Easy hikes and walks around Dunmurry
4.4
(188)
3,855
hikers
202
hikes
Hiking around Dunmurry offers diverse opportunities to connect with nature, featuring a mix of riverside paths, wooded glens, and accessible green spaces. The region is characterized by its strategic location near the Colin Mountain and flanked by the River Lagan, providing varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. Numerous parks and natural features, such as the Lagan Valley Regional Park, contribute to a network of easy hiking trails. This area provides a range of landscapes suitable for walkers of varying abilities.
Best easy hiking trails around Dunmurry
- The most popular easy hiking route is Riverside Circular Walk, Minnowburn, a 2.5 miles (4.0 km) trail that takes 1 hour 2 minutes to complete. This route offers scenic views along the river.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Giant's Ring loop — Lagan Valley, an easy 2.1 miles (3.4 km) path. This trail explores the historic Giant's Ring area within the Lagan Valley.
- Local hikers also love the Lagan Towpath and Barnett Demesne Loop, a 4.6 miles (7.4 km) trail leading through riverside paths and parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 56 minutes.
- Hiking around Dunmurry is defined by riverside towpaths, wooded glens, and accessible parklands. The network offers options for different ability levels, focusing on easy and family-friendly excursions.
- The routes in Dunmurry are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 170 reviews. More than 3,800 hikers have used komoot to explore Dunmurry's varied terrain.
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 of just 74 feet (22 metres), making it a perfect choice for a leisurely outing that takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes. As you follow the riverbanks, you will pass through peaceful woodland and riverside beech trees, offering a chance to spot local wildlife like dippers and kingfishers. Keep an eye out for the charming Minnowburn Bridge, a picturesque stone archway that adds to the natural beauty of the area.
Planning your visit to the Riverside Circular Walk is straightforward, as parking is conveniently available nearby. The trail features generally accessible paths, primarily composed of flat gravel and tarmac, ensuring a comfortable experience for most hikers. While the route is mostly even, be aware that some sections may have shallow gradients, and surfaces can become slippery, especially when wet. This makes it a great option for a relaxed walk at almost any time of day, provided you wear appropriate footwear.
This trail is nestled within the scenic Lagan Valley Regional Park, offering a refreshing escape into nature close to urban areas. In spring, the riverbanks burst into vibrant color with daffodils and bluebells, creating a particularly lovely atmosphere. The diverse scenery, from open river views to shaded woodland, provides a varied and engaging experience without demanding strenuous effort. It is a wonderful way to connect with the natural environment and enjoy the peaceful flow of the River Lagan.
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.
3.08km
00:48
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
84
hikers
4.89km
01:20
70m
70m
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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Although a tiny lake and more so a pond, Mila's lake is an ideal spot for a quick hike in nature.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Dunmurry?
Dunmurry offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 130 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, the area features more than 200 hiking trails, catering to various preferences and fitness levels.
Are there any easy circular walks in Dunmurry?
Yes, Dunmurry has several easy circular walks. A popular option is the Riverside Circular Walk, Minnowburn, which is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long and offers scenic views along the river. Another is the Giant's Ring loop — Lagan Valley, an easy 2.1 miles (3.4 km) path exploring a historic area.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on easy hikes around Dunmurry?
The easy hikes around Dunmurry showcase a diverse landscape, including riverside paths along the River Lagan, lush wooded glens, and open parklands. You'll find trails within the Lagan Valley Regional Park, and areas like Colin Glen Forest Park are known for their woodlands and even waterfalls.
Are the easy trails around Dunmurry suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. Many of the easy trails in Dunmurry are ideal for families. The flat towpaths along the River Lagan and the well-maintained paths in parks like Colin Glen Forest Park and Derriaghy Glen Linear Park provide safe and enjoyable walking experiences for all ages. The Mila's Lake loop from Poleglass is another family-friendly option.
Are dogs allowed on the easy hiking trails in Dunmurry?
Yes, most easy hiking trails around Dunmurry are dog-friendly, especially those within the Lagan Valley Regional Park and local green spaces. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
What are some notable attractions or points of interest along these easy routes?
While hiking, you can discover several interesting spots. The Giant's Ring loop takes you past the ancient Giant's Ring Megalithic Tomb. Other nearby attractions include Shaw's Bridge, and the scenic Colin Glen Forest Park which features woodlands and river views.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Dunmurry?
Dunmurry benefits from a mild maritime climate, making it suitable for year-round outdoor pursuits. Spring and summer offer pleasant temperatures and lush greenery, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the easy trails are generally accessible, though some paths might be muddy after rain.
How long do the easy hikes typically take?
The duration of easy hikes varies. For example, the Riverside Circular Walk, Minnowburn is about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) and takes approximately 1 hour. Longer routes like the Lagan Towpath and Barnett Demesne Loop, at 4.6 miles (7.4 km), can take around 2 hours.
Are there good parking facilities near the easy hiking trails?
Yes, many popular trailheads and parks in Dunmurry and the surrounding Lagan Valley Regional Park offer parking facilities. For instance, areas around the Lagan Towpath and parks like Colin Glen Forest Park typically have designated parking areas, making access convenient.
Can I reach the easy hiking trails using public transport?
Dunmurry is well-connected by public transport, particularly buses, which can take you to various points near the Lagan Valley Regional Park and other local parks. Planning your route in advance using local transport services is advisable to find the most convenient access points.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Dunmurry?
The easy trails in Dunmurry are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 170 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the scenic beauty of the riverside routes and parklands.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known easy walks in the area?
Beyond the well-known routes, exploring the smaller local parks like Derriaghy Glen Linear Park, Derriaghy Riverpath Park, or Jubilee Park can offer a more tranquil experience. These parks provide serene environments with lush greenery and winding pathways, perfect for a peaceful easy stroll away from busier areas.
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