Giant's Ring circular walk at Minnowburn
A relaxing walk along the river, rising gently through woodland and farmland, via Neolithic earthwork the Giant's Ring. The route also takes in a natural amphitheatre carved by a glacier and views across the Lagan Valley from Terrace Hill garden.
Terrace Hill house
Although you can enjoy Terrace Hill garden, Terrace Hill House is privately owned and is not open to the public.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
Minnowburn car park, OSNI grid ref J327685
Step 1
From the car park, follow the Lagan riverbank path upstream. After about 220yd (200m), take the first path on your left-hand side.
Step 2
Follow this path, cross the Edenderry Road and continue with the mature woodland on your left. You'll enter young, broadleaved woodland. Carry on until you reach the Ballynahatty Road. Cross the road and take the path opposite.
Step 3
Follow the path with fields on either side for about half a mile (1km), until you reach the Giant's Ring. After exploring the Ring, make your way out through the gate at the opposite side from where you arrived. Pass through the car park and carry on down the avenue until you reach the road.
Step 4
Cross the road, watching out for traffic. Use the access ramp opposite leading through the gap in the fence. You're now in the Sandpit Field. Follow the path around the top of the large pit until you come to a pedestrian gate beside a road.
Step 5
Cross the road and go through the pedestrian gate opposite. Continue on the old tarmac path up Terrace Hill. This was once the main avenue to Terrace Hill house. In spring, the bank on the left is filled with daffodils and bluebells. Carry on until you reach the garden. Once you've explored this magical place, go back the way you came and take the path on the left, leading downhill through young woodland.
Step 6
Continue on the path until you reach the Minnowburn river. Follow the river downstream to Minnowburn Bridge and your starting point at the car park beyond.
End point
Minnowburn car park, OSNI grid ref J324685
Trail map
More near here
Riverside circular walk at Minnowburn
Take a leisurely walk along the banks of the River Lagan into the heart of the Lagan Valley Regional Park, with an optional detour to the historic village of Edenderry.
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