
Lagan Meadows
This route explores a beautiful Local Nature Reserve in the Lagan Valley with varied wildlife habitats. A rare chance to see cows grazing within a few miles of the city centre.
County
Antrim
Distance
2.2 miles
OS Map
Sheet 15 + Belfast Street Finder
Nearest Town
Stranmillis, Belfast
Route Shape
Circular
Route Type
Parkland & Grassland, Riverside
Terrain
Surfaced and unsurfaced paths
Grid Reference (Start)
J333705
Grid Reference (End)
J333705
Point of Interest
Lesters Dam, woodland, Morelands Meadow
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Lagan Valley
Route Description
Enter this Local Nature Reserve via the kissing gate at Knightsbridge Park and follow the path to your right. After a short distance you will find a path to the left leading to Lester’s dam and pond. Retrace your steps to the main path, and continue along for a good distance through wooded areas and past meadows until you come to a steep set of steps.
These lead down to the Lagan towpath. Turn left along the towpath for a short distance, then take the bridge on your right over the former canal and cross the stile. Keeping the River Lagan on your right, follow the grass path that leads round Moreland’s Meadow. At the far end of the meadow, you will cross another stile and then a small bridge.
From here turn right on to a narrow path that leads to a footbridge and back over the canal onto the towpath. Turn right and follow the river as it winds its way downstream. Pass by the first kissing gate on your left (taking this gate is a shortcut via Lester’s Dam to the starting point). Continue along the towpath taking the next path on your left.
Follow this path to the end, pass through another kissing gate and take the path to your left. This path leads around the edge of the meadows and back to the car park.
Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)
Metro Services 8 (A-C) to Malone Rd, get off at Bladon Drive and walk 0.4 mile (0.7 km) to Knightsbridge Park.
Getting to the Start (by Car)
Entrance at Knightsbridge Park, accessed off Stranmillis Road at Richmond Park, and off the Malone Road at Bladon Drive.
Accessibility Grade
Facilities
None on site.
Facilities available locally on Stranmillis Road.
Publication
A Walk in the Park, and Lagan Meadows leaflet
Publication Availability
Belfast City Council, Parks Department, 02890320202 Ext. 3199. Leaflet is available for download available on this page.
Links
