Thatched Loop #1

Castle Espie, situated on the shores of Strangford Lough near Comber, County Down, is the newest Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) visitor centre and the Trust’s first in Ireland. Castle Espie’s main draw, though, is its magical mix of wide estuary views, tidal lagoon, eel-grass mats, woodland walks, salt marshes and reed beds; the presence of Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic water-birds

Castle Espie, situated on the shores of Strangford Lough near Comber, County Down, is the newest Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) visitor centre and the Trust’s first in Ireland. Castle Espie’s main draw, though, is its magical mix of wide estuary views, tidal lagoon, eel-grass mats, woodland walks, salt marshes and reed beds; the presence of Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic water-birds

This route follows an attractive glen into the Castlereagh Hills with superb views over the city from the top. This is an Ulster Scots walk. Part of the ‘Danders Aroon’ series, the East Belfast Ulster Scots Walk (also known as Cregagh Glen and Lisnabreeny) is a beautiful walk with rich heritage that you can learn about as you take a stroll.This East Belfast walk will be a challenging climb for many.

A green oasis in the heart of the city of Belfast, Minnowburn is full of beautiful trails verging the Lagan or heading through woodland and farmland. It lies in the Lagan Valley Regional Park and is a great place to walk through fields alive with the sounds and smells of nature, or stroll along the banks of the Lagan and Minnowburn. You may spot spawning salmon or sea trout.

As you leave National Trust lands and enter Ballynahatty you pass through the famous Giants Ring, a Neolithic earthwork circle set in the middle of beautiful farmland.

Minnowburn is a green refuge set on the fringe of Belfast, in the Lagan Valley Regional Park. Wooden chainsaw sculptures are dotted around the trail, there is a pond full of wildlife, and Terrace Hill has spectacular views of the Lagan Valley, to Beech woodland and the Lagan river. As well as guessing what the sculptures are about, see what wildlife you can spot.

Take a breath along the ripples of the Lagan, listening to the lapping of the water and birds'songs. This flat Walk can be a great moment for a moment in family or for your daily jogging!

This route is through parkland in Lagan Valley Regional Park. It runs alongside the River Lagan and returns via the Lagan Towpath. It has been designed for use by disabled users. A section of the National Cycle Network Route 9 also runs through the park.

This route explores an historic estate in Lagan Valley Regional Park, taking in Malone House, meadows, woodland and along the River Lagan.