Overview
The Belfast Hills form a natural amphitheatre around the city of Belfast, stretching from the iconic silhouette of Cave Hill in the east to the soaring summit of Divis (478 m) in the centre, and the rugged ridge of Black Mountain (389 m) to the south‑west. Within the estate lie Mount Gilbert, Slievenacloy, Colin Glen Forest Park and several historic dam sites, all free to enter and open year‑round. From the hills you can see Belfast Lough, the Ards Peninsula, the Isle of Man, Scotland, the Mourne Mountains and, on a clear day, the Sperrins and even the coast of Donegal.
History / Background
The hills have been a stage for centuries of Irish history. During the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion, Henry Joy McCracken and his sister Mary Ann used the rugged terrain as a hide‑out. In World War II the slopes of Divis were used by Allied troops for training ahead of the D‑Day landings, and a U.S. bomber that inspired the film Closing the Ring crashed on Cave Hill. Ancient earthworks such as McArt’s Fort on Cave Hill are thought to have inspired Jonathan Swift’s “sleeping giant” in Gulliver’s Travels.
The name Divis comes from the Irish Dubhais – “black ridge” – a description that fits both Divis and the heather‑clad Black Mountain. For much of the 20th century the area was a Ministry of Defence training zone; today it is overseen by the National Trust, which protects the blanket bog, stone‑pitching works and historic trig pillars that mark the summits. Archaeological surveys across the estate have uncovered Bronze‑Age cairns, early‑Christian field systems and a crannog, while traditional cattle grazing continues under National Trust stewardship, helping to maintain the diverse flora and fauna.
What to See & Do
| Site | Highlights | Recommended Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Cave Hill Country Park & Belfast Castle | Panoramic city views, McArt’s Fort, historic cairn, crannog, nearby Belfast Zoo | Castle Trail (0.8 mi, gentle) – Estate Trail (2.4 mi, moderate, 134 m ascent) – Cave Hill Trail (4.5 mi, challenging, 256 m ascent) |
| Divis & Black Mountain | Highest points, 1825 trigonometry pillar, WWII rifle range, Bronze‑Age homestead, extensive heathland | Ridge Trail (4.2 mi loop, strenuous) – Lough Trail (0.9 mi, gentle) – Summit Trail (3 mi to Divis summit, moderate) |
| Mount Gilbert | 180° panoramas over Strangford Lough, Mournes, Sperrins, Donegal and Scotland | Summit Trail (3 mi, challenging) – part of the Divis‑Mount Gilbert route |
| Slievenacloy Nature Reserve | Gentle woodland walks, wildlife spotting | Slievenacloy Loop (2 mi, easy) |
| Colin Glen Forest Park | Mixed woodland, river walks, picnic areas | Colin Glen Loop (1.5 mi, easy) |
Signature Trails
- Ridge Trail (Divis & Black Mountain Walk) – 4.2 mi loop starting at the Divis car park, passes the Divis trig point, continues along the ridge to Black Mountain’s trig pillar, and showcases stone‑pitching and the “Bobby Stone” bench.
- Summit Trail – 3 mi ascent from the Divis Road car park at Hannahstown, climbs past Mount Gilbert to the summit of Divis, offering 90 minutes of steady climb and 180‑degree vistas.
- Castle Trail – A short, family‑friendly walk from Belfast Castle to the edge of Cave Hill, ideal for a quick city‑scape photo.
Wildlife & Flora
The Belfast Hills support a mosaic of habitats – blanket bog on the higher ridges, heather‑covered heathland, mixed oak‑ash woodland and riverine habitats along the Colin Glen. Birdwatchers can spot peregrine falcons, buzzards, and the occasional golden plover in winter. In spring the hills burst with purple heather, gorse and wildflowers such as harebell and primrose. Red deer and hares are regular sightings, and the bogs are home to rare mosses and lichens that the National Trust monitors.
Family & Accessibility
- Dog‑friendly: Dogs are welcome on all trails but must be kept on a lead in the more sensitive bog areas and near wildlife nesting sites.
- Wheelchair access: The Castle Trail around Belfast Castle is largely paved and suitable for wheelchair users. The lower sections of the Colin Glen Loop are also relatively flat and accessible.
- Kids: Short loops such as the Castle Trail (0.8 mi) and the Slievenacloy Loop are perfect for families. The nearby Belfast Zoo (Belfast Zoo) provides a convenient break for younger visitors.
- Facilities: Picnic tables at Colin Glen, a café at the Divis Barn, and public toilets at the Cave Hill visitor centre.
Nearby Attractions
While exploring the hills you can easily combine a visit to other Belfast highlights:
- Belfast Zoo – a short drive from the Cave Hill car park, ideal for a family outing.
- Botanic Gardens – reachable by bus from the city centre, offering beautiful glasshouses and the iconic Palm House.
- Titanic Quarter – for a cultural contrast, the waterfront district is a 20‑minute bus ride from the Divis car park.
Getting There & Transport
- Car: Main car parks are at the Divis Mountain car park (near the Divis Barn Café) and at the Cave Hill Country Park entrance. Parking is limited on weekends; arriving early is advisable.
- Bus: Translink routes 6A, 7A and 9 link Belfast city centre to the Cave Hill and Divis car parks. Check the latest timetables for weekend variations.
- Train: The nearest railway stations are Belfast Great Victoria Street and Belfast Central; from there, a short bus ride or taxi will bring you to the trailheads.
- Cycling: Lower access roads are cycle‑friendly, but the summit sections are pedestrian‑only.
Events & Seasonal Highlights
The hills are a popular venue for community walks, charity runs and National Trust guided walks, especially in spring when the heather is in bloom. The Belfast Hills Walking Festival (usually held in May) offers free guided tours, wildlife talks and family activities. Autumn brings spectacular colour on the lower woodlands, while winter walkers should be prepared for icy bog sections.
Practical Information
- Access & Parking: Main car parks are at the Divis Mountain car park (near the Divis Barn Café) and at the Cave Hill Country Park entrance. Limited spaces fill quickly on weekends; arrive early or use public transport where possible.
- Opening Times: All sites are open year‑round, 24 hours. No entry fee is charged.
- Facilities: Picnic tables at Colin Glen, a café at the Divis Barn, and public toilets at the Cave Hill visitor centre. No dedicated bike routes; the trails are primarily for walkers and hikers.
- Difficulty & Gear: Trails range from gentle (0.8 mi) to strenuous (4.2 mi ridge loop). Sturdy walking boots, waterproof clothing and plenty of water are recommended, especially on the boggy sections of Black Mountain.
- Transport: Bus routes 6A, 7A and 9 connect Belfast city centre to the Cave Hill and Divis car parks. Cycling is possible on the lower access roads, but the hilltops are pedestrian‑only.
- Safety: Weather can change rapidly; check forecasts before heading out. The ridge and summit areas have limited mobile reception, so let someone know your route.
Enjoy the blend of natural beauty, historic intrigue and sweeping vistas that make the Belfast Hills a rewarding destination for locals and visitors alike.