Northern Ireland

Divis and the Black Mountain Ridge Trail

On this circular walk, take in 180-degree views across Belfast and further afield, including the Antrim Plateau to the north, Scotland to the east and the Mourne Mountains to the south. There's also a huge variety of wildlife and flora to look out for along the way.

Near to

Divis and the Black Mountain

Start point

Divis cafe, Divis Road. OSNI grid ref: J272744

Look out for livestock

The area is a working farm, with cattle and calves. Please treat livestock with caution.

Address
Divis Cafe, Divis Road, Belfast BT17 0NG
Directions via Google Maps
By bus
At the Europa Bus Station in Belfast, take the no. 106 Ulsterbus (to Crumlin via Hannahstown). Alight on the Upper Springfield Road.
On foot
Access the trail from Divis Road.
Cycling
Access the trail from Divis Road.
By road
Leave the M1 motorway at Junction 2 (Stockman’s Lane). Take the A55 (Outer Ring), signposted Falls. The starting point for the trail can be found on Divis Road, off Upper Springfield Road.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control, especially around livestock.
Car park
Parking is available at the starting/finishing point.
Toilet
Toilets and disabled toilets are available at the starting/finishing point. A RADAR key is needed to use the disabled toilets.
Café
The highest café in Northern Ireland, Divis Cafe serves light lunches, cakes, tray bakes, and a range of hot and cold drinks.
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Divis cafe, Divis Road. OSNI grid ref: J272744
Stage 1
Follow the trail from Divis Coffee Barn towards the Divis transmitter masts. Just before reaching the masts, bear right onto a section of wooden boardwalk. The two masts relay TV, radio and digital signals across the whole of Northern Ireland.
Stage 2
At the end of the boardwalk, turn right onto the gravel path. This leads towards the summit of the Black Mountain, passing the Bobby Stone. The summit is marked by a trigonometry pillar. From here, you can enjoy exhilarating views across Belfast and beyond.
Trigonometry pillar
This pillar marks the summit of the Black Mountain at a height of 1,275ft (389m), and was used in the mapping of Ireland in 1825. Triangulation from trigonometry pillars is a mathematical process that made accurate map-making possible. Angles were measured from the pillar to other surrounding trig points, and, to ensure maximum accuracy, many rounds of angles would've been measured, with the observations taking several hours.
The trigonometry pillar | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor
Stage 3
Continue along the gravel path as it winds its way along the ridge towards the hill, crossing the first stile.
Stage 4
The path leaves the ridge before reaching the hill. It then continues to weave its way back towards Divis Cafe, crossing another stile and the Collin River along the way.
There are stiles to cross along the route | © National Trust Images/John Millar
Stage 5
When you reach the access road, turn left to return to Divis Cafe.
End point
Divis Cafe, Divis Road. OSNI grid ref: J272744
Trail map
Oak leaves in September in Florence Court garden, Co Fermanagh | © National Trust Images / John Millar
You made it
Share your experience

A view of the lake at Mount Stewart, featuring a family with a pushchair and dog, bluebells and spring trees, and a small jetty over the water

Trail

Mount Stewart lake walk

No matter what time of the year you visit, a walk around the lake at Mount Stewart provides plenty of wonderful photo opportunities.

Visitor walking across the sand dunes at Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down, Northern Ireland

Trail

Murlough North Point nature trail

Discover the beauty of Murlough with a walk through this National Nature Reserve, home to 22 species of butterfly.

Divis Road, Hannahstown, near Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

02890825434

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

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A grassy path, with two people on it, leads between trees towards water on the Castle Ward loughside trail at Castle Ward, Northern Ireland

Walking in Northern Ireland

Step into Summer in the Legendary Landscapes of Northern Ireland. From the golden dunes of Portstewart Strand to the peaceful paths of Florence Court, explore walking trails that suit all abilities. Whether you're after a short stroll or a scenic ramble, summer is the perfect time to get outside and discover somewhere new.

Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

Two female visitors standing on the rocks at Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Article

Staying safe at National Trust places

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.

Article

Follow the Countryside Code

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Dog sat outside the café at Divis and the Black Mountain, near Belfast, County Antrim

Article

Visiting Divis and the Black Mountain with your dog

We want you and your furry companion to enjoy your visit. Please help to ensure that all visitors, with or without dogs, can enjoy their visit by following these guidelines.

People crossing a stile at Divis and the Black Mountain, Northern Ireland

Article

Exploring Divis and the Black Mountain

Divis and the Black Mountain offers a spectacular viewpoint for walkers seeking panoramic views over Belfast and beyond. Take a look at what things to discover on your visit.