Divis

Divis: the highest of the Belfast Hills

Divis rises to 478 m above Belfast in Northern Ireland. It is a Marilyn, with 380 m of prominence, and forms part of the Belfast Hills’ open upland landscape.

Reaching the summit

When checked on 17 October 2026, Belfast Hills Partnership warned that the full Summit Trail circuit was unavailable during improvement works. Check the current notices and trailhead signs before setting out; no complete temporary summit itinerary or replacement distance has been established here.

The normal National Trust Summit Trail is a challenging 4.8 km circuit from Divis Barn (J272744), with a published walking time of 50–90 minutes. It normally follows Tipperary Road, climbs the steep stone path and returns along the tarmac road. These are the standard circuit's figures and directions, not a confirmed route during the works. The lower-car-park approach is additional.

The separate Ridge Trail visits Black Mountain rather than Divis summit. Belfast Hills Partnership also reports a temporary boardwalk closure with no through passage. Follow the signed turnaround instruction; do not use the normal circular itinerary while that closure applies. The Heath Trail circles the northern slopes. None of these trails' distances supplies a combined Divis ascent total.

Summit and surroundings

A trig pillar and fenced installation are landmarks in the summit area. The hill database identifies the highest ground outside the fence, about 8 m west of its north-west corner, rather than at the pillar itself.

Clear conditions offer views over Belfast and Belfast Lough, with Lough Neagh and the Mourne Mountains also visible. Divis is part of the basalt landscape of the Belfast Hills, formed by ancient lava flows above older sedimentary rocks.

Terrain and safety

Expect rough stone paths, steps and exposed heathland, with blanket bog away from the constructed routes. Wet surfaces need care. Take sturdy footwear, warm and waterproof layers, and navigation equipment. Strong winds, low cloud, snow or ice can make this short hill walk more demanding; allow for daylight and your group’s pace.

Keep to designated paths, give livestock plenty of space and keep dogs on a lead. Respect temporary closures during the improvement works.

Parking and facilities

The lower National Trust car park is on Divis Road, Hannahstown, reached from Upper Springfield Road. Parking is limited; avoid verges and do not obstruct residents or emergency access.

When checked on 16 October 2026, the National Trust visitor page listed the upper car park and Barn Café as closed during improvement works, with limited toilets available. Check current National Trust visitor information before travelling. Bring food and water rather than relying on refreshments being available.

Check current Translink services and onward travel arrangements. Do not assume a bus reaches the trailhead: the National Trust warns that the approach roads have long sections without footways.

Name and history

Divis is an anglicised form of Irish Dubhais, commonly translated as black ridge or black peak. The National Trust acquired Divis in 2004 following its military use. The wider landscape contains cairns, stone enclosures and remains of former farms.