Top 5 Belfast Outdoor Adventures: Explore the City’s Wild Side

Belfast, you know, it’s often talked about for its history and culture, yet very it’s also a cracking spot for those keen on outdoor adventures. So, forget the usual tourist traps, because we are looking into some exciting options to get your blood pumping. So, here are my top picks for experiencing the wild side of Belfast. It’s way more than just city life!

1. Hiking Cave Hill Country Park

Cave Hill Country Park, basically it towers over Belfast. The main feature, anyway it is Napoleon’s Nose, that could be seen from pretty much anywhere in the city. Actually, it got its name because it looks somewhat similar to the profile of Napoleon Bonaparte. Anyway, the hiking is reasonably top-notch, with trails for almost every level. The views? Honestly, completely spectacular. So, you can gaze over Belfast Lough and, just a little if the day is clear, see across to the Scottish coast. As a matter of fact, that feeling of standing above the city, really it is pretty special. It’s a little like your own mini slice of wilderness right on Belfast’s doorstep. That can be a bit different!

Now, you’re wanting a proper walk, it’s almost best to start from the lower car park and take the trails up through the forest. So, that turns into open moorland. I mean that’s roughly about a 4.5-mile loop that most walkers can do in, approximately, 2 to 3 hours. It has pretty solid paths that tends to make it less treacherous if the weather turns a bit ropey, to be fair. But always be careful, definitely it is better to wear decent footwear and bring a raincoat, yet especially as Northern Irish weather can change quickly. As a matter of fact, once you’re at McArt’s Fort, the views are truly well worth it. I am saying they really are stunning.

2. Cycling the Comber Greenway

Comber Greenway, now it’s arguably a traffic-free cycling and walking path that basically links Belfast to Comber. Well it does follow the old railway line. Anyway, it’s mostly flat, that is a major bonus if you don’t really feel like pushing yourself uphill. As a matter of fact it’s amazing for a relaxed bike ride or just a stroll, if you are asking me. So, it’s good to get the family out, too it’s almost that ideal for all abilities and ages, actually.

You will want to set off from the east side of Belfast. Maybe a little to stop off at CS Lewis Square, after all the statues from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe that are rather worth a look. Well, that should fire the imagination. The Greenway takes people past local nature reserves and small parks, clearly that allows plenty of chances to, slightly, see local wildlife. Yet bring snacks and water, so just because while there are some shops and cafes on either end of the route, but not that many during it. Well it’s a cracking way that it’s easy to escape the city and also to breathe a bit of the cleaner country air, actually.

3. Kayaking on Belfast Lough

Okay so want to see Belfast from a slightly unusual angle? Really is it an adventure to go kayaking on Belfast Lough that could be something to float your boat, so to speak. Really, it’s also not that difficult, as there are places that offer guided kayaking trips, for people with nearly almost little or no experience, still with all equipment. Usually you start near the Titanic slipways, then the route often takes people out into the Lough. Anyway, so it means they might pass iconic landmarks like the Harland and Wolff cranes and also the Titanic Belfast building, by the way.

Paddling on the water offers a totally different perspective and also shows the size and the scale of the harbor. Just, keep your eyes peeled, but you never know, as there is plenty of local marine wildlife, I should point out, or sometimes even seals! Remember warm and waterproof clothing that might just keep you from freezing out there. Anyway, and be prepared to get a bit wet, even if the sun does seem to be out, that should give the heads up. A little bit anyway. It’s rather one to see this pretty city from the water for yourself, alright?

4. Exploring the Belfast Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens is located at the heart of the Queen’s Quarter. Basically it is something to get away to that allows just a little a breather from the city streets, obviously it would be the space people crave, but sometimes never ask for. Yet the gardens boast a cool Palm House and Tropical Ravine that could both give shelter to many pretty different types of plants, which gives a tranquil setting for walking and exploring. After all you might think so!

Okay, it has great walkways that cut through well kept flowerbeds and lawns which, it seems is just grand for a leisurely walk. Frankly that can really bring people to the present. Clearly grab a coffee and a sandwich and really perch on one of the benches. The ones scattered round the gardens, now just take it all in as that should make everything slightly better, and the city may be all it could possibly ever be in that one breath. Usually during the summertime there are events here, clearly so see if anything else is happening during your visit. As a matter of fact, that might give a bit of a good shout and an unforgettable treat.

5. Taking a Black Taxi Tour

So okay, while this does involve a bit of sitting, still it is basically an amazing way to experience the outdoor murals and hear some compelling stories about Belfast’s political history. Anyway, you can get pretty traditional black cabs so it shows you around some parts of the city and what makes them important to be seen, in the first place. Yet you can check places such as the Falls Road and Shankill Road. Which does have very contrasting wall art that arguably does portray various perspectives on the past troubles.

Your taxi driver also doubles as something to give all the info that someone could want, in that situation. They know everything so, feel somewhat comfortable asking questions. You get more than you were expecting! Usually, this isn’t like the ordinary bus tour as these guys have that real grasp and knowledge that can be useful! Anyway the murals, really they just are stunning as there are lots that do have quite emotional effects from them! Well that sounds worth paying for as that will just seal off an unforgettable day. It gives all sorts of depth, right?