4.0
(20)
129
riders
9
rides
Mountain biking near Poleglass Belfast offers access to a diverse landscape of hills, woodlands, and river paths. While Poleglass itself does not feature dedicated trails, its location provides a gateway to established networks in the wider Belfast area. The region is characterized by the Belfast Hills, including Divis Mountain and Cave Hill, which provide elevated terrain and panoramic views. The Lagan Towpath offers a flatter, scenic route along the River Lagan, connecting to other cycling opportunities.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
2.5
(2)
4
riders
34.4km
03:11
650m
650m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
27.0km
02:41
590m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
riders
17.5km
01:45
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
1
riders
59.7km
03:18
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
43
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Located in South Belfast and once a private estate, Barnett Demesne is now a public park since 1951. The park itself includes plenty of walk/hike opportunities, gardens, an arboretum & a children's playground.
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Located in South Belfast and once a private estate, Barnett Demesne is now a public park since 1951. The park itself includes plenty of walk/hike opportunities, gardens, an arboretum & a children's playground.
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Craigavon Balancing Lakes, referred locally as 'The Lakes' are a set of man-made lakes built in the 1970s to control flooding. The route around the lakes is entirely flat and follows a mixture of paved and gravel paths close to the shoreline, which creates some wonderful water views as you jog along.
2
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Magnificent castle built in the 1860s and one of the city's most famous landmarks. The castle is situated on the lower slopes of the Cave Hill Country Park and is surrounded by lush greenery and mixed woodland. The castle is open to explore everyday between 9am-6pm, parking and admission is free.
4
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Barnett Demnese jump track is part of the gravel and MTB trails in the park, and great fun for all levels/ages.
0
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Victorian rebuild of a 13th century castle, the building and grounds are well worth your time. Cave Hill Country Park is also a great place to ride a bike so it's win win!
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There are 9 mountain bike trails around Poleglass listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars.
The mountain bike trails near Poleglass primarily feature the rolling Belfast Hills, offering diverse terrains from woodland paths to elevated routes with panoramic views. You'll also find accessible river paths like the Lagan Towpath, which provides a flatter, scenic option.
Yes, there are 4 easy-rated mountain bike trails available. For instance, the Barnett Demesne Jump Track – Barnett Demesne Stone Bridge loop from Lagan is an easy 7.7 km route, perfect for those new to mountain biking or looking for a relaxed ride. Barnett Demesne also features a 3.5km green trail specifically designed for beginners and families.
While there are no 'difficult' rated trails directly listed in the immediate Poleglass area, the region offers 5 moderate routes that provide a good challenge. Trails in the Belfast Hills, such as the Divis & Black Mountain loop from Belfast, feature significant elevation gains and varied terrain suitable for experienced riders. Barnett Demesne also has a more challenging 3.9km blue trail with red loop options and technical features.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Poleglass are circular. For example, the popular Belfast to Divis Mountain loop is a moderate 27 km circular path that takes you through the Belfast Hills and back.
The best time for mountain biking in Northern Ireland, including the Poleglass area, is generally during the drier months from late spring to early autumn (May to September). This avoids the muddier conditions often found in winter and offers more pleasant weather for riding. However, trails are accessible year-round, with appropriate gear.
Yes, several areas near Poleglass offer family-friendly options. Barnett Demesne, for instance, has a dedicated 3.5km green trail suitable for families and beginners. Colin Glen also offers a variety of outdoor activities and a Gruffalo Trail, which can be enjoyed by families.
Parking is generally available at the main trailheads for popular mountain biking spots near Poleglass. For example, Barnett Demesne, Divis and the Black Mountain, and Cave Hill Country Park all have designated parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific location details before your visit for any parking fees or restrictions.
Yes, public transport can get you close to several mountain biking areas. Belfast's public transport network serves areas like Barnett Demesne (accessible via the Lagan Towpath), Divis and the Black Mountain, and Cave Hill. For detailed public transport information, you can visit the Translink website or check local bus routes.
While mountain biking, you can explore various landmarks and attractions. Near the trails, you might encounter historical sites like Shaw's Bridge. In wider Belfast, easily accessible from the trail areas, you can visit Belfast City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock, or the iconic Big Fish (Salmon of Knowledge).
Absolutely. The Belfast Hills, including Divis Mountain and Cave Hill, are renowned for their panoramic views. Trails like the Cave Hill Country Park Trail offer stunning vistas over Belfast and beyond, making for a rewarding ride with picturesque stops.
Many of the popular mountain biking areas near Poleglass, such as Barnett Demesne and those in the Belfast Hills, are within easy reach of local amenities. The Lagan Towpath, which connects to Barnett Demesne, often has cafes along its route. Additionally, the wider Belfast area offers numerous cafes and pubs for refreshments after your ride. You can find more information on local amenities at visitbelfast.com.
The trails around Poleglass are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 20 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the diverse landscape, from the challenging climbs and rewarding views of the Belfast Hills to the more relaxed, scenic paths along the River Lagan. The accessibility to well-maintained trail networks like Barnett Demesne is also a frequently highlighted positive.


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