The Cave Hill Trail is a challenging route, over unsurfaced paths, past the caves to McArt’s Fort, and crossing moorland, heath and meadows. You will discover much of what the park has to offer from archaeological sites and wildlife to panoramic views.
A
Belfast walk
posted on 02/02/23 by Walk NI. Last update : 15/02/23
Description
Start : Car parking at Belfast Castle (BT15 5GR)
(S/E) Begin at the interpretative panel in the car park just before the entrance to Belfast Castle. Climb up the path on your left (North) until you reach the first junction.
(1) Turn left. Follow this path through the woodland, keeping to the left of any of the junctions you come to. This path leads up through the trees, climbing on to an open seating area. Stop here to admire the fabulous views over the city and Belfast Lough. Continuing on, you come to the Devil’s Punchbowl with the first cave in front of you.
(2) Keep on the path to the right of the cave, walk for around 400 m and you will skirt the plateau on a gentle ascent.
(3) The path turns left (South) onto the cliff top at the junction with Hazelwood. Continue to ascend the plateau towards McArts Fort.
(4) On the way, pause again to take in the magnificent views. The trail continues on a wide gravel path heading South with views over Lagan Valley. Follow this towards the Upper Hightown Road. Along the way on the left you will pass a path which provides a short cut past the limestone quarry. ("At the bottom of these steps turn right to join the main castle drive.")
(5) Continuing on the Cavehill trail turn left at the dog-leg near the waterfall and follow the lane along the perimeter.
The lane takes you to the Upper Cavehill Road entrance.
(6) Re-enter the site using the entrance on the left and follow the path into the woodland. At the junction take the path on the right and you will return to the main drive to Belfast Castle. Follow this to back to the walking trailhead. (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 134 m - Belfast Castle - Belfast Castle
- 1 : km 0.14 - alt. 131 m - Junction
- 2 : km 1.02 - alt. 257 m - Caves
- 3 : km 1.42 - alt. 284 m - Sharp turn left
- 4 : km 2.07 - alt. 350 m - McArts Fort
- 5 : km 3.18 - alt. 260 m - Steps
- 6 : km 4.62 - alt. 95 m - Upper Cavehill Road
- S/E : km 5.58 - alt. 133 m - Belfast Castle - Belfast Castle
Useful Information
Start : Car parking at Belfast Castle (BT15 5GR)
Parking : Car parking at Belfast Castle (BT15 5GR) off Antrim Road, Belfast Zoo (Hazelwood), Upper Cavehill Road and Upper Hightown Road.
Terrain : Steep climb, unsurfaced paths
Public Transport : Translink
Facilities : Belfast Castle is open to the public. The Cellar Restaurant offers a variety of menus from morning coffee to full meals. The second floor of the Castle plays host to the Cave Hill Visitor Centre with exciting displays on the history, folklore, wildlife and geology of Cave Hill Country park and the story of Belfast Castle.
Note : This is a challenging circular route walked anti-clockwise beginning at Belfast Castle and following the green way marked arrows. It can, however, be joined from Bellevue car park, Upper Hightown Road or Upper Cavehill Road.
Getting to McArt’s Fort from other access points:
- From the Back Drive at Belfast Castle head downhill in the direction of Gray’s Lane. Follow the path on the left. Turn left at the first junction and continue uphill. At the next Junction turn right and follow the Cavehill Trail.
- From Gray’s Lane follow the paths on the Estate Trail to a natural spring known as the Volunteers’ Well. Take the paths on the left to join the Cavehill Trail uphill until you reach the main climb to the Devil’s Punchbowl. From here follow the Cavehill Trail.
- From Belfast Zoo car park and Hazelwood follow the paths on the right hand side and ascend the hill emerging at the edge of the plateau. Follow the path uphill across the top of the cliff.
- From Upper Hightown Road follow the lane to waterfall and at the fork you will join the trail.
- From the Horseshoe Bend descend the path in the field below the Origin sculpture and join the paths in Carr’s Glen uphill to the Cavehill Trail.
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
