Black Mountain walk
A great mixture of environments to explore: tarmac roadway towards the masts; wooden boardwalk across the bog to the summit of the Black Mountain and open countryside across the top of the Black Mountain and Black Hill.
Map
Start:
Car park, Divis Road
1
From the entrance, head towards the Divis transmitter mast. Follow the wooden boardwalk to the right, onto the summit of the Black Mountain, marked by a trigonometry pillar.
The Long Barn
Formerly a cattle barn converted in 2008. Visitors to the centre can enjoy a warm beverage, whilst learning about the history and archaeological heritage of this unique site. Our café allows you to re-fuel ahead of your walk.
2
Walk straight down from the summit towards Belfast to the fence line, turn right and head to the summit of the Black Hill in front of you.
Black Mountain Summit
Enjoy uninterrupted views of Belfast, out the mouth of the Lough, towards the Scottish shoreline. On a clear day you can see the Isle of Man, Cumbria in England and Holyhead in Wales.
3
Negotiate the stile beside the field gate. Proceed with the fence line on your left.
4
Continue until you are upon the telegraph poles and the fence takes a sharp left. Head left (11 o'clock) to the trigonometry pillar on the summit of the Black Hill.
5
With the trigonometry pillar to your back (facing away from the city), head straight down the hill.
6
Pass over the walled remains of the old Gamekeeper's Cottage.
The Gamekeeper's Cottage
The Gamekeeper's Cottage was home to Sammy Lyttle, Gamekeeper for the Milne and Barbour families who once held the hunting rights to the mountains.
7
Onwards, cross the fence line at the stile beside the old mill dam. This dam was one of two feeder dams on the Collin River that provided a steady water source for McCances Mill in the townland of Suffolk, near Belfast. Turn left, facing 10 o'clock, and continue.
8
Pass through the kissing gate to enter the main car park, finishing this circular route.
End:
Car park, Divis Road
