Cave Hill and McArt's Fort by the quarry path

From the car park by Belfast Castle, follow the paths along the lower slope of Cave Hill westwards to the old limestone quarry. Turn up the Quarry path, which climbs north-east to McArt's Fort, the ancient ráth that stands on the cliff top at almost 368 m. From the fort the ridge path leads on to Cavehill itself, and the walk comes back the way it went.

It is 6.3 km out and back with 275 m of ascent; allow about 2¼ hours. The grade is Moderate: paths all the way bar a few steps of road, with a steady climb and loose ground near the top. Belfast City Council says the full Cavehill Trail needs sturdy shoes and a good level of fitness.

The council reports (update of 10 September 2026) that the Cavehill Trail is partly closed between the Devil's Punchbowl and McArt's Fort because of erosion, and asks visitors to reach the fort through the limestone quarry. This line does exactly that and never uses the closed stretch, but Napoleon's Nose and the cliff-edge path beyond the fort are not part of it. Cattle graze in the park: keep to the paths, keep dogs on a short lead and keep away from cattle and their calves.

The council says its parks are free to visit, and the trailhead is at the second car park on the drive up to Belfast Castle. It lists Metro 1 buses to the park's entrances; the nearest railway station, York Street, is about 3.8 km away.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.