1.8 miles
Loop
Moderate
Colin Glen
Colin Glen Forest Park is regarded as Belfast's 'green lung'. Following the Colin River through the beautiful wooded glen on surfaced paths creates the opportunity to experience great views of the glen, the Belfast Hills (Black Mountain) and Belfast City.
The Forest Park is popular throughout the year with the public and visiting groups for a variety of outdoor activities, educational visits and events.
TRAIL INFORMATION
From the car park go through the pedestrian gate into the park and follow the main path past the red suspension bridge, keeping the Colin River on your right.
Following the Hannahstown Trail, (red way marking arrows), keep left at the next two junctions, climbing uphill through the woodland. Views will open up across the glen, the hills above and the city below. On your left is a former landfill site.
At the next junction turn right which leads down the 39 steps to a wildlife pond. Take the path to the left, following it until you reach the Tri-bridge. If you turn right this leads you to the Cantilever Bridge under the Glen Road into Upper Colin Glen, a National Trust property.
If you turn after you cross the bridge, this will take you back down the glen. Pass the Weir and Gamekeepers Bridges’ and return down the glen back to the car park.
TRAIL INFORMATION
From the car park go through the pedestrian gate into the park and follow the main path past the red suspension bridge, keeping the Colin River on your right.
Following the Hannahstown Trail, (red way marking arrows), keep left at the next two junctions, climbing uphill through the woodland. Views will open up across the glen, the hills above and the city below. On your left is a former landfill site.
At the next junction turn right which leads down the 39 steps to a wildlife pond. Take the path to the left, following it until you reach the Tri-bridge. If you turn right this leads you to the Cantilever Bridge under the Glen Road into Upper Colin Glen, a National Trust property.
If you turn after you cross the bridge, this will take you back down the glen. Pass the Weir and Gamekeepers Bridges’ and return down the glen back to the car park.
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest Wildlife pond, wild flowers in spring
- Facilities Colin Glen Forest Park Centre - car parking, toilets, cafe and information, opening hours apply. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Café (wheelchair accessible) – Disabled toilets.
- Accessibility Information
Accessibility Grade: Grade 4 Terrain: Surfaced paths, some steep hills Toilet Facility: No Signage: No - Getting to the Start Car park at Colin Glen Centre - entrance signposted off the Stewartstown Road.
- Public Transport Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
- Trail Grade Moderate TRAIL GRADE DISCLAIMER
The trail grades shown on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com are based on desk-based assessments of available trail information. The categories—Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Very Strenuous—follow the Sustainable Trails Development Guide grading system.
These grades are provided as a general guide to help users choose trails that may be suitable for them. They are not a substitute for official, on-site grading or safety information provided by the relevant land manager, which may differ from the information on these websites.
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including the risk of injury, death, property damage, and other hazards. By using information from OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of this information.
Conditions on trails can change, and the actual environment may differ from what is described online. Users should always exercise their own judgment, take appropriate precautions, and remain responsible for their own safety and conduct at all times.
All information provided on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com is intended as a guide only and should be used alongside your own experience, awareness, and careful decision-making.
Routes with a varying range of climbs and descents, loose and uneven surfaces. Expect a few, large obstacles such as stiles and steps. A good level of fitness and self-reliance is recommended.
