Our next Sole Mates outing is to Belvoir Park Forest, off Belfast’s outer ring road.
We will meet in St Molua’s Church carpark at 10.00am on Saturday 17 August and travel in shared cars together.
All are welcome, you do not need to be member of St Molua’s to join us – check out stmoluasonline.com/walking-group/ for more information and updates.
Walking trails
Download a pdf version of the trail map
History of the forest
The forest opened in 1961 and covers 75 hectares along the south bank of the River Lagan.
There are a number of historic sites within the forest, including the Norman motte which dates back to the 12th century.
The estate was enclosed by the Hills, a plantation family, around the 1740s. They built a house where the car park is now and the existing buildings, which date from the same era, were farm buildings belonging to the estate.
The Ice House, built into the side of the motte, also dates from this time. These features are ideal for educational outings and school visits.