Cycle NI - Your definitive guide to cycling in Northern Ireland

Victoria Park

This circular walk follows the edge of the lake, one of the park’s biggest attractions is its lake.

The lake is home to a range of water birds such as swans, geese, ducks, herons and migrant waders. Some of the waders have also been recorded in the Baltic Sea and Scandinavia.

Due to its rich variety of wildlife, the open water in Victoria Park is part of the Belfast Lough ASSI (Area of Special Scientific Interest) project.

A poetry trail, which features ten nature-themed poems written by local primary school pupils and etched onto metal plaques, also provides a pleasant route around the park

County

Down

Distance

1 mile

Nearest Town

Belfast

OS Map

Route Type

Parkland and Grassland

Route Shape

Circular

AONB

Other Area

Grid Ref (Start)

J357742

Public Roads

Off Public Road

Grid Ref (End)

J357742

Terrain

Surfaced paths with the option of grass paths

Point of Interest

Connswater River - the tributaries of which rise in the Castlereagh and Holywood Hills and meet to form the Connswater River running through east Belfast. The lower part of the river is a tidal estuary which supports rich birdlife.
Samson & Goliath, famous twin cranes of the Harland & Wolff shipyard.

Route Description

There are two possible circuits of the park, an inner and outer loop around the lake.

The outer loop path begins at the car park alongside the lake. As you face the lake, follow the path to the right.

Continue along the path past the bowling green, a small rose garden, the children’s playground and a BMX track. Follow this path round to your left.

Further on the path runs along an embankment between the lake and Connswater River. Across the river are the Short’s aircraft factories, which in turn are overshadowed by Samson and Goliath. Continue round the lake to the starting point.

To cycle the inner loop, return to the car park, cross the footbridge over the lake and turn right. The mown path meanders through the trees, again following the line of the lake.

Getting to the Start

By Bike:
Access just off route 99 signposted from Holywood Arches along Connswater walkway.
By Bus:
metro services 3, Inverary Avenue
By Car:
Signposted from Holywood Road and Connsbrook Ave, East Belfast. Car parking in the park via the underpass.