A 7.2km circular walk to McArt’s Fort, the Iron Age fort at the top of Cave Hill, known locally as Napoleon’s Nose. It climbs 256m on steep, unsurfaced paths, so it needs a good level of fitness and sturdy shoes.
Start and parking
Start at the second car park on the main drive to Belfast Castle, off the Antrim Road at the Innisfayle Park entrance (BT15 5GR). Parking is free, with designated disabled and parent and child bays. The walking trailhead is at that second car park.
You can also join the route from the car parks at Grays Lane (BT15 4EP) and Upper Hightown Road (BT14 8RR), or from the Ballysillan Road at Carr’s Glen. Metro services 1A to 1H stop on the Antrim Road at the castle and zoo entrances.
The route, in order
Leave the car park and follow the waymarked Cavehill Trail uphill. The path climbs through woodland, crosses the limestone quarry and then steepens onto the open moorland. The caves sit in the cliff face below the summit. From the top of the climb the trail swings around to McArt’s Fort, the rocky outcrop at about 368m, with views over Belfast Lough and, on a clear day, across to Scotland.
Follow the waymarked circuit to descend and it returns you to the castle drive. The full loop is 7.2km and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes at a steady pace.
Surface and terrain
Steep, unsurfaced hill paths, with rocky ground near the top and open moorland. There is 256m of ascent. Expect mud after rain, and the rock sections turn slippery.
Who it suits
Adults and older children with a good level of fitness. Cattle graze the open ground, so keep to the paths, do not approach the animals, and keep dogs on a short lead. If cattle approach, let your dog off the lead. This route is not suitable for wheelchairs, buggies or very young children.
Getting back
It is a circular route, so you finish where you started, at the car park on the castle drive. There is no exit from the park onto the Antrim Road from the back driveway.
Conditions and seasons
Go in dry weather with good visibility, since the view is the reason for the climb. The park opens at 7.30am every day and closes earlier as daylight shortens, so check the closing time before a late start. The Cavehill Trail is currently partly closed between the Devil’s Punchbowl and McArt’s Fort because of erosion. To reach the fort, follow the signed diversion through the limestone quarry. Disposable barbecues are not allowed in the park.
Nearby
Two stops sit on or beside this route: Belfast Castle, at the foot of the hill, and Five Caves, Cave Hill, on the cliff face below the summit.