Cavehill Circular Walk

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
5.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
262 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
Cavehill Circular Walk

The Cavehill Circular Walk is an awesome outdoor excursion in Belfast that will take you uphill through a forest for views over the city. While out walking the trail, you will take in the views of the 19th Century Belfast Caste and meander along a forest trail, before climbing to the top of Cavehill for views of Belfast and Belfast Lough. As there are several tourist attractions in the area, you might want to arrive early to secure parking and enjoy some solitude on the trail.

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Route Description for Cavehill Circular Walk

If you are visiting Belfast and are looking for an easy-going adventure that offers access to several popular attractions in the area, then you should definitely check out the Cavehill Circular Walk. In addition to visiting Belfast Castle and gaining a wonderful perspective overlooking the city, you can also visit the Belfast Zoo nearby.

Setting out from the trailhead at the historic grounds of the 19th Century Belfast Castle, you will initially make your way west to climb uphill, before turning to the north to make your way along the forested slopes. Keeping left along the trail, you will climb further uphill and eventually break free of the tree cover near the edge of the Belfast Zoo.

Making a sharp left, you will pass by McArt’s Fort and continue onto the summit of Cavehill, where you will enjoy some absolutely stunning views overlooking the waters of Belfast Lough and the rest of the city. After taking in the views, you will make your way further along the trail as it descends the hillside, bending back to the east on the return to the starting point of your walk.

Getting to the Cavehill Circular Walk Trailhead

The trailhead for the Cavehill Circular Walk can be found at the Belfast Castle car park, just off Antrim Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    March-October

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Cavehill Circular Walk Elevation Graph

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