The best walks and hikes around Ballygomartin

Yes, the area is great for families. The View of Belfast Harbour – View of the Valley loop from Belfast Castle is a popular choice, offering an easy walk within Cave Hill Country Park with rewarding views. For a more relaxed stroll, Glencairn Park provides gentle paths along the Ballygomartin River, ideal for all ages.

Dogs are generally welcome on trails in the Belfast Hills, including Divis and the Black Mountain, but they must be kept on a lead at all times. This is to protect grazing livestock and local wildlife. Always be prepared to clean up after your dog to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

There is a dedicated car park at National Trust - Divis and the Black Mountain. It's a very popular spot, especially on weekends and clear days, so it's best to arrive early to secure a space. The car park can fill up quickly, leading to people parking on the narrow approach roads.

For some of the most expansive views over the city, the Summit Trail at Divis and the Black Mountain is hard to beat. It's a challenging 3-mile (4.8 km) trail that rewards you with breathtaking panoramas of Belfast, Belfast Lough, and beyond. On a clear day, you can even see the Mourne Mountains and Scotland.

Yes, many of the best routes are loops. The Black Mountain Summit loop from Ligoniel is a fantastic moderate circular hike. For a gentler option, the Ridge Trail on Divis and Black Mountain is a 4.2-mile (6.8 km) circular route offering 180-degree views.

Both offer excellent hiking with great views, but with different characteristics. Cave Hill Country Park features rugged paths, several caves, and historical sites like McArt's Fort, all close to Belfast Castle. Black Mountain, managed by the National Trust, offers a more open, heathland experience with wide-ranging trails across a mosaic of grassland and bog, providing a real sense of escape from the city.

The terrain is a mix of grassland and heathland bog. The main trails, like the Ridge Trail, are generally well-maintained with stone or gravel paths, making them accessible for most walkers. However, some lesser-used paths can be muddy and uneven, especially after rain, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended.

There are over 250 hiking routes to explore around Ballygomartin, ranging from short, easy walks to challenging all-day hikes. The area offers a great mix, with over half of the trails rated as easy, making it accessible for many fitness levels.

The trails around Ballygomartin are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the stunning panoramic views over Belfast and the surrounding countryside, as well as the variety of trails available, from peaceful riverside walks to challenging summit climbs in the Belfast Hills.

Yes, for a walk focused on the city's history, the Grand Opera House, Belfast – Belfast Peace Wall Murals loop from Belfast is a flat, easy route. It takes you through the city center and along the famous peace walls, offering a different perspective on the area's heritage.

The Lough Trail at Divis and the Black Mountain is perfect for this. It's a gentle, accessible circular walk of just under a mile (0.9 miles / 1.4 km) that offers fantastic views across Lough Neagh towards the Sperrin Mountains. It's an ideal choice for a quick and rewarding hike.

For a more demanding day out, consider the Hiking loop from Corrigan Park, Naomh Eoin CLG. While graded as easy, its 3.9-mile (6.3 km) length offers a more substantial walk through local parkland. For a true challenge, the Summit Trail to the peak of Divis Mountain provides a strenuous climb with significant elevation gain.