Walk marks ‘new era’ for mountain
The mountain offers stunning views of Belfast and beyond
Walkers on Belfast’s Black Mountain are to be offered a glimpse of other worlds - stretching back to the Stone Age.
The Belfast Hills Partnership is to run a “Walking and Talking in the Hills” event on Wednesday.
Terry Enright will trace the mountain’s history from the Mountain Loney to Hatchet Field and Rock Dam.
The walk is free and walkers are asked to meet at 1100 BST at Newhill Youth and Community Centre, Whiterock Road in west Belfast.
This walk marks a ‘rebirth’ for the mountain, which was bought, cared for and opened to the people of Northern Ireland by the National Trust.
As well as the history of this area, there will be opportunities to see and hear about the wildlife that is special to the hills.
The walk is one of a series of events organised by the BHP - a united front representing local councils, government departments, community groups, nature conservation organisations and businesses.
They are all committed to caring for the Belfast hills and their people.
A month ago, the National Trust opened 1,500 acres of moor and heath land to the public.
The hills will be opened up to walkers and sightseers
The trust bought Divis and the Black Mountain last November from the Ministry of Defence.
The trust worked for eight months to secure the property, protect the natural habitat of this unique landscape and provide open access for all.
More than 200 volunteers from the public, private and voluntary sectors were also involved in the work to make the mountains a place for everyone to enjoy.
The National Trust’s aim is to attract 20,000 to 30,000 visitors a year.
