Divis and Black Mountain

What You'll Find

If your wee adventurers love a good walk with amazing views, Divis and the Black Mountain is definitely one to add to your list!

Just outside Belfast, this beautiful National Trust site has miles of walking trails across open hills and mountain scenery, with some of the best views you'll find anywhere around the city.

And the best part? You don't have to climb all the way to the top to enjoy them!

There are several walking trails to choose from, depending on how adventurous your little walkers are feeling.

If you're visiting with younger children, the Lough Trail is a lovely place to start.

At around 0.9 miles, it's a shorter circular walk along a gently sloping gravel path, with beautiful views towards Lough Neagh and the Sperrin Mountains. It's a great way to give the wee ones a little mountain adventure without tackling one of the longer trails.

For families with older children who enjoy a challenge, the Divis Summit Trail is around 3 miles and takes you up to the summit, where the views are absolutely incredible!

And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, there's also the Ridge Trail, a longer walk of around 4.2 miles across the hills, with some rougher sections along the way.

On a clear day, you can see across Belfast, Lough Neagh and towards the Mourne Mountains. It's a brilliant place to play a little game of 'what can you spot?' with the kids!

There's no playground here, but that's part of what makes it a different kind of family adventure.

The kids can explore the open landscape, look out for birds and wildlife, spot landmarks in the distance and enjoy the feeling of being up in the hills.

Bring a picnic or a few snacks and find a lovely spot to stop and take in the views.

Whether you're planning a shorter walk with younger children or tackling one of the bigger trails, Divis and the Black Mountain is a brilliant place to explore with the family.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Following the shorter Lough Trail and enjoying their own little mountain adventure
• ✓Looking out across Belfast and seeing how many landmarks they can spot
• ✓Watching the clouds roll across the hills and enjoying the huge open views
• ✓Looking out for birds and wildlife along the walking trails
• ✓Stopping for a picnic or snack with beautiful views across the countryside

Before You Visit

The Lough Trail is the best starting point for younger children, with a shorter distance and a more manageable gravel path.

The Summit and Ridge Trails are longer and more challenging, so make sure they're suitable for your children's walking abilities before setting off.

The hills are very exposed, and it can be much colder and windier than down in Belfast, even on a sunny day. Bring warm layers and waterproofs.

Some paths are uneven or rough, so sturdy walking shoes are a good idea. The longer routes aren't suitable for ordinary buggies.

Bring plenty of water and snacks, particularly if you're planning one of the longer walks.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Visiting with younger children? Start with the Lough Trail. It's a lovely shorter walk with brilliant views.
• ⭐Turn the walk into a little spotting game! See if the kids can find Belfast landmarks, Lough Neagh or the Mournes in the distance.
• ⭐Don't underestimate the weather up here. Bring extra layers, even if it's warm and sunny when you leave home!
• ⭐If your older children love walking, the Summit Trail is a brilliant challenge with fantastic views from the top.
• ⭐Pack a few snacks or a picnic and take your time enjoying the scenery. There's no need to rush when the views are this good!