Overview
The Belfast Hills wrap around the west and north of the city. At the northern end is the unmistakable profile of Cave Hill; to the south-west rise Black Mountain (389 m) and the range’s high point, Divis (478 m), with Slievenacloy, Colin Glen Forest Park and several old dam sites in between. It is all free and open year-round, and on a good day it is the quickest way out of the city and into open hill.
The views are the payoff. From the tops you look out over Belfast Lough, the Ards Peninsula and across to the Isle of Man and the Scottish coast; the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Mountains sit on the southern horizon, with the Sperrins, Lough Neagh and the Antrim Plateau the other way. Below you, the Samson and Goliath cranes, Titanic Belfast and Stormont pick out the city.
History in the hills
These hills have long served as a backdrop to pivotal moments in Irish history. During the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion, Henry Joy McCracken and his sister Mary Ann used the rugged terrain as a hideout to evade British forces. Centuries later, the slopes of Divis became a crucial training ground for Allied troops preparing for the D-Day landings during World War II. A U.S. bomber that later inspired the film Closing the Ring famously crashed on Cave Hill during the war, leaving a lasting mark on local lore.
Ancient earthworks dot the landscape, most notably McArt’s Fort on Cave Hill. This prominent hillfort is widely believed to have inspired Jonathan Swift’s depiction of the “sleeping giant” in Gulliver’s Travels. The name Divis itself derives from the Irish Dubhais, meaning “black ridge,” a fitting description for the dark, heather-covered slopes of both Divis and Black Mountain.
For much of the 20th century, the area was a Ministry of Defence training zone. Today, the National Trust oversees the estate, protecting the blanket bog, stone-pitching works, and historic trig pillars that mark the summits. Archaeological surveys have uncovered Bronze Age cairns, early Christian field systems, and a crannog, while traditional cattle grazing continues to maintain the diverse flora and fauna.
Walking the hills
The estate offers a wide range of trails, from gentle family strolls to demanding ridge hikes.
Cave Hill Country Park & Belfast Castle
This area is perfect for a relaxed day out. The Castle Trail is a short, paved 0.8-mile loop ideal for families and wheelchair users. For a bit more challenge, the Estate Trail covers 2.4 miles with a 134-metre ascent, while the Cave Hill Trail stretches 4.5 miles and climbs 256 metres to reward walkers with panoramic city views.
Divis & Black Mountain
These peaks offer the most dramatic terrain. The Ridge Trail is a 4.2-mile loop starting at the Divis car park. It passes the Divis trig point, follows the spine to Black Mountain’s trig pillar, and showcases fascinating stone-pitching and the “Bobby Stone” bench. The Summit Trail is a 3-mile ascent from the Divis Road car park at Hannahstown, climbing past Mount Gilbert to the top of Divis. Expect about 90 minutes of steady climbing, but the 180-degree vistas make it worthwhile.
Mount Gilbert and Slievenacloy
Mount Gilbert, on the Divis massif, is usually tackled as part of the Divis route rather than on its own. For a quieter walk, the Slievenacloy Nature Reserve is open upland grassland and heath, good for wildflowers and birds; Colin Glen Forest Park nearby has easy riverside walks and picnic spots.
Wildlife and habitats
The Belfast Hills support a rich mosaic of habitats. Higher ridges are dominated by blanket bog and heather-covered heathland, while mixed oak and ash woodlands thrive in the lower valleys and along the Colin Glen. Birdwatchers frequently spot peregrine falcons, buzzards, and golden plovers during the winter months.
Spring brings gorse, harebell and primrose across the slopes, with the heather colouring up later in the year. Cattle graze the hills from October to May – not for show, but as a deliberate tool for keeping the heath and bog open. The National Trust monitors the bogs to protect rare mosses and lichens.
Practical tips
- Dog-friendly: Dogs are welcome on all trails. Keep them on a lead in sensitive bog areas and near wildlife nesting sites to protect the habitat.
- Facilities: You’ll find picnic tables at Colin Glen, a café at the Divis Barn, and public toilets at the Cave Hill visitor centre.
- What to wear: Weather in the hills can change quickly. Sturdy walking boots, waterproof layers, and plenty of water are essential, especially on the boggy sections of Black Mountain.
- Safety: Mobile reception is limited on the ridge and summit areas. Always check the forecast before heading out and let someone know your planned route.
Getting there
By Car: The main car parks are located at Divis Mountain (near the Divis Barn Café) and at the Cave Hill Country Park entrance. Spaces fill quickly on weekends, so arriving early is highly recommended.
By Bus: Translink Metro services (including the 6A and 7A) connect Belfast city centre towards Cave Hill and Divis. Check the latest timetables for weekend service variations.
By Train: The nearest stations are Belfast Great Victoria Street and Lanyon Place (formerly Belfast Central). From either, a short bus ride or taxi drops you near the trailheads.
Cycling: Lower access roads are cycle-friendly, and mountain biking is allowed only on the designated Middle Path at Cave Hill; the summit sections and main walking trails are pedestrian-only.
If you only do one walk, make it the Cave Hill Trail up to McArt’s Fort: it’s the view the whole city knows, and on a clear morning you can pick out Scotland from the top. Go early, before the car parks fill, and remember the hills close with the daylight rather than staying open round the clock.