Glas na Bradan

Grade: Moderate, with a steady climb
Note this is Glas na Bradan Wood, which near Mallusk/Glengormley

Let's go to Glas na Bradan for some of the best views in the Belfast Hills!

We can either go up to the telegraph mast (4 miles linear) or continue on and do a circular walk through Colinward over to Ballyaghagan nature reserve to McArt's Fort and back to Glas na Bradan (5-6 miles).

Please take note of the meetup location. It's on the Hightown Road (not Upper Hightown Road). You can get directions straight from your home by clicking on the location in the map.

The walk will take us up through through the newly planted native woodland, fording a stream along the way. There's a cairn at the summit of Glas na Bradan with stunning panoramic views on a clear day of Divis and Black Mountain, the Mournes, Newtownards, Belfast Lough, Slemish and Lough Neagh.

At this point we can return the way we came, or we can continue along the path to Ballyaghagan. From there we'll walk over to the familiar track up Cave Hill and past the trig point back to Glas na Bradan.

There are some climbs, but it's very doable if we pace ourselves. Trainers are ok for the first section of the walk, after that it's proper walking/sturdy boots/shoes only, with sticks/walking poles recommended as it can be muddy with uneven surfaces in parts.

Options after the walk are to go the Crown and Shamrock for a hot chocolate, or I can bring the magic basket and have coffee and a chat at the cars.

Directions: Follow the link in the map to St Enda's GAC. For parking, there's no formal parking for this walk yet, so either park in the car park for St Enda's GAC (check when it closes) or in the lane outside. The entrance to Glas na Bradan is just up this lane.

Cost for guests and non members of this walk is £6. Members who have paid their yearly subscription of £20 pay £1.

My number is 07583 042962 if you are lost or late