The best walks and hikes around Moneyreagh

Yes, the area offers several options suitable for families. Belvoir Park Forest is a popular choice, with relatively flat, waymarked trails that are perfect for all ages. The paths wind through charming woodland on the banks of the River Lagan.

Many trails in the area are suitable for walking with dogs, provided they are kept under control. Forest parks and public footpaths are generally welcoming. For a specific route, the Stormont Estate – WWII Luftwaffe Bomb Crater loop from Tullycarnet is a great option through open parkland where you can enjoy a walk with your canine companion.

For those looking to see waterfalls, the Cregagh Glen Waterfalls loop from Cregagh is the ideal choice. This trail follows the Glen River through a scenic glen, passing several picturesque waterfalls as you ascend into the Castlereagh Hills.

While the region is known for its rolling hills, there are flatter options available. The trails within Stormont Estate, such as the Statue of Sir Edward Carson – Stormont Estate loop, offer gentle walks through landscaped parkland with minimal elevation change.

The landscape is defined by its drumlin topography, which means you'll encounter many smooth, rolling hills often described as a 'basket of eggs'. Hikes frequently involve gentle ascents and descents through farmland, wooded glens, and parkland estates, often rewarding you with panoramic views from the hilltops.

Many trails offer rewarding views. The routes through Cregagh Glen and Lisnabreeny are well-regarded for their superb views over Belfast and the surrounding countryside from the higher points of the Castlereagh Hills.

Locals and visitors enjoy several key hiking destinations. Among the most popular are:

• National Trust Lisnabreeny Cregagh Glen: A highly-regarded area known for its beautiful glen trail and waterfalls.
• Belvoir Park Forest: A favorite for its peaceful woodland paths along the River Lagan.
• National Trust - Divis and the Black Mountain: A top-rated spot offering panoramic city and mountain views from its trails.

The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with over 2,900 hikers having explored the area. Reviewers often praise the variety of walks, from the scenic glen paths at Cregagh to the tranquil woodland trails in Belvoir Park Forest.

There is a wide selection of routes to explore, with over 130 trails mapped on komoot. These range from easy 20-minute strolls to more challenging multi-hour hikes, ensuring there's a path for every fitness level.

Parking can vary. For popular spots like Divis and the Black Mountain, car parks can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. For other locations like Cregagh Glen, formal parking is limited, and visitors often need to find on-street parking in nearby residential areas.

Yes, many of the best routes are loops. The Belvoir Park Forest loop — Lagan Valley is a fantastic circular trail that takes you through mature woodland and along the river, returning you to your starting point.

While the trails themselves are set in natural landscapes, the starting points are often close to villages or Belfast suburbs where you can find pubs and cafes. After a hike in Cregagh Glen or Stormont, the nearby areas of Cregagh and Belmont offer various options for refreshments.