Slievenacloy at sunset

Grade: Easy

The forecast looks good for Thursday evening, so let's go to Slievenacloy Nature Reserve, the southernmost of the Belfast Hills. Looking forward to seeing you all there, it's stunning on a clear day.

The site contains lots of heathland flowers, orchids, bats, bees, butterflies, moths and birds. It also has stunning views of Divis and Black Mountain, Lough Neagh, the Mournes and also right out to Newtownards. Parking will be on site. You'll see me at the gate.

Slievenacloy is part of the Belfast Hills and is situated at the southern (Lisburn) end of the hills. At the site is an old farmhouse and the remains are still there as well as another house and a stone earthen ring.

🧥🥾Bring a fleece as it is always pretty cool and breezy up there.
Sturdy walking boots/shoes only please.

🧺🥗🥖The tables in the old orchard are a beautiful spot for a picnic. I'll bring the "magic basket" for tea and coffee after the walk. I'll also bring some food for a picnic. Feel free to bring your own picnic supper, if you prefer.

See 'About' for full membership and guidelines info. Price is the usual £1 for members and £6 for guests and non-members.

🚗Directions: The best way to get to our locations is to use Google Maps on your smartphone. There is a map pin with the location name beside it under the day of the event. Just click the location.

Old money directions: By car - Leave M1 at Junction 3. Turn right off slip road under M1 bridge to the end of Blacks Road. At T junction turn left. After 50 metres turn right at traffic lights onto Suffolk Road. At end of the road turn left onto the Glen Road. After 2.5 miles turn right just before Colin Glen Road filling station onto Ballycolin Road and proceed along this road for about 0.4 miles and then turn left onto Flowbog Road. Drive along this road for 0.7 miles until you get to the gate on the right with a farm leading up from it. (Ulster Wildlife sign on the gate, my blue car will be parked there)

👍🏻If you need a lift, post up the general area you're coming from (not your home address!) and hopefully someone can help out. Please give the driver something towards the petrol, suggested is £3-£5 please. We ask that all drivers and passengers respect this to keep things fair.

📞Contact Maria on 07583-042962 (please only use if you're lost or late on the day).