Divis and the Black Mountain is the high ground behind Belfast's skyline, heath, grassland and blanket bog that spent half a century in Ministry of Defence hands before the National Trust acquired it in 2004. Divis, at 478 metres the highest of the Belfast Hills, shares the property with Black Mountain, and on a clear day the views reach Lough Neagh, Strangford Lough, the Mournes, Donegal and Scotland. Three waymarked routes suit different legs: the gentle 0.9-mile Lough Trail, the 3-mile Summit Trail through open heath and bog, and the 4.2-mile Ridge Trail, up to three hours' walking. Cattle graze the mountain for much of the year, so dogs stay on leads. Reviewers call it an easy introduction to hillwalking, with the tarmac central track giving secure footing. The upper car park and cafe are closed for construction work under the Trust's A View to the Future project, leaving limited toilets; parking is free but limited, so arrive early and bring food and water.
