The best walks and hikes around Knocknagoney
4.5
(221)
4,612
hikers
264
hikes
Hikes near Knocknagoney explore a landscape of urban parkland, country parks, and greenways on the eastern edge of Belfast. The area is characterized by accessible woodland trails, relatively flat lakeside paths, and routes that climb hills for views over Belfast Lough. The terrain offers a mix of paved surfaces and natural paths suitable for a range of walking abilities.
Best hiking trails around Knocknagoney
- The most popular hiking route is Redburn Country Park, a 2.9 mile (4.7 km) trail…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
4.9
(7)
104
hikers
4.67km
01:23
150m
150m
Redburn Country Park offers a rewarding hiking experience with varied terrain and stunning views over Belfast Lough. This easy 2.9-mile (4.7 km) route, which you can complete in about 1…
5.0
(2)
89
hikers
3.44km
00:52
0m
0m
The Victoria Park loop offers an easy hike, covering 2.1 miles (3.4 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 15 feet (4 metres), making it a pleasant stroll that takes…
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5.0
(1)
58
hikers
21.0km
05:25
100m
100m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
27
hikers
8.40km
02:23
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
hikers
3.62km
01:08
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is the first time I have used this app, and as I have asthma, I need to be mindful of the routes I take. It was listed as easy, but the path from the small car park was steep and uneven. It is irresponsible to list this incorrectly. Get a grip of yourselves!!
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Helen's Bay Beach is one of two excellent beaches found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These beautiful sandy beaches are by far the best within the Belfast area and as such are exceptionally popular and well used. Helen's Bay Beach is gently shelving and has excellent water quality making it ideal for bathing. The country park provides an excellent back drop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality walks and good facilities. There are disabled toilets and disabled parking a short distance from the beach. A path suitable for wheelchair users leads from the car park to a path running adjacent to it. Nearby Crawfordsburn Country Park has a Cafe / Restaurant, Car Parking, Picnic Sites,Toilets, and a Visitor Centre.
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It's hard to imagine you're still in a city when your running through the serene woodland paths around Victoria Park. The route is entirely flat making it ideal for a jog and the scenery is simply superb.
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It's hard to imagine you're still in a city when your walking through the serene woodland paths around Victoria Park. The route is entirely flat making it ideal for a leisurely stroll and the scenery is simply superb.
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The centre of Victoria Park is home to a beautiful meadow displaying a sensational display of seasonal flowers. Refresh your senses with the various smells and colours that accompany it.
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This impressive fort was built in the 20th century and is one of the best preserved forts in the British Isles! It played a huge role in the defenses of Belfast during WW1 & WW2.
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Here a rocky outcrop provides some excellent views east toward Crawfordsburn Country Park and west toward Helen's Bay Beach, and, on a clear day, all the way to Belfast.
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Beautiful sandy inlet on the shores of Crawfordsburn Country Park. You can enjoy some spectacular scenery and views toward Belfast Lough as well as a peek at the magnificent Crawfordsburn House which stands overlooking the sea.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Knocknagoney?
Yes, the area is great for families. The Victoria Park loop is an excellent choice. It's a flat, accessible path around a lake that's perfect for all ages and abilities. The park is also a haven for wildlife, especially birds, which can be fun for children to spot.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Most parks and greenways in the Knocknagoney area, such as Redburn Country Park and the Comber Greenway, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or near other walkers. Please be mindful of local signage regarding specific dog restrictions.
Which hikes offer the best views?
For panoramic views over Belfast Lough, the south Antrim hills, and even Scotland on a clear day, the trails in Redburn Country Park are your best bet. The climb through the woodland is rewarded with stunning scenery. The Redburn Viewpoint loop is a great option that takes you directly to a fantastic vantage point.
Are there good circular walks in the area?
Absolutely. Many of the popular routes are loops. Besides the main park trails, you could try the Bear Pit loop from Holywood. It's a moderate walk of about 8.4 km that takes you through pleasant woodland scenery.
Where can I park for hikes around Knocknagoney?
Most of the main parks have dedicated parking areas. Redburn Country Park has a car park, as does Stormont Estate and Victoria Park. For other popular spots like Divis and the Black Mountain, be aware that car parks can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Is it possible to reach the hiking trails using public transport?
Yes, due to its location on the edge of Belfast, many trailheads are accessible via public transport. Bus routes serve the areas around Stormont Estate, Victoria Park, and Redburn Country Park. The Comber Greenway is also easily reached from various points in East Belfast.
What is the general difficulty of the trails?
The trails around Knocknagoney cater to a wide range of fitness levels. The majority of the routes are rated as easy, featuring flat paths like those in Victoria Park or along the Comber Greenway. There are also a good number of moderate trails with some steeper climbs, particularly in Redburn Country Park.
How many hiking trails are available near Knocknagoney?
There's a wide variety of options to explore. You can find over 280 hiking routes in the area, ranging from short park strolls to more extensive woodland and coastal paths.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this region?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful woodland scenery, and the rewarding views over Belfast Lough from the higher trails.
Are there options for longer, more challenging hikes?
Yes, if you're looking for a full day of walking, the Crawfordsburn Beach – Grey Point Fort loop from Holywood is a great choice. This difficult-rated hike covers over 21 km and offers lovely coastal scenery.
What kind of wildlife might I see?
The area is rich in flora and fauna. In Redburn Country Park, you might spot red squirrels and various woodland birds, with a beautiful carpet of bluebells in the spring. Victoria Park is part of an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and is fantastic for birdwatching, with swans, geese, ducks, and herons often seen on the lake.
Are there any historical sites to see on the walks?
Yes, the grounds of the Stormont Estate offer a series of waymarked trails that take you past the iconic Parliament Buildings, as well as various statues and memorials. It provides a unique opportunity to combine a walk with a piece of Northern Ireland's history.
Most popular attractions around Knocknagoney
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