Walking on Cave Hill

 

There are many possibilities for walking on Cave Hill, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. The immediate area of Belfast Castle has several paths, one of which emerges from the trees just below the caves. From there it is possible to reach the caves area and by turning left it is possible to scramble up to MacArt's Fort, but be warned - it is a steep and strenuous ascent which requires good fitness and appropriate footwear. An easier but longer option is to turn right at the caves and head northwards along the narrow track known as the sheeps' pad. This takes you along the base of the escarpment and eventually to the top, turning left immediately after the old wooden posts and walking along a reasonably gentle slope above the caves and towards MacArt's Fort.

The longest and most complete walk is "the circuit". You can start at the Upper Cavehill Road entrance where the road ends and there is a turnstile giving access to the Green Lane. Follow the Green Lane to the waterfall known as Benn's Cascade (see photo below) which is at the top of Carrs Glen where the lane from the Hightown Road meets the Green Lane. Turning right at the waterfall you continue along a stoned path and a sometimes steep ascent to the top of Cave Hill and walk northwards until you reach MacArt's Fort. You then continue along the escarpment above the caves and eventually turn right to follow the sheeps' pad down to the caves and continue down to Belfast Castle and Upper Cavehill Road. The total time for this walk is about an hour and a half at a brisk pace, or two hours if you take it easy. Again, good footwear is necessary. You can park at the top of the Upper Cavehill Road close to the turnstile entrance.

Set out below is a selection of walks on Cave Hill. The times assume walking at a reasonably brisk pace. You should take care to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. There is almost invariably a breeze on the summit with a noticeable wind chill factor throughout the year. It's a good idea to have a mobile phone with you in case of mishap.

Bring binoculars if you want to make the best of the spectacular views of Belfast Lough, North Down, Belfast, the Mournes, Lough Neagh, the Sperrins, Slemish, and the Mull of Galloway. Apart from these, there is nothing to see...........................

 
WALK DETAILS APPROXIMATE TIME REQUIRED REMARKS
Belfast Castle to caves half an hour Path through woods is steep and can be slippery near the top.
Caves to MacArt's Fort (turning left) twenty minutes Difficult climb, best to avoid scree area, take care!
Caves to MacArt's Fort (turning right) half an hour Easier climb, but the sheep's pad is narrow and can be muddy.
MacArt's Fort to Upper Cavehill Road half an hour Good stoned path, turn left at waterfall.
Upper Cavehill Road to MacArt's Fort forty minutes Good stoned path, but steep in places. Turn right at waterfall.
Hightown Road to MacArt's Fort half an hour Good stoned path, but steep in places. Continue past waterfall.
The circuit (see above for deatils) one and a half to two hours A good walk!


The Green Lane, taken on 29 February 2004, looking towards the hill.

Benn's Cascade is about five minutes walk from here.

The waterfall known as Benn's Cascade. The stream flows on through Carr's Glen. The waterfall can be much more spectacular after heavy rain.

The cascade is at the top of the Green Lane, where it meets the lane from the Hightown Road entrance to the Cave Hill Country Park.
About ten minutes' walk above Benn's Cascade - this is the steepest section of the path.