Cregagh Glen and Lisnabreeny

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.

Details

30468813
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.31 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 132 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 132 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 173 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 41 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Start : National Trust Lisnabreeny Cregagh Glen, A55 Upper Knockbreda Rd, Belfast (BT6 9QL).

(S/E) Beginning at the entrance on the Upper Knockbreda Road, follow the path (South-East) uphill through Cregagh Glen. At certain points along the glen you can choose to follow the main path or follow the smaller path along the Glen River itself. The path hugs the sides of Cregagh glen as it climbs through pools of sunlight cast by the trees. You’ll hear the waterfall, but also keep an eye out for the carpets of bluebell and wood anemone in spring. The first part of this walk is through a picturesque wooded glen.

(1) At the top of the glen, cross under the Manse Road (C369) via a walkway and into the grounds of Lisnabreeny House.

(2) Follow the lane past Lisnabreeny House, once the home of poet Nesca Robb, briefly a youth hostel and army headquarters before restoration as part of Lagan College. Look out for the ivy-strewn walls of the old garden, now replanted with broadleaves and build a den in the natural play area.

You will then pass through several gates as the laneway winds its way uphill. Continue along the gravel track as it weaves through gorse bushes and passes through a field.

(3) From here you will see a stand of mature trees marking the site of a rath. Continue to follow the path to explore the rath.

(4) Form here, the path continues a short distance to the National Trust car park on the Lisnabreeny Road. Retrace your steps downhill to the Manse Road, and through the glen to the starting point. (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 41 m - Upper Knockbreda Road
  2. 1 : km 0.92 - alt. 112 m - Manse Road
  3. 2 : km 1.17 - alt. 118 m - Lisnabreeny House
  4. 3 : km 1.69 - alt. 135 m - Trees
  5. 4 : km 2.16 - alt. 173 m - Lisnabreeny Rath
  6. S/E : km 4.31 - alt. 41 m - Upper Knockbreda Road

Notes

Start : National Trust Lisnabreeny Cregagh Glen, A55 Upper Knockbreda Rd, Belfast (BT6 9QL).

Parking : National Trust Lisnabreeny Cregagh Glen, A55 Upper Knockbreda Rd, Belfast (BT6 9QL).

Terrain : Unsurfaced paths, steep steps

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : None on site, refreshments available locally

Dog Policy : Dogs to be kept under control

Note : Care should be taken if crossing the Upper Knockbreda Rd – this is a busy dual carriageway.

Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.

Worth a visit

Waterfalls in Cregagh Glen, Rath, farmland birds

Other walks in the area

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.