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A river and footpath framed by trees at Minnowburn, Northern Ireland
A footpath alongside the Lagan River near Minnowburn, Belfast | © National Trust Images/John Miller
Northern Ireland

Riverside circular walk at Minnowburn

Starting in Minnowburn, this leisurely walk follows the banks of the River Lagan into the heart of the Lagan Valley Regional Park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with an optional detour to the historic village of Edenderry.

Total steps: 7

Total steps: 7

Start point

Minnowburn car park, grid ref: NW445242

Step 1

From the car park, take one of the paths down to the Lagan riverside and follow the path along the bank upstream. It will take you past Edenderry Nature Reserve and the old Edenderry House estate, and almost to the village itself.

Step 2

If you want to pay a visit to Edenberry village, take the path to the left just after the brown wooden Gilchrist Bridge. Otherwise, cross the bridge and follow the tarmac Lagan towpath back downstream.

Step 3

Follow the towpath past Barnett Demesne on your left, up to Shaw's Bridge, past the boathouse and through the gate into the Shaw's Bridge car park.

Step 4

Follow the path under the new road bridge then take the path to the right, which runs through an avenue of trees parallel to the river.

Shaw's Bridge and River Lagan at Minnowburn, County Down
Shaw's Bridge and River Lagan at Minnowburn | © National Trust Images/Paul Moan

Step 5

Continue along this path through Clement Wilson Park until it reaches New Forge Lane. Turn right and follow the road past the car park on your right to the bridge back over the river. Continue along this path to the Lock Keeper's Cottage and Inn.

Step 6

Just after the lock, cross the stone bridge over the canal and follow the path back to Shaw's Bridge.

Step 7

Passing under the new and old bridges, follow the riverside path past the three meadows back to Minnowburn Bridge. Cross the bridge to return to the car park.

End point

Minnowburn car park, grid ref: NW445242

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the riverside walk at Minnowburn, Northern Ireland
The riverside walk at Minnowburn, Northern Ireland | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Edenderry Road, Belfast, County Down, BT8 8LE

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Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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