The best walks and hikes around Tullyrusk

There are over 25 hiking trails around Tullyrusk, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 11 easy routes and 14 moderate trails, ensuring options for various fitness levels.

The hiking trails in Tullyrusk are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the expansive views from prominent hills like Divis and Black Mountain, as well as the varied terrain that caters to different preferences.

Yes, Tullyrusk offers several easy trails perfect for beginners and families. A great option is the Mila's Lake loop from Poleglass, an easy 1.9-mile (3.1 km) path that provides a gentle walk around a tranquil lake. There are 11 easy routes in total.

While Tullyrusk doesn't feature 'difficult' graded trails, there are 14 moderate routes that offer a good challenge, especially those ascending Divis and Black Mountain. The Divis and the Black Mountain loop is a popular moderate trail, covering 6.0 miles (9.6 km) with significant elevation gain, providing expansive views from the summits.

Many of the trails around Tullyrusk are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the View from Black Mountain – View from Divis Mountain loop from Tornaroy, which offers scenic views through open hillsides, and the Divis and the Black Mountain – Black Mountain Summit loop from Divis.

Hiking routes in Tullyrusk vary in length and duration. Easy trails, like the Mila's Lake loop, are around 1.9 miles (3.1 km) and take less than an hour. Moderate routes, such as the Divis and Black Mountain loop, can be up to 6.0 miles (9.6 km) and typically take around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.

For breathtaking scenic viewpoints, focus on trails that ascend Divis and Black Mountain. These prominent hills offer elevated perspectives across the surrounding landscape. The View from Divis Mountain – View from Black Mountain loop from Tornaroy is an excellent choice for panoramic vistas.

Beyond the trails, the area around Tullyrusk offers several points of interest. You can explore sections of the Lagan Towpath, known for its natural beauty. For those interested in local history and culture, there are sites like the Bobby Sands mural, the Clonard Martyrs' Memorial Garden, and the Garden of Remembrance, Falls Road.

The best time to hike around Tullyrusk is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, you'll experience milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and less rainfall, making for more enjoyable conditions on the open hillsides.

Many trails in the Tullyrusk area, particularly those on open access land like Divis and Black Mountain, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to check specific trail regulations before you go.

Public transport options to directly access the trailheads around Tullyrusk can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes (e.g., Translink services) for connections to nearby towns or villages, from where you might need to walk or arrange alternative transport to reach specific starting points.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. For popular areas like Divis and Black Mountain, dedicated car parks are usually provided. For other routes, you may find roadside parking in nearby villages or designated lay-bys. Always ensure you park responsibly and do not obstruct local access.