The best walks and hikes around Ballynacoy

Yes, the area offers several great options for walking with your dog. A popular choice is Hiking loop from Mount Eagles, which is a relatively short and easy walk. For a riverside experience, The Fairy Glen in Rostrevor is highly regarded by dog walkers. As always, please keep your dog on a lead where required, especially near livestock.

For a family-friendly outing, consider the View from Black Mountain loop from Mount Eagles. It's an easier trail that still offers rewarding views. Another excellent spot is Hillsborough Forest Park, which has flat, accessible paths around a lake, making it ideal for all ages.

If you're looking for a more substantial hike, the Black Mountain Summit – Wooden Bridge Over Stream loop from Mount Eagles is a great option. At over 11 km, this moderate trail combines a rewarding summit climb with varied terrain along a stream, offering a good challenge.

Yes, many of the best routes are loops. The Black Mountain Summit loop from Mount Eagles is a popular circular trail that takes you up to the summit and back. Slievenacloy Nature Reserve also features a well-regarded circular walk with lovely views of the surrounding hills.

The hiking around Ballynacoy is defined by the rolling landscapes of the Belfast Hills. You'll find trails across open moorland, through lush river valleys like the Lagan Valley, and up to summits like Black Mountain, which provide spectacular panoramic views across County Antrim and beyond.

While the immediate trails focus on hill and moorland, a short drive will take you to some of Northern Ireland's best waterfalls. Glenariff Forest Park, known as the 'Queen of the Glens', is famous for its scenic Waterfall Walkway, which features several stunning cascades in a beautiful wooded glen.

Most of the main trailheads in the Belfast Hills, such as those for Divis and Black Mountain, have dedicated car parks. However, some smaller nature spots like National Trust Lisnabreeny Cregagh Glen have very limited or no official parking, so it's wise to plan your arrival early or consider alternative transport.

Accessing the trailheads in the Belfast Hills directly by public transport can be challenging. Your best option is often to take a bus to the outskirts of Belfast or Lisburn and then use a taxi for the final short distance to the start of your hike. The Lagan Towpath, connecting Lisburn and Belfast, is more easily accessible by public transport at various points along its length.

After exploring the hills, you can find several welcoming pubs and cafes in the nearby towns and villages. The area around Royal Hillsborough is a good option for traditional pubs. For a convenient stop, the coffee shop at the Black Mountain trailhead is a popular spot for a post-hike coffee and snack.

Sturdy walking shoes are essential as the terrain can be uneven and boggy in places. The weather in the Belfast Hills can change quickly, so it's crucial to pack waterproof clothing, even on a clear day. Also, bring water, snacks, and a fully charged phone. As much of the area is open moorland, sun protection is also recommended.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the spectacular, far-reaching views from the summits of the Belfast Hills. The accessibility of these rewarding landscapes so close to the city is another commonly highlighted benefit.