J3279 : Cave Hill Country Park
Strenuous (Cavehill Trail)

Cave Hill

368m Elevation
94m Prominence
I Country
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J3279 : Cave Hill Country Park

Gareth James Photo source

Overview

Cave Hill rises to 368 m above north Belfast, Northern Ireland, with basalt cliffs, five caves and the cliff-edge viewpoint at McArt's Fort. Belfast City Council's notice, checked on 16 October 2026, reports a partial closure between Devil's Punchbowl and McArt's Fort; check the current park notice before planning a walk.

Cave Hill, Belfast

Cave Hill rises to 368 m above north Belfast in Northern Ireland. Woodland gives way to open grassland and basalt cliffs, with wide views over the city and Belfast Lough. The hill is a Subhump (sHu), with 94 m of prominence.

Current trail restriction

Belfast City Council's notice dated 10 September 2026, checked on 16 October 2026, reports an erosion-related closure between Devil's Punchbowl and McArt's Fort. The council advises approaching the fort through the limestone quarry. Follow current barriers and signs; the normal circuit described below is not available in full while this restriction remains.

Walking routes

The normal green-waymarked Cavehill Trail begins and ends at the second car park on the main drive to Belfast Castle. It visits McArt's Fort and returns on the southern side of the hill. The council gives 7.2 km for the complete circuit and 256 m of total ascent; its older park leaflet suggests about 2.5 hours. These are normal-route figures, not measurements of the current alternative approach.

This is a strenuous hill walk with steep, unsurfaced sections. The shorter Estate Trail (3.9 km) and Castle Trail (1.3 km) explore lower ground and do not reach the hill summit. Select a route that fits the group's fitness and the day's conditions.

Summit and views

A cairn stands on the upper ground, while McArt's Fort occupies the distinctive cliff-edge promontory. The fort is a viewpoint and historic earthwork, rather than a reason to approach the cliff edge. On a clear day, the outlook extends beyond Belfast Lough towards the Mourne Mountains and the Scottish coast.

Access and facilities

The Belfast Castle approach is through Innisfayle Park off Antrim Road. Other entrances include Upper Hightown Road, Upper Cavehill Road and Hazelwood beside Belfast Zoo. Check car-park closing times on arrival. Metro buses serve the Antrim Road corridor; plan the journey for the entrance you intend to use.

Belfast Castle provides toilets, refreshments and the Cave Hill Visitor Centre during opening hours. Picnic areas and gardens are on the lower slopes. Castle and garden access may change for private events.

Terrain and safety

Keep clear of cliff edges and do not climb to the caves. Rough paths and steps become slippery when wet, and the upper slopes are exposed to wind and poor visibility. Wear suitable walking footwear and take waterproof layers. Give grazing cattle plenty of room and follow the park's dog guidance.

Geology and history

Successive basalt lava flows overlie older white limestone (chalk). The five caves that give the hill its name are cut into the basalt; their original purpose is uncertain, though early iron mining is one suggestion. McArt's Fort has also attracted different interpretations of its age and use, so neither a precise construction date nor a particular ancient function is certain. The hill's archaeology and former limestone quarry add context to a walk above the city.

Explore routes near Cave Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

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Belfast street-art walk

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9.5 km ~3h 15m Easy

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Drumbeg to Hilden Bridge: Lagan Towpath, Lambeg and Canal Locks

9.7 km ~3h Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Cavehill Trail circuit (partial closure)

Partial closure: the council notice checked on 16 October 2026 closes the Devil's Punchbowl–McArt's Fort section for erosion and advises the limestone-quarry approach. Do not enter the closed section. The normal full circuit starts and finishes at Belfast Castle's trailhead car park, via McArt's Fort and the southern slopes. Its 7.2 km and about 2.5 hours describe that normal circuit, not the current alternative. Check local signs before setting out.

Strenuous
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Subhump

Elevation

368m

1,207 ft

Prominence

94m

Coordinates

54.6481, -5.9512

J323797

OS Map

15

At the Summit

The upper hill has a summit cairn and the prominent cliff-edge earthworks of McArt's Fort. These are distinct features: Belfast Hills Partnership describes the cairn on higher ground with the fort ahead. The hill's profile is associated with the name Napoleon's Nose. Keep well back from the cliff edges around the fort.

Terrain & Geology

Woodland paths gravel tracks steep unsurfaced paths and steps open moorland and grassland exposed cliff-edge ground

Cave Hill has layers of Palaeogene basalt formed by successive lava flows, overlying older white limestone (chalk). Basalt forms the prominent cliffs; limestone was quarried on the lower slopes. The named caves are cut into the basalt, rather than natural limestone caves.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see Belfast Lough, the Mourne Mountains, and on clear days, Scotland's coast.

Best Seasons

Woodland spring flowers, late-summer heather and autumn foliage add seasonal colour to the park. Distant views depend on visibility.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Cave Hill is named for five caves in its basalt cliffs. Their original purpose is uncertain; Belfast City Council suggests they may have been early iron mines. The hill was also known as Ben Madigan.

Historical Significance

Cave Hill preserves a summit cairn, earthworks and other evidence of early settlement. McArt's Fort is an ancient promontory fort; its precise date and original use are uncertain, so an Iron Age date should not be stated as established fact. Limestone quarrying later altered parts of the slopes. Belfast Castle was built in the nineteenth century and donated to the city in 1934.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

For the Belfast Castle trailhead, use the second car park on the main drive from Innisfayle Park, Antrim Road, BT15 5GR. The council also lists parking at Grays Lane (BT15 4EP) and Upper Hightown Road (BT14 8RR); Belfast Hills Partnership identifies Belfast Zoo parking for the Hazelwood entrance (BT36 7PN). Check entrance signs for closing times. Castle parking is free and first come, first served.

Public Transport

Metro services on the Antrim Road corridor serve approaches to Belfast Castle and Belfast Zoo. Use the Translink journey planner for the chosen entrance and current timetable, allowing for the uphill walk from the road to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Belfast Castle has toilets, including accessible toilets, a coffee shop and the Cave Hill Visitor Centre during opening hours. There are gardens, picnic areas and an adventure playground nearby. Castle and garden access can be restricted for private events. Facilities at the castle do not imply accessible terrain on the hill trails.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Partial closure: the council notice checked on 16 October 2026 closes the Devil's Punchbowl to McArt's Fort section because of erosion. The council advises the limestone-quarry approach; obey barriers and current on-site signs.
  • Cliff edges and steep drops around McArt's Fort and the caves present a serious fall risk. Stay on established paths, keep children closely supervised and do not climb to the caves.
  • Steep, rough paths and steps can be slippery when wet. Upper ground is exposed to wind and poor visibility; wear suitable footwear and carry waterproof layers.
  • Cattle graze in the park. Give them space, avoid separating adults from young and keep dogs on a short lead. Follow council advice to release the dog if cattle approach.

Seasonal Hazards

Wet or wintry conditions increase the risk of slipping on steep ground. Short winter days and seasonally earlier gate-closing times need to be allowed for when planning the return.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Cave Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cave Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Cave Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Cave Hill search or of course create your own walk for Cave Hill

Can I organise a walk to Cave Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Cave Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Cave Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Cave Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Cave Hill location map

Grid reference: J323797

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