Leaf it to us: 7 of the best autumn walks in Belfast, from Cave Hill to the Lagan Towpath

Crunchy leaves, big views and a cuppa at the end: here are seven of our favourite autumn walks in and around Belfast, with distances, opening times and handy tips before you lace up.

There’s nowhere quite like Belfast in autumn. The hills turn rust and gold, the parks fill up with crunchy leaves, and on a crisp, clear day the views over the lough are hard to beat. Whether you fancy a proper climb or a gentle stroll that ends near a coffee, these are seven of our favourite autumn walks in Belfast.

Quick picks

• Fancy a proper climb? The Cavehill Trail up to McArt’s Fort, or the Summit Trail to the top of Divis.
• Buggy or wheelchair? The Englishtown Walk at Colin Glen.
• Got little ones? Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen (free).
• Rainy day? Botanic Gardens, with a free warm-up in the Palm House and Tropical Ravine.

Before you go: council park closing times

Belfast City Council parks, including Cave Hill Country Park, Botanic Gardens and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, are free and open from 7.30am every day. Closing times get earlier as the evenings draw in. In 2026 the council’s timetable is:

• 27 September to 17 October: 6.30pm
• 18 to 24 October: 6pm
• 25 October to 7 November: 5.30pm
• 8 to 21 November: 5pm
• 22 November to 31 December: 4.30pm

1. Cave Hill Country Park

You can’t do a list like this without Belfast’s most famous skyline. Cave Hill Country Park has three waymarked trails, all starting at the second car park on the main drive up to Belfast Castle from Innisfayle Park.

• Castle Trail: a short 0.8-mile (1.3km) loop around the Belfast Castle gardens.
• Estate Trail: a 2.4-mile (3.9km) woodland circuit on the lower slopes, with 134m of climbing.
• Cavehill Trail: the big one. It’s a 4.5-mile (7.2km) loop with 256m of ascent up to McArt’s Fort, which stands almost 368m above sea level. You’ll need sturdy shoes and a decent level of fitness.

Good to know: since September, part of the Cavehill Trail between the Devil’s Punchbowl and McArt’s Fort has been closed because of erosion. The council says to reach the fort by the trail through the limestone quarry instead. Cattle graze in the park, so keep dogs on a short lead. Metro 1 buses will get you there.

2. Divis and the Black Mountain

Want the best views over the whole city? Head up into the Belfast Hills with the National Trust. There are three trails to choose from:

• Lough Trail: a gentle 0.9-mile (1.45km) loop on a wide, gently sloping path. It takes about 30 minutes.
• Ridge Trail: a moderate 4.2-mile (6.7km) circuit with views stretching to the Antrim Plateau, Scotland and the Mournes. Allow up to three hours.
• Summit Trail: a challenging 3-mile (4.8km) route over heath and blanket bog to the top of Divis, the highest point in the Belfast Hills. It takes roughly 90 minutes.

Good to know: the upper car park and café are closed until spring 2027 for building work. Park in the free lower car park on Divis Road (open dawn to dusk). Toilets are limited, open 10am to 4pm. The National Trust says there’s no safe way to walk up to the site along the road, so come by car or other transport. Cattle graze here until November, and dogs must be on a lead at all times.

3. Colin Glen Forest Park

Known as Belfast’s “green lung”, Colin Glen is a 200-acre wooded river glen on the edge of the Belfast Hills, with more than six miles of walkways. Its colour-coded walks range from the short Tom of the Tae End route to the Hannahstown Walk for more serious walkers. The Englishtown Walk follows the river and is pram and wheelchair friendly, while the Ballycullo Walk has panoramic views across to the Mournes, Stormont and Harland and Wolff. Little ones can follow Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail, which is free to walk.

Good to know: the River Entrance is at 163 Stewartstown Road, Dunmurry, BT17 0HW, with free parking, toilets and Mona’s Café on site. Dogs are welcome.

4. The Lagan Towpath

Scenic, sociable and great for a natter as you go, the Lagan Towpath runs for 11 miles between Stranmillis in Belfast and Sprucefield in Lisburn. According to the Department for Infrastructure it’s the most popular public pathway in Northern Ireland, with over a million recorded visits a year. You don’t have to do the whole thing: pick a stretch, walk out and come back. It’s also part of the National Cycle Network, so share the path and follow the Towpath Code.

Good to know: there’s a car park at Lockview Road, Stranmillis.

5. Belvoir Park Forest

This working forest covers 75 hectares on the south bank of the River Lagan and is a lovely spot when the leaves turn. Waymarked trails start and finish at the car park, and there’s history along the way, including a 12th-century Norman motte and an old ice house built into its side. Note that cycling isn’t allowed here.

Good to know: follow the signs for Belvoir Park Forest from the traffic lights at Old Milltown Road.

6. Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Lady Dixon gave this park to the people of Belfast in 1959, and it covers more than 128 acres of meadows, woodland and gardens. It’s home to the City of Belfast International Rose Garden, a walled garden and a Japanese-style garden. There are three trails: the Garden trail (1.1 miles, easy), the Meadow trail (1.78 miles) and the Woodland trail (1.93 miles). The park also makes a handy base for exploring the wider Lagan Valley Regional Park.

Good to know: the Stables coffee shop is open 10am to 4pm daily (use the lower entrance, towards Drumbeg). Enter from Upper Malone Road. You can get there on Metro 8A to 8C, or Ulsterbus 24A (Monday to Saturday).

7. Botanic Gardens, with a warm-up in the Palm House

Not every autumn walk needs hiking boots. Botanic Gardens has mature trees, a rose garden and an alpine garden, and dates back to 1828. When the drizzle comes in, nip inside the Palm House, one of the oldest examples of curvilinear iron and glass construction, or the restored Tropical Ravine. Both are free.

Good to know: the Palm House is open 10am to 3.30pm (last entry 3.15pm) and the Tropical Ravine 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.45pm). Free guided tours of the Ravine run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm and Saturdays at 11am. Take Metro 8 to Queen’s University or Metro 7 to College Park.

Quick tips for autumn walking

• Check the light. Park gates close earlier every few weeks from October, so plan to be back at the car in good time.
• Layer up. Weather on the hills can change fast, so bring a waterproof even if it’s sunny in town.
• Mind the livestock. Cattle graze at Cave Hill and Divis, so keep dogs on a lead and never get between cows and their calves.
• Leave no trace. Take your rubbish home and stick to the paths.

Got a favourite autumn walk we’ve missed? Let us know, and enjoy getting out there, Belfast.