Trek your way through Belfast with our definitive list of city walkways and mountainous getaways. Here are the best walks in and around Belfast.
Belfast is a city that marries together stunning concrete architecture and spacious, tranquil parks, with hidden gems made for walking and touring scattered throughout the city.
And so, thanks to the more than 3,000 acres of parkland that find refuge amongst the towns and the city itself that stretches 132.5km², there is an endless list of places you can choose from to take a walk.
The next time you’re in Belfast, why not try out our list of the ultimate ten best walks in and around Belfast?
10. Lagan Meadows – hidden on the outskirts of South Belfast
Kicking off our list of the ultimate ten walks in Belfast is the Lagan Meadows, tucked behind the leafy Stranmillis suburb and covering 2.2 miles of brisk land.
The Local Nature Reserve walkway hugs Lester’s dam and pond that follows you on your way around the Meadows and provides still company for your stroll.
9. Ormeau Embankment – peaceful river walk
The Ormeau Embankment is situated in South Belfast and acts as your getaway from the city centre or equally as your entrance to the bustling citadel of Belfast.
If you start from the Ormeau Road, to your right is the River Lagan that partitions the land and the famous Harland & Wolff towers linger in the background as a makeshift guide.
8. Colin Glen Forest Park – an adventurous walk
Sitting in West Belfast and mingling with the Black Mountain, the Colin Glen Forest Park is undoubtedly one of Belfast’s best walking trails.
Entertain the kids with the Gruffalo Walking Trail, enjoy a tranquil walk with the protection of the overbearing trees, or take a rest on the banks of the river that flows through its heart.
7. Ormeau Park – the oldest park in Belfast
Forming one of many of South Belfast’s walking hotspots is the Ormeau Park, the oldest municipal park in the city, open to the public in 1871.
Perfect for joggers, dog walkers, and casual strollers, the park is 1.3 miles long and lined with large, booming trees, dissected by a pathway for you to tread and coloured by many green spaces.
6. Falls Park – the best of the west
Slightly larger than the Ormeau Park at 1.5 miles, it is a large park complemented with a long and winding circular route for you to tour.
There is a play park for the kids to enjoy and for your own respite, you might catch a game of football on the many pitches, and test your own fitness levels with the hills near the top end of the park.
5. Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon – home of the Rose Garden
One of the best walks in and around Belfast is the Lady Dixon park, which can be found on the outskirts of the south of the city.
The park is famous for its vast bouquet of flowers that add incomparable colour to the park that covers 128 acres and is composed of meadows, woodland, and gardens.
4. Cave Hill – sit on a cliff edge
It is one of Belfast’s most popular walks, and for good reason. Cave Hill overlooks the Belfast coastline and city centre and keeps its peerless eyes over North Belfast.
On your way, marvel at the Belfast Castle before lingering over hanging cliffs and standing on the edge of McArt’s Fort, the famous tip of the mountain, one of Belfast’s most picturesque views.
3. Belfast Harbour / Lagan River Walk – the scenic city centre
If you’re into your city views, this is the walk for you. Start at the foot of the domineering Obel Tower and cast an eye over the Titanic Quarter across the Lagan.
Continue your walk along the river, and you will come across some of the city centre’s most stunning structures, such as the Albert Clock and Waterfront Hall.
2. Shaw’s Bridge & Giant’s Ring – one of the best walks in and around Belfast
The Shaw’s Bridge is a luxurious leg of on of the best and most scenic cycle routes in Belfast, the Lagan Towpath walk, that will eventually cross county lines as you make your way to the Giant’s Ring in County Down.
The Ring is a prehistoric enclosure of around 200 metres in diameter. It is a ‘henge’ monument built in 2700 BC during the Neolithic period.
1. Black Mountain Walk – panoramic views of the city
The ultimate walk in and around Belfast is the Black Mountain. It casts its shadow over the entire city. It provides powerful panoramic views of the city with numerous walking trails to avail of.
Take the Lough Trail’s circular route, the ridge trail that beams with wildlife, the summit trail that encompasses a steep incursion to the mountain’s summit, and the heath trail which brings you to the mountain’s peak at 1,526 ft.
The next time the sun shines over Belfast, get your walking boots on and have a go at any one of our top picks of walking trails for you to explore.
Best hikes around Ireland
The 10 highest mountains in Ireland
Top 10 best cliff walks in Ireland, RANKED
Top 10 scenic walks in Northern Ireland you need to experience
Top 5 mountains to climb in Ireland
The 10 best things to do in south-east Ireland, ranked
The ultimate 10 best walks in and around Belfast
5 incredible hikes and walks in scenic County Down
Top 5 best Mourne Mountain walks, ranked
