cyclist, you pass right by the square and can pause for a moment to immerse yourself in this fantastic world. The sculptures of Aslan, the mighty lion, and the White Witch's throne in particular attract attention. The details of the figures are impressive and give the characters a special presence. The square is not only a place for literature lovers, but also an interesting work of art in the open air - a change from the usual sights. CS Lewis, the famous writer and son of the city, is omnipresent here and also makes this place a small piece of Belfast history.
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The park has an ecotrail, outdoor gym and children's playground. The park also contains Orangefield Playing Fields with a bowling green, tennis courts, soccer pitches and a Velodrome !
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The Velodrome has to be booked through Belfast City Councils webpage ( book the football pitch for entry to Velodrome ) https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Things-to-Do/Outdoor-leisure-activities/Sports-pitches-and-facilities/Book-a-pitch
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This trail will take you to the places that inspired the young C.S. Lewis, one of our most famous literary sons, best known for his magical world of Narnia. Clive Staples Lewis was born in Belfast on 29 November 1898 and grew up in family homes on Dundela Avenue and Circular Road in the east of the city. The trail starts at 'The Searcher' sculpture outside Holywood Arches Library on the Holywood Road and includes sites such as C.S. Lewis Square (containing 7 Narnia inspired sculptures), St. Mark's Church, where his grandfather was rector and where Lewis himself was baptised, and No. 47 Dundela Avenue where a Blue Plaque marks where the writer was born.
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Orangefield Park provides a refreshing respite from city life. It's fit with an ecotrail, outdoor gym, and children's playground, as well as bowling green, tennis courts, and a football pitch. The park boasts a beautiful display of seasonal flowers and has a winding river that flows straight through it.
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This square is a commemoration to the famous British writer, C.S Lewis. C.S Lewis is responsible for writing the series of children's book called The Chronicles of Narnia, an exceptionally popular storyline that has been adapted into many series, movies, and plays today. The square features a number of beautifully crafted sculptures that represent different characters in his book, take a wander around and get lost in the magic!
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Castlereagh offers a comprehensive network of over 260 hiking routes. These trails cater to various fitness levels, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate excursions through diverse landscapes.
The hiking trails in Castlereagh feature a mix of rolling lowlands, scenic riverside paths, and tranquil woodland trails. You'll find routes traversing urban green spaces, nature reserves, and gentle hills, providing a blend of environments for hikers.
Yes, Castlereagh has plenty of easy hiking options, with over 170 routes classified as easy. A great choice for a gentle walk is the Lisnabreeny Rath loop from Lagan College, which is just under 4 km and takes about an hour to complete.
Absolutely! The Cregagh Glen Waterfalls loop from Roselawn Cemetery and Crematorium is a local favorite. This 3.2 km path leads through a scenic wooded glen renowned for its beautiful waterfalls, offering an easier hike that takes less than an hour.
Many of Castlereagh's trails are suitable for families. The riverside paths and woodland trails, such as those found in Belvoir Park Forest or Lagan Meadows, offer accessible and engaging environments for all ages. The Cregagh Glen Waterfalls loop is also a popular, shorter option that children often enjoy.
Yes, many of the trails in Castlereagh are designed as convenient circular routes. For example, the Belvoir Park Forest and Lagan Meadows Trail is a popular 8 km loop that explores mature woodland and paths along the River Lagan.
While hiking in Castlereagh, you can explore several interesting landmarks. The Lagan Valley features the serene Lagan Meadows Nature Reserve. For historical sites, consider visiting Shaw's Bridge. Further afield, you might explore the Belfast City Hall or the iconic Albert Memorial Clock.
For those seeking a longer excursion, the Belmont Park and Stormont Estate Loop is a moderate 10.7 km path that offers a substantial walk through parkland and estate grounds.
The trails in Castlereagh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 280 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, the accessibility of the paths, and the blend of urban green spaces with more rugged natural environments.
While Castlereagh itself is characterized by lowlands, the wider region offers some excellent viewpoints. For panoramic views, you might consider visiting Cave Hill or the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park Rose Garden and Stone Monoliths, which provide elevated perspectives of the surrounding area.
Many of Castlereagh's trails, particularly the well-maintained riverside paths and woodland routes, remain accessible and enjoyable during winter. The relatively gentle terrain and sheltered woodland areas can offer pleasant walking conditions, even in colder months. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Yes, areas like Belvoir Park Forest and the Lagan Meadows Nature Reserve are known for their diverse wildlife. Hikers often report sightings of kingfishers and long-eared owls in the woodlands, and seals can sometimes be spotted along the River Lagan in the nature reserve.


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