Stormont woodland and fitness trail - Dundonald / Belfast

Start : Parking in front of St Moluas, 645 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast (BT4 3LR).
This route follows the waymarked “Long Woodland Walk” through the grounds of the estate. Follow the orange coloured arrows around the grounds.

(S/E) Follow the gravel path from the car park past the playground, keeping left.

(1) After 400m, cross the Prince of Wales Avenue and continue through the woodland, skirting the Stormont Estate boundary.

(2) Turn left up the hill, then left again and cross the bridge. Follow the path until it reaches open parkland. Go round the base of the bank.

(3) Cross Massey Avenue. At the Gleaner sculpture turn left and follow this path up through the glen. Before turning right to return down the glen, you may wish to make a short diversion to the top to admire the views down into the steep ravine. Follow the path round to the Reconciliation sculpture then across the grass to Massey Avenue.

(4) After pausing to admire the Carson statue and Parliament Buildings walk about half way down the Prince of Wales Avenue before turning left.

(5) Follow the path around the wildlife refuge and sports pitches back to the car park. (S/E)

Start : Parking in front of St Moluas, 645 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast (BT4 3LR).

Parking : In front of St Moluas, 645 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast (BT4 3LR).

Terrain : Surfaced and unsurfaced paths

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : Toilets on site, refreshments available locally. Bench seating, picnic tables and facilities for barbeques are dotted throughout the walks, so you will always have somewhere to relax and enjoy the views.

Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.

Around the estate, you will also find beautiful formal gardens, the historic Parliament Buildings, statues, memorials and some interesting WW2 sites, including the original barrage balloon anchors that held the balloons protecting the government buildings from bombings during the war.

Parliament Buildings and Prince of Wales Avenue : Parliament Buildings, often referred to as Stormont because of its location in the Stormont Estate area of Belfast, is the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the devolved legislature for the region. The purpose-built building, designed by Arnold Thornely, and constructed by Stewart & Partners, was opened by Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), in 1932.
The Executive or government is located at Stormont Castle. In March 1987, the main Parliament Building became a Grade A Listed building.