Riverside circular walk at Minnowburn

Northern Ireland

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.

Near to

Minnowburn

Start point

Minnowburn car park, grid ref: NW445242

Address
Minnowburn car park, Ballylesson Road, Belfast, BT8
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
From Shaw's Bridge or the Lagan towpath, cross over to the south side of the river and look for the National Trust signs. Follow the riverside path over the bridge to the car park.
By bus
From the Europa Buscentre in the centre of Belfast, take either routes 13D or 513. Get off on the Malone/Milltown Road near Shaw's Bridge and follow the on foot directions from there.
Cycling
From National Cycle Network Route 9, cross over to the south side of the river at Shaw's Bridge or the Gilchrist Bridge and look for the National Trust signs along the riverside path to the car park.
National Cycle Network information
By train
Minnowburn is 2 miles (3.2km) from Balmoral train station.
By road
From the A55 Malone/Milltown Road, south Belfast, turn off onto the Ballylesson Road at Shaw's Bridge, following the brown signs to the car park.
From Lisburn, on the B23 Hillhall/Ballylesson Road, take the first left fork signposted Giant's Ring. Go straight on, turning left onto the Edenderry Road after about 1 mile (1.6km) then follow the brown signs to the car park.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Minnowburn car park, grid ref: NW445242
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 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
The site of Shaw's Bridge was the original crossing point on the Lagan. Before the bridge existed, it was the fording point for the route from the north to the south of Ireland. The first wooden bridge was built in 1617, with an overlooking fort on the site of Malone House. The fort and possibly the bridge were destroyed in 1641 and an engineer in Cromwell's army, Captain Shaw, rebuilt it in oak in 1655, giving the bridge it's name. It was rebuilt in stone a number of times before the current bridge was constructed in 1709.
Shaw's Bridge and River Lagan at Minnowburn | © National Trust Images/Paul Moan
Stage 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.
The Lock Keeper's Cottage
Work began in 1756 on making the Lagan river navigable and was completed as far as Lisburn by 1763. The work consisted of making 'cuts' through the larger loops of the river and building locks there. In 1958, the river was finally closed to navigation but some of the locks remain. Lock number 3, or McLeave's Lock, is one of the few where the lock keeper's cottage, the bridge and the lock remained intact. They have since been restored and the lock is now in full working order and the cottage is open to the public.
Stage 6
Just after the lock, cross the stone bridge over the canal and follow the path back to Shaw's Bridge.
Stage 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
The riverside walk at Minnowburn, Northern Ireland | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
You made it
Share your experience

Giant's Ring circular walk at Minnowburn

Take a relaxing walk along the river, through woodland and farmland, to a Neolithic earthwork, a natural amphitheatre and views across the Lagan Valley.

Edenderry Road, Belfast, County Down, BT8 8LE

02890647787

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk

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

Visit website

Things to do at Minnowburn

From the majestic Minnowburn Beeches to the peaceful Terrace Hill Garden, Minnowburn is a haven just outside the city. Take a look at what you might find on your next visit.

Visitors at Minnowburn, County Down, Northern Ireland

The history of Minnowburn

We first became involved at Minnowburn in June 1945. The Minnowburn Beeches were under threat from felling when a permit application was submitted to allow building in the area.

Bridge over River Lagan, Minnowburn, Northern Ireland

Walking in Northern Ireland

Fall in love with Northern Ireland’s legendary landscapes this autumn and enjoy the warmth of the season’s welcome. From the golden sands of Portstewart Strand to the peaceful, leaf-strewn woodland trails at Florence Court, our walking routes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re strolling or hiking, iconic sites like the Giant's Causeway invite you to explore coastal paths lined with autumn’s rich hues, while ancient bogs share their stories along winding boardwalks. This autumn, let the trails through our cared-for places lead you on a journey through vibrant colours, crisp air, and the rich heritage of Northern Ireland.

Near to

Start point

Trail information

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

Getting here

Facilities

Accessibility

Terrain and elevation

Trail route

Total stages: 7

Total stages: 7

Start point

Stage 1

Stage 2

Point of interest

Stage 3

Stage 4

Point of interest

Stage 5

Point of interest

Stage 6

Stage 7

End point

Trail map

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust