Belfast Castle Estate Trail
A walk through the woodland and parkland of the Belfast Castle Estate against the dramatic backdrop of Cave Hill.
A
Belfast walk
posted on 26/01/23 by Walk NI. Last update : 06/02/23
Description
Start : Car Park at Belfast Castle signposted off the Antrim Road. (BT15 5GR)
(S/E) From the car park just before Belfast Castle this route follows the blue waymarked “Estate Trail”. Cross the main driveway and take the path that goes down the hill, turning left in front of the castle (outside the security fence).
(1) Turn right down past the Adventurous Playground and its car park.
As the main driveway veers to the right, take the small path on the left (North) leading uphill. This will take you past the rear of the Millennium Maze, on the site of the old rose garden. This path will lead you on to another tarmac driveway.
(2) Turn left (South-West) and take the gravel path to your right, keeping to the right of the next junction. You will soon come to the Volunteer’s Well on your left with a stream on your right. At the well on your left, continue uphill.
(3) Before taking the second gravel path on your left (South) to begin the descent back towards the castle.
At the next two junctions keep right. Occasionally you will get glimpses of Belfast Castle and the city below through the trees.
This path continues along the back of the castle for some distance, before doubling back on itself and descending on to the main driveway.
(4) Turn right and follow the footpath until you reach the main gates to the park.
Watch for traffic as you cross the driveway and take the footpath ahead (North). This leads back up the hill to the car park, past the sculpture of a peregrine on your right. (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 134 m - Belfast Castle - Parking - Belfast Castle
- 1 : km 0.36 - alt. 112 m - Adventurous Playground
- 2 : km 0.87 - alt. 112 m - Gravel path (on the right)
- 3 : km 1.43 - alt. 195 m - T-Junction (turn left)
- 4 : km 2.95 - alt. 106 m - Junction main driveway (turn right)
- S/E : km 3.74 - alt. 134 m - Belfast Castle - Parking - Belfast Castle
Useful Information
Start : Car Park at Belfast Castle signposted off the Antrim Road. (BT15 5GR)
Terrain : Gravel paths steep hills
Public Transport : Translink
Facilities : Toilets and cafe in Belfast Castle (basement). Opening hours apply.
Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
Belfast Castle : Sitting in a prominent position in Cave Hill Country Park, we have spectacular views out across the lough and the city.
The first Belfast Castle was built by the Normans in Belfast city centre in the late 12th century. A second castle, made of stone and timber, was later constructed by Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast, on the same site in 1611.
Sadly, the castle burned down almost 100 years later, leaving only street names, such as Castle Place, to mark its location.
