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Orienteering routes and eco-trails

Our parks contain a number of orienteering routes and eco-trails.

Orienteering routes

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport which involves walking or running, while navigating around a course using a detailed map and a compass.

The aim is to navigate in sequence between a set of control points and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace.

Orienteering can take place anywhere, from remote forests and countryside to urban parks and school playgrounds. It's a great sport for runners, joggers and walkers who want to improve their navigation skills or for anyone who loves the outdoors!

Any of our parks can be used for orienteering - for more information, call 028 9032 0202 (extension 6653).

We also have permanent orienteering trails suitable for all ages in Ormeau Park, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Barnett Demesne, Clement Wilson Park and Cave Hill Country Park

Trail maps are available to download from www.ecotrailsni.com or to purchase from Malone House (028 9068 1246) or Belfast Castle (028 9077 6925). They cost £1 each or 50p when more than ten are purchased.

Call us on 028 9032 0202 (extension 6653) for further details.

For more information about orienteering routes in Northern Ireland, visit the Northern Ireland Orienteering Association website

Eco-trails

Eco-trails use orienteering to give young people the chance to learn about the environment. By following an environmental trail, children and teenagers can find out more about their local, natural and built environment and have fun at the same time.

Eco-trails are located in Cave Hill Country Park, Ormeau Park, Clement Wilson Park and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park.

Special packs are available, priced at £5, from Malone House (028 9068 1246) or Belfast Castle (028 9077 6925).

Call us on 028 9032 0202 (extension 6653) for further details.

For more information about eco-trails in Northern Ireland, visit the Ecotrails website