Divis Ridge Trail - Belfast
View the city of Belfast from a different perspective, from above! The Divis Ridge Trail allows the walkers to enjoy 180 degree views across the city and further afield including the Antrim Plateau to the north, Scotland to the east and the Mourne Mountains to the south.
A
Belfast walk
posted on 07/02/23 by Walk NI. Last update : 21/02/23
Description
Start : The Barn Coffee Shop (BT17 0NG) and a minor road off the B38 Upper Springfield Road, off the A55 Outer Ring
(S/E) From the car park at the Long Barn, follow the trail towards the Divis transmitter masts (1.8 Km). Bear right onto a section of boardwalk, shortly before reaching the lower mast.
(1) The boardwalk ends, turn right (South-East) onto the gravel path, leading towards the summit of Black Mountain, the summit of which is marked by a trig point. From here you can experience exhilarating views across the city and beyond.
(2) Continue to follow the gravel path as it winds its way along the ridge towards Black Hill. The path leaves the ridge before reaching Black Hill.
(3) From Black Hill, it continues to weave its way back towards the Long Barn, crossing a couple of stiles and the Collin River along the way.
(4) Cross the river and continue to follow the track.
(5) Turn left (South-West) when you reach the access road to return to the Long Barn. (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 312 m - Parking Long Barn
- 1 : km 1.83 - alt. 363 m - Boardwalk
- 2 : km 2.5 - alt. 381 m - Black Mountain
- 3 : km 4.48 - alt. 335 m - Black Hill
- 4 : km 5.96 - alt. 307 m - Collin River
- 5 : km 6.35 - alt. 317 m - Access Road
- S/E : km 6.74 - alt. 312 m - Parking Long Barn
Useful Information
Start : The Barn Coffee Shop (BT17 0NG) and a minor road off the B38 Upper Springfield Road, off the A55 Outer Ring
Parking : The Barn Coffee Shop (BT17 0NG) and a minor road off the B38 Upper Springfield Road, off the A55 Outer Ring or Divis and Black Mountain Car park - National Trust (BT17 0NG). National Trust car park pricing applies for this car park however there is an alternative free car park on Divis Rd approx 0.5 miles from the Long Barn which can also be used by walkers.
Terrain : Gravel path with rough sections
Public Transport : Translink
Facilities : Divis Coffee Barn (Note National Trust car park pricing applies for this car park however there is an alternative free car park on Divis Rd approx 0.5 miles from the Long Barn which can also be used by walkers)
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
Divis mountain : Divis is a hill and area of sprawling moorland north-west of Belfast in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. With a height of 1,568 ft (478 m), it is the highest of the Belfast Hills. It is joined with the neighbouring Black Mountain, and in the past they may have been seen as one. Divis transmitting station is on the summit. The mountain extends north to the Antrim Plateau and shares its geology; consisting of a basaltic cover underlain by limestone and lias clay.
Only recently have the Divis area and its surrounding mountains been handed over to the National Trust; from 1953 to 2005, it was under the control of the Ministry of Defence. It was also used as a training area for the British Army. It might have been released earlier, but due to the period of unrest known as the Troubles, the British Government and military viewed the area as a useful vantage point, overlooking Belfast.
Source and more information about Divis here!
