1. Divis and the Black Mountain Ridge Trail, Co Antrim

Divis is a large area of mountain and moorland in the Belfast Hills, a scenic backdrop to Belfast city and a peaceful and inviting escape that’s perfect for a lunchtime run. The Ridge Trail is a classic route covering interesting and diverse terrain on trails that wind across moor and heathland and along stone tracks and boardwalks. Take a moment at the summit of Black Mountain to admire the glorious views.

Start/finish Divis Coffee Barn, BT17 0NG

Distance 4 miles/6km

How hard is it? Moderate. There’s a tough climb to the trig point at the summit but there’s plenty of easier running, too.

The run Follow the trail from The Barn towards the Divis transmitter masts. Bear R onto a section of wooden boardwalk, shortly before reaching the mast. At the end of the boardwalk, turn R onto a gravel path towards the summit of Black Mountain, passing the Bobby Stone, to reach the trig point-topped summit (2 miles/3.2km). Follow the path as it leaves the ridge before reaching Black Hill and continues to weave its way back towards the Long Barn, crossing another stile and the Collin River (3 miles/4.8km). Turn L when you reach the access road to return to the Divis Coffee Barn.

More details including mapping here.