The Beautiful Rolling Hills of Belfast: Black Mountain and Divis Mountain

Belfast is known as an industrial city. A city made famous by its linen mills and ships. A landscape that is associated with metal and water. Towering above this manufacturing powerhouse is a very different visual – the Belfast hills. Black Mountain and Divis Mountain have offered solace for those in the city. The Black Mountain and Divis Mountain Walk provide picturesque, scenic views over Belfast’s ‘Big Smoke’. Take beautiful walks over a busy cityscape, grab an Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland (OSNI) map, and explore the rolling hills.

The Dark of Belfast: Black Mountain

The smaller of the two hills, Black Mountain, is still an impressive height. Reaching 1,275 feet, Black Mountain is resplendent over West Belfast. Its makeup is composed of basalt and limestone, similar to the northern Belfast hill of Cavehill. The two highlights of Black Mountain are Hatchet Field and Wolfe Hill. Hatchet Hill, as nicknamed by locals, resembles the outline of a historical hatchet. Hatchet Field is a significant part of the ‘Mountain Loney’ trail. This path is adjacent to Dermot Hill ( a housing estate in West Belfast) and is where most locals and tourists begin their ascent. Wolfe Hill is located on top of Black Mountain. An old police barracks, it was used as the Black Mountain transmitting station in a broadcasting capacity. 

Black Mountain is resonant in Belfast’s history. The mountainscape is covered in old trails, homesteads, and farms. With views as far as Donegal and Scotland, it is possible to overlook the Mournes and Strangford Lough. Due to its rich rock content, the Belfast hills have been subject to severe quarrying, mainly for the basalt to create road stones. Lobbying is ongoing to preserve Black Mountain and the rest of the Belfast Hills, hoping people can continue enjoying the incredible scenery. As one of the most stunning places to walk in Belfast, the Black Mountain walk is an important part of a Belfast visit. 

Not Quite Everest: Divis Mountain 

The highest of the Belfast hills. Divis towers over the northwest section of the city. It stands 1,568ft above Belfast, and the mountain goes as far as the Antrim plateau, which is similarly filled with basalt, lias clay, and limestone. Divis takes its name from the Irish ‘Dubhais’ meaning ‘black back’ referring to the black basalt that makes up its bedrock. While being a popular walk for locals until the fifties, the Ministry of Defence utilised it as a training space for the army from 1953 to 2005. It was inaccessible to the locals because it was a shooting range for live rounds. It is now under the control of the National Trust, which has made it a popular walking route again. There has been speculation about when the British Army stopped using the space as a training area, as it was a handy vantage point of Belfast during the Troubles.

While no longer serving a military function, Divis Mountain plays an integral role in telecommunications in Northern Ireland via the Divis transmitting station. This is also the central transmitting tower for the BBC in Northern Ireland. The Divis Mountain Walk also has a touch of Hollywood due to several scenes from Dracula Untold being filmed there by Universal Pictures. Another place to walk is Belfast, which has a film connection. Follow an OSNI map to follow the exact places used in Dracula Untold. 

Natural Beauty and Wildlife

The true allure of Black Mountain and Divis Mountain lies in their breathtaking natural beauty. The rolling hills, covered in heather and gorse, offer a peaceful escape from the city. The landscape is dominated by open moorland, grasslands, and patches of woodland, providing a rich variety of habitats for flora and fauna.

Wildlife

The wildlife on Black Mountain and Divis Mountain is abundant and diverse, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. The area is home to birds of prey, such as peregrine falcons, kestrels, and buzzards, which can often be seen soaring over the hills in search of prey. The moorland also supports various smaller bird species, including meadow pipits, skylarks, and stonechats, whose songs provide a natural soundtrack to any walk.

In addition to birds, the hills are also home to mammals such as foxes, badgers, and rabbits, as well as an increasing population of Irish hares. The heathland provides an ideal environment for these animals to thrive, while the surrounding grasslands support many insects, including butterflies and moths.

Plant Life

The plant life on Black Mountain and Divis Mountain is equally impressive, with a mix of common and rare species. The hills are covered in a patchwork of heather, gorse, and bracken, providing a splash of colour throughout the year. In the spring and summer, wildflowers such as orchids, bluebells, and primroses add to the beauty of the landscape, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The open moorland is punctuated by small pockets of woodland, where trees such as oak, birch, and rowan provide shelter for wildlife and hikers. The variety of habitats makes these hills a valuable conservation area, and efforts are being made to protect and enhance the natural environment for future generations.

Walking and Hiking Trails

One of the main reasons people visit Black Mountain and Divis Mountain is for the fantastic walking and hiking opportunities they provide. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the hills offer a range of trails that cater to different fitness levels and interests.

Divis Ridge Trail

The Divis Ridge Trail is one of the most popular walks in the area, offering spectacular panoramic views over Belfast, the Mourne Mountains, and even across the sea to Scotland on a clear day. The trail is a 4.2-mile (6.8 km) loop that takes you across the open moorland of Divis Mountain. The path is well-maintained and relatively easy, making it suitable for walkers of all abilities. Along the way, you’ll pass by the ruins of ancient farmsteads, and on the summit of Divis, you can enjoy unrivalled views of the surrounding landscape.

Black Mountain Trail

The Black Mountain Trail offers a steeper climb and more rugged terrain for those looking for a more challenging hike. This trail takes you through heathland and rocky outcrops, offering fantastic views of Belfast Lough and the city below. The path is less well-defined than the Divis Ridge Trail, and there are some steep sections, so it’s best suited to more experienced walkers. However, the effort is well worth it, as the views from the summit of Black Mountain are some of the best in the Belfast Hills.

Linking the Trails

For those who want to experience both mountains in one day, it’s possible to link the Divis Ridge Trail and the Black Mountain Trail. This combined hike will take you across the full range of the Belfast Hills, offering a complete experience of the landscape and its wildlife. The hike takes around four to five hours to complete, depending on your pace, and is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area thoroughly.

Black Mountain and Divis Mountain: More than Hills

Growing ever-popular with tourists and locals alike, the Black Mountain and Divis Mountain walks have become essential to Belfast’s sights. With breathtaking views of the whole country, it’s not just the walking trails that have made this an exciting area to explore. Belfast cycle routes have been mapped over the mountain, as well as mountain biking routes for those who enjoy the challenge of the ridge summit. It’s easy to see why the area has become one of the top places to walk in Belfast. For a more challenging hike, collect an OSNI map and embark on a different adventure in the city.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

One of the great things about Black Mountain and Divis Mountain is their accessibility. Despite their rugged beauty, the hills are just a short drive from the centre of Belfast, making them an ideal destination for a day trip. There is a car park at the Divis and Black Mountain site, and public transport links are also available from Belfast city centre.

For those looking to extend their visit, the surrounding area offers a range of accommodation options, from hotels in Belfast to rural retreats in the nearby countryside. The Belfast Hills are also close to other popular tourist attractions, such as the Giant’s Causeway, the Mourne Mountains, and the Antrim Coast, making them a great addition to any Northern Ireland itinerary.

Conclusion

Black Mountain and Divis Mountain offer a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty of Northern Ireland’s landscape just a stone’s throw from the bustling city of Belfast. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape from urban life, these hills have something to offer. From the panoramic views over Belfast and beyond to the rich wildlife and ancient history, the Belfast Hills are a true gem in Northern Ireland’s natural heritage.

Whether you explore the hills on foot, take a guided walk, or simply relax and enjoy the views, Black Mountain and Divis Mountain are places of beauty, peace, and adventure. With the National Trust’s continued conservation efforts, these hills will remain vital to Belfast’s landscape for generations, where nature and history meet perfectly harmoniously.