Quality Walk

Cregagh Glen and Lisnabreeny

This route follows an attractive glen into the Castlereagh Hills with superb views over the city from the top.

County

Down

Distance

1.5 (one way) miles

OS Map

Sheet 15 + Belfast Street Finder

Nearest Town

Cregagh, Castlereagh - Belfast

Route Shape

Linear

Route Type

Hill, Riverside, Woodland

Terrain

Unsurfaced paths, steep steps

Grid Reference (Start)

J363710

Grid Reference (End)

J363710

Point of Interest

Waterfalls in Cregagh Glen, Rath, farmland birds

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Other Area

Route Description

This is a linear route, which returns by way of the same path. It can be walked in either direction, parking in local streets at the Knockbreda Road end, or in the National Trust car park on the Lisnabreeny Road. Care should be taken if crossing the Upper Knockbreda Rd - this is a busy dual carriageway.

Beginning at the entrance on the Upper Knockbreda Road, follow the path uphill through Cregagh Glen. At certain points along the glen you can choose to follow the main path or follow the samller 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. At the top of the glen, cross under the Manse Road via a walkway and into the grounds of Lisnabreeny House.

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.

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. 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.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

Entrance on Upper Knockbreda Road A55, north of the Cregagh Road junction. Parking in adjacent streets. A small car park is also available at the end of the route on the Lisnabreeny Road off the Manse Road.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed. Dogs to be kept under control

Accessibility Grade

Grade 4

Facilities

None on site, refreshments available locally.

Publication

A Walk in the Park - Cregagh Glen/Lisnabreeny - Belfast City Council

Publication Availability

Contact Belfast City Council Parks + Open Spaces Dept: tel - 028 9032 0202 x 3199 or email parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (028 9244 7622) This leaflet is also available to download on this webpage.

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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