Divis & the Black Mountain loop from Lanyon Place — Belfast

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle adventure with the Divis & Black Mountain loop, a challenging 23.5 miles (37.7 km) ride that climbs 1523 feet (464 metres) and takes around 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete. Starting from Lanyon Place in Belfast, you will quickly transition from urban streets to rugged landscapes. The terrain varies greatly, featuring gravel paths, stony roadways, and sections of heathland and blanket bog. As you ascend Divis and Black Mountain, you'll be rewarded with expansive panoramic views stretching across Belfast, Lough Neagh, and even as far as Scotland on a clear day. Be prepared for steep ascents and varied surfaces, making this route best suited for experienced touring cyclists seeking a strenuous ride. You will encounter grassland and heathland bog, which can be muddy, especially on the northern slope of Divis Mountain.

This loop begins conveniently from Lanyon Place in Belfast, offering good accessibility from the city centre. While the route is challenging, it is also multi-use, so you will share the trails with walkers. Ensure you have appropriate cycling equipment and a good level of fitness for the significant elevation gain and demanding terrain. Some sections include roughly-stoned and stepped ascents, so plan your visit during dry conditions to avoid overly muddy paths.

Beyond the physical challenge, this route offers a rich historical and natural experience. From the summit of Divis, you can see the trigonometry pillar, which was the first point used in mapping Ireland in 1825. The area also holds archaeological significance, with remains of a Bronze Age homestead, and was used as a rifle range during the Second World War. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife as you traverse the varied landscape of grassland and heathland bog.