
Colin Glen
Colin Glen Forest Park is regarded as Belfast's 'green lung'. Following the Colin River through the beautiful wooded glen on surfaced paths creates the opportunity to experience great views of the glen, the Belfast Hills (Black Mountain) and Belfast City.
The Forest Park is popular throughout the year with the public and visiting groups for a variety of outdoor activities, educational visits and events.
County
Antrim
Distance
4 miles
OS Map
Sheet 15 + Belfast Street Finder
Nearest Town
Stewartstown Road, Belfast
Route Shape
Circular
Route Type
Parkland & Grassland, Riverside
Terrain
Surfaced paths, some steep hills
Grid Reference (Start)
J286705
Grid Reference (End)
J286705
Point of Interest
Wildlife pond, wild flowers in spring
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Other Area
Route Description
From the car park go through the pedestrian gate into the park and follow the main path past the red suspension bridge, keeping the Colin River on your right.
Following the Hannahstown Trail, (red way marking arrows), keep left at the next two junctions, climbing uphill through the woodland. Views will open up across the glen, the hills above and the city below. On your left is a former landfill site.
At the next junction turn right which leads down the 39 steps to a wildlife pond. Take the path to the left, following it until you reach the Tri-bridge. If you turn right this leads you to the Cantilever Bridge under the Glen Road into Upper Colin Glen, a National Trust property.
If you turn after you cross the bridge, this will take you back down the glen. Pass the Weir and Gamekeepers Bridges’ and return down the glen back to the car park.
Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)
Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Getting to the Start (by Car)
Car park at Colin Glen Centre - entrance signposted off the Stewartstown Road.
Accessibility Grade
Accessible Facilities
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
![]() | Café (wheelchair accessible) |
![]() | Disabled toilets |
![]() | Disabled parking |
Facilities
Colin Glen Forest Park Centre - car parking, toilets, cafe and information, opening hours apply.
Publication
A Walk in the Park, Colin Glen Leaflet.
Publication Availability
Belfast City Council Parks + Open Spaces Dept - Tel 028 9032 0202 ext 3199 or email parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk. Leaflet also available to download on this webpage.
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