Victoria Park to Braniel - CC Greenway, Belfast

Start : Victoria Park, 4 Kyle St, Belfast (BT4 1LS)

(S) From the car park, walk South-South-West towards A2. Leave via the underpass and follow the Greenway signposts. Walk up the boardwalk.

(1) Turn right across the James Ellis Bridge before you come to a pedestrian crossing at Mersey Street. Follow the pathway South to C.S. Lewis Square with the option to stop and explore the seven sculptures by Irish artist Maurice Harron inspired by the characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Continue until you arrive to Newtownards Road (A20).

(2) Cross it using the pedestrian crossing beside the EastSide Visitor Centre to continue the walk along the Connswater River to Flora Street.

On the wayn you’ll come across a play park and possibly spot some ducks in the river. Following this path, you’ll reach another pedestrian crossing at Elmgrove Primary School/Beersbridge Road (B505).

(3) Once across the road, the Greenway leads to the Hollow, made famous by Van Morrison. You’ll see the Conn O’Neill bridge; one of the oldest bridges in Ireland. The route across Hutchinson Bridge continues right round a bend as you enter a cul-de-sac and into Dixon Playing Fields.

(4) There’s a signpost with a map detailing two options – Straight on to Orangefield Park and Marsh-wiggle Way until you reach Braniel or take the right fork to finish at Cregagh Glen. This Walk bring you to Braniel.

Continuing straight along the path from the signpost, continue the walk past two more bridges; Shannon Bridge and Grace Bannister Bridge until you get to a set of traffic lights at Grand Parade.

(5) Once safely across the road enter Orangefield Park via the colourful gateway art entrance. Make your way through the park across on 2 Km, either Avalon Bridge or Collier Bridge and follow the pathway. You might be lucky enough to spot some squirrels or foxes!

Continue the path past Kingfisher Bridge and keep an eye out for the birds the bridge is named after. You might also spot a heron or egret in the Knock River which was moved from its original location as part of the £11million flood alleviation scheme.

From here, continue this path passing the pond dipping area and walk up Marsh-wiggle Way, an uphill walk until you get to the end of the path at Braniel. (E)

Start : Victoria Park, 4 Kyle St, Belfast (BT4 1LS)

Terrain : Flat, Wide, surfaced path

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : Café and toilets at Victoria Park and CS Lewis Square

Dog Policy : Must be kept on a lead.

Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.

C.S. Lewis Square : Visitor Centre, 402 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1HH

Victoria Park : Victoria Park is open 24 hours, seven days a week. The park has a lake which is home to water birds such as swans, geese, ducks, herons and migrant waders. There are two walking trails around the lake. The playing fields have soccer pitches, a bowling green and a cycling and BMX track.

Dixon Playing Fields