Way Marked Trails

Four colour-coded trails of varying difficulty and distance, named after local townlands through which they pass.

 Tom of the Tae End Walk

With a name of Scottish origin, the ‘Tom of the Tae End’ is the smallest townland in Ireland, and the shortest of the four trails. The route passes the red Suspension Bridge and an old mill just beyond the park’s boundaries, which was once the home of linen milling in the area. Before climbing steps to begin the return journey home, stop at the Gamekeeper’s Bridge where a toll was once charged for crossing the river. Alternatively, to avoid the steps, you may return via the outward route.

Show Tom of the Tae End Walk on map

 Englishtown Walk

Named after a local family, this walk follows the river along much of its route, this trail is pram and wheelchair friendly and is marked with tactile direction change at various points. This trail crosses the Gamekeeper’s Bridge and returns along the Weir Bridge, where the water was damned to power the linen mill. An old reclaimed pond from the Glen’s industrial era can be seen before taking the return path to the Forest Park Centre.

Show Englishtown Walk on map

 Ballycullo Walk

From the Irish for ‘corner of the yews’, this route takes in panoramic views of Belfast including the Mourne Mountains, Stormont and Harland and Wolff. The trail leaves the river and crosses the reclaimed landfill site and past the big lake, filled with runoff over the old dump. This trail, returns via the three-armed Tri-bridge, passed the weir and over the Gamekeeper’s Bridge, built over volcanic rock, which protects the bridge foundations from erosion.

Show Ballycullo Walk on map

 Hannahstown Walk

The longest of the trails, again named after a prominent local family, this route is most suited to the serious walker. Following the Ballycullo route for much of the early part, the trail skirts the landfill site at the edge of the Glen, passes the wildlife pond and across the Tri-Bridge. Leaving the lower Colin Glen at a cantilever bridge the route enters The National Trust. Following this trail, consisting of a gravel and mud track, the walker reaches a little wooden foot bridge which crosses the river, alongside an important geological cutting. The trail stops here and returns via the same route until the Tri-bridge, whereupon it follows the Ballycullo Trail once more.

The more experienced walker may wish to continue through The National Trust to reach the Rumbling Hole. Caution and stout foot-ware is recommended.