Forest bathing at Colin Glen Forest Park

Colin Glen is a wooded river glen of about 200 acres on the western edge of Belfast, run by the Colin Glen Trust, a charity. Walkways follow the river through the trees, past small waterfalls, ponds and patches of grassland. It is one of the easiest places in the city to get properly under trees without driving far, and the glen floor feels a long way from the roads around it.

The River Entrance on Stewartstown Road is the one to use for the glen, with free parking, toilets and a café. The park also has a golf course, sports pitches, a Gruffalo Trail and other family activities near the leisure end, so it can be busy around the entrances at weekends and in school holidays. Walk upstream along the river and it soon quietens. Guided nature and heritage walks run from the River Entrance if you want an introduction first. Dogs are welcome. Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy after rain.