Black Mountain (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Black Mountain?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Sunset Summit walk and post-hike café picnic give romantic shared moments; moderate effort suits mixed fitness levels, though open terrain offers little shelter in bad weather.
Positives:
- Free parking and entry: All National Trust car parks and trails are free of charge.
- Varied trail options: Choose from gentle loops to ridge walks based on fitness level.
Challenges:
- Uneven, muddy paths: After rain, sections of the Summit and Ridge Trails can be slippery.
- Limited toilets on trail: Facilities are only at the Divis Coffee Barn in the Upper Car Park.
What is Black Mountain?
- A 388-metre (1,275-foot) grass-covered hill forming the western skyline of Belfast
- Part of the Divis and Black Mountain range managed by the National Trust
- A designated upland heath and grassland habitat valued for its ecological importance
What is so special about Black Mountain for couple trip?
- Panoramic sunset views over Belfast from a grassy ridge
- Free entry plus a cozy café stop at the top
- Options for gentle loops or longer ridge walks
- Fun geocaching and themed twilight walks in summer
Recommended visit duration: 5–8 hours
Why 5–8 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for multiple trails, a café stop, and sunset views without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Black Mountain
Sunset Summit Trail walk:
Follow the 3-mile Summit Trail to the trig pillar for panoramic city and sea views.
Tip: Start 90 minutes before sunset to reach the top as golden light spreads across Belfast.
Picnic at Divis Coffee Barn:
Relax with hot drinks and light snacks at the café in the Upper Car Park.
Tip: Buy coffee to go and use nearby picnic benches for unobstructed hill views.
Geocaching treasure hunt:
Use a free GPS app to locate hidden caches along wildflower meadows and ruins.
Tip: Download coordinates before you arrive and bring sturdy shoes for off-path sections.
Dark Divis guided twilight walk:
Join an hour-long evening walk with tales of fairy trees and will-o’-the-wisps.
Tip: Book early for free national trust events and bring a headlamp for the return leg.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Black Mountain
- Download trail map offline: Save the Summit Trail map on your phone before setting off to conserve battery.
- Pack a lightweight picnic: Bringing your own food lets you dine at the peak without rushing back.
Reviews of Black Mountain
Anoob Madhu Lathika
I recently visited Black Mountain in Belfast and it was an amazing experience. The mountain offers stunning views of the city and surrounding areas, making it a must-visit for any tourist or local. The hike itself was challenging but manageable, with well-maintained trails and helpful signposts along the way. The scenery was breathtaking, with lush greenery and wildflowers lining the path. One o...
Laura I
My sister and I were lucky enough to hike in the black mountains with a friend who knows the area so well. What a beautifully stunning place with views across Belfast once you reach the top. There are different trails but we took the easiest route due to physical abilities and it was great. The weather turned quite bad when we got to the top so we didn't see too much, but even half way up the clim...
Kaifeng Huang
Really beautiful place, fresh air there makes me clam. Lots of mountain bike riders play in the mountain, and there are lots of cute cows on the mountains. Standing on the peak of the black mountain, you could see the whole Belfast. Spectacular scenery! 😍
Shakya Bandara
Nice place for a peaceful walk. If you are traveling from Belfast, you can take the bus from queens street in the city. Bus ride will take around half an hour. Throughout the whole mountain you cannot see big trees or a forest. Its only grass and few ground plants. You can see the a nice view of Belfast city from the top of the mountain. In some places it is very windy and you can see wind power g...
Maureen Robb
What a brilliant place for a walk and so close to the City. Black Mountain has 2 car parks, one near the coffee shop, it is up a very narrow road. The other is about 400 metres before there. The locals love to walk in the area so it can get very busy and the available parking fills up quickly. There are various levels and distances of walks. We had a map that can be obtained from the little shop. ...
When is the best time to visit Black Mountain (Belfast, United Kingdom)?
Summer evenings offer long daylight—perfect for sunset. In spring and early summer, wildflowers dot the paths. After rain, trails become muddy—wear waterproof shoes and gaiters.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Bus fare (round-trip) | GBP 6 |
| Coffee & snacks for two | GBP 6 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 12 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Black Mountain
Address: Black Mountain, Belfast BT17 0NG, UK
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Black Mountain (Belfast)?
About Black Mountain
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities