Black Mountain (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Black Mountain?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: Short Lough Trail, guided bog walks and geocaching suit ages 5–12; café toilets include baby-change, but there is no playground and exposed ridges demand constant adult supervision.
Positives:
- Free entry and parking: Access to all trails and car parks is free, keeping costs low.
- Wide, well-marked paths: Trails like the Lough Loop are paved and gentle for small legs and strollers.
- Panoramic views: The summit offers wide views of Belfast and beyond, rewarding every child’s effort.
- Picnic facilities: Tables at the Lower Car Park let families rest and refuel outdoors.
Challenges:
- Limited facilities: Public toilets and café are only at the Upper Car Park, bring supplies.
- Unpredictable weather: Strong winds and sudden rain can occur; check forecast and pack layers.
- Uneven terrain: Some paths are grassy or rocky; sturdy shoes are recommended.
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 with kids?
- Free, well-marked family trails on Lough Loop and summit paths.
- Geocaching treasure hunts keep kids engaged along the routes.
- Picnic tables and nearby café offer rest stops with city and country views.
- Wide grassy areas let children run and explore safely.
- Seasonal guided walks like the Bog Walk add extra wildlife fun.
Recommended visit duration: 5–8 hours
Why 5–8 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Families can complete gentle loops, picnic breaks, and a summit visit without hurrying young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Black Mountain
Lough Loop gentle walk:
A flat 0.9 mile loop on a wide path by the lake shore.
Tip: Let kids spot waterfowl and take breaks at benches along the route.
Bog Walk wildlife trail:
A 1.5 hour guided walk in August through heath and bog.
Tip: Look for frogs, wildflowers, and birdlife; no booking needed.
Family geocaching:
Use a free GPS app to hunt for hidden caches near picnic spots.
Tip: Print or download cache coordinates before you arrive for offline use.
Picnic at Lower Car Park:
Wooden tables near the Long Barn at Divis Road.
Tip: Reserve a shady spot early; bring your own blanket or snacks.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Black Mountain
- Start at the Lough Loop: Begin with the 0.9-mile Lough Trail for a gentle warm-up.
- Download offline maps: Mobile signal can drop on the slopes; use offline GPS for geocaching.
- Pack a picnic: Bringing food saves time and ensures kid-friendly options.
- Visit on weekdays: Trails are quieter away from weekend crowds, giving kids room to run.
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)?
In August, join the free Bog Walk to spot frogs and wildflowers. In spring, watch for blooming gorse and lambs on lower slopes. In winter, stick to paved paths and pack waterproofs.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Parking | GBP 0 |
| Picnic supplies | GBP 10 |
| Divis Coffee Barn snacks | GBP 15 |
| Geocaching app | GBP 0 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 25 |
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
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