Colin Glen Forest Park Walk

Difficulty
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Easy
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.
1.5-2h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.8 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.
154 m
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Directions to Trailhead

The Colin Glen Forest Park Walk is an amazing family-friendly adventure in Belfast that will take you through what is often referred to as the ‘green lung’ of the city. While out walking the trail, you will make your way through the forest and visit the charming Mila’s Lake, before taking in the scenic views of the winding Colin River as you make your return along the trail. With well-manicured trails and easy to traverse terrain, this route is perfectly suitable for walkers of all ages and skill levels.

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Route Description for Colin Glen Forest Park Walk

There isn’t really anything bad that can be said about the Colin Glen Forest Park Walk, other than the fact that it can become quite busy during peak times. If you would like to avoid the rush, simply try arriving a bit early to secure parking at the trailhead.

Featuring laid back terrain and a beautifully scenic woodland backdrop, this is an amazon walk that really is suited for walkers of all skill levels. Along the route you will be able to relax amongst the mature trees and winding river, and will even have the opportunity to have the kids participate in some of the fun activities on offer within the park, such as laser tag, golf, and archery. This is a fantastic way to spend a few hours on the weekend!

Setting out from the car park, you will make your way north through the wonderfully atmospheric woodland landscape of the Colin Glen Forest Park, following the trail as it passes by a wealth of mature trees and eventually starts to bend to the northwest. After 0.7 km, keep left at the fork and follow the trail for another 82 m, this time keeping right to continue along the forest path.

In 0.5 km, you will arrive at a junction with a path that branches off to the left. Follow this as it skirts around the edge of a small pond and leads you on a quick loop around the charming shores of Mila’s Lake. Once you have returned to the junction, head to the left and follow the path for another 0.6 km, bearing right in order to head back into the forest and cross over the Colin River.

From here, you will make a sharp right and follow the trail towards the southeast as it skirts along the banks of the river and takes you through the lovely woodland landscape. Eventually, you will cross back over the river to meet up with the main trail from the beginning portion of your walk. At this point, you can simply follow this path to the southeast, enjoying your last moments along the Colin Glen Forest Park Walk as you make your way back to the car park.

Trail Highlights

Colin River

Located on a stretch of land that is often referred to as Belfast’s green lung, the Colin River is a winding body of water that flows through the southwest corner of the city. Historically, the river played an important role in the rise of Belfast as a linen producing city, serving to aid in the bleaching of linen for the Suffolk Linen Company and Killeen Bleach Works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim in Mila’s Lake?

No, swimming is strictly prohibited at Mila’s Lake.

Why is it called Colin Glen?

The name Colin Glen stems from the Irish word collan, meaning high ground. Numerous features in the area also bear this name, such as Colin Mountain and Colin River.

Insider Hints for Colin Glen Forest Park Walk

  • Parking at the Stewartstown Road entrance to Colin Glen Forest Park is free.
  • Make sure to keep your dog on a lead.
  • Swimming is not permitted in Mila’s Lake.
  • Pathways through the park are suitable for wheelchairs and pushcarts.

Getting to the Colin Glen Forest Park Walk Trailhead

The trailhead for the Colin Glen Forest Park Walk can be found at the Colin Glen River Entrance parking lot, just off Stewartstown Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    Year-Round

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Colin Glen Forest Park Walk Elevation Graph

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