Glencairn and Heath Trail

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.
4-5.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
13.2 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.
546 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Be the first to add a review!
Directions to Trailhead

The Glencairn and Heath Trail is a great intermediate length walking adventure that will see you climb uphill around Divis Mountain for views over Belfast. While out walking the trail, you will make your way through Glencairn Park and leave the city behind as you work your way uphill for a commanding view over the surrounding city landscape. Portions of this trail can be a bit challenging with rugged terrain, so be sure to wear proper walking boots.

Guide-book quality info for over 8,000 trails

View Glencairn and Heath Trail on Map

View Map

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for Glencairn and Heath Trail

If the aim of your day on the trails is to stay pretty close to Belfast but still get a solid workout in and experience some stunning views, then you should definitely explore the Glencairn and Heath Trail. This awesome walking route will likely cause you to break a sweat, as you climb up the steep slopes of Divis and take in some stunning views of Belfast.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will make your way to the northwest through Glencairn Park, following Glencairn Road as it leads you up the lower slopes of Divis. After leaving the city behind, the road will transition into a footpath, at which point you will continue uphill through the steepest portion of the route to meet up with the Heath Trail.

From here, you will follow the Heath Trail to the southwest, as it skirts around the summit of Divis and provides some exceptional views of Belfast and the Belfast Lough. After a short stint along the road, you will once again make your way onto a footpath and follow it northeast to complete the loop around Divis. Eventually, you will meet up with your initial path that brought you uphill. Turn left here and descend the mountainside, once again traversing Glencairn Park on the way back to the trailhead where you started.

Getting to the Glencairn and Heath Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for the Glencairn and Heath Trail can be found at the car park in Glencairn Park, just off Glencairn Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    March-October

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Glencairn and Heath Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Glencairn and Heath Trail Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs