J3671 : Cregagh Glen entrance, Belfast - June 2014(1)
taken 10 years ago, 4 km SE of Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland
A small wooded glen, with steep/very steep paths, on the banks of the Cregagh River, off the Upper Knockbreda Road. Part of it is owned by the National Trust. It forms part of the Connswater Greenway project where it's due to receive new footbridges and improvements to the paths and entrance.
The National Trust also owns Lisnabreeny which it describes as "Lisnabreeny takes in wooded glen, estate and green field to the summit of the Castlereagh hills on the edge of east Belfast. The path hugs the sides of Cregagh glen . . . Near the top of the glen, pause a moment at the memorial marking a temporary graveyard for American servicemen during the second world war . . . Futher [sic] up into the hills and open countryside, take in the view from the Mournes to Scrabo. Atop the hill is the rath that gives the area its name, an ancient fortified homestead encircled with trees."
There is a small car park on the Lisnabreeny Road.
A major project involving a neglected river running through east Belfast. Officially described as: “The Connswater Community Greenway is a £32 million investment in East Belfast. The project has been developed by the East Belfast Partnership and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Belfast City Council and the Department for Social Development.
The Connswater Community Greenway will create a 9km [5½ miles] linear park through East Belfast, following the course of the Connswater, Knock and Loop Rivers, connecting the open and green spaces and remediating the Connswater River itself. The Greenway will reconnect the communities of East Belfast and restore the rivers as community assets. It will create vibrant, attractive, safe and accessible parkland for leisure, recreation and community events and activities”.
An announcement, on 2 July 2013, included the following “Summer 2013 construction of the first phase of the Connswater Community Greenway Project will begin with work taking place in Orangefield and Victoria Parks. One of the key elements of work in Victoria Park is a new bridge link from Victoria Park to Airport Road”.
An official press release dated 19 August 2014 contains the following: “The final phase of the Connswater Community Greenway will begin later this year and will include; a C.S. Lewis themed public square at Holywood Arches, public art, new play areas, improvements to the rivers, flood defences, lighting, benches, landscaping, planting and 13kms of new paths for walking and cycling.”
This is the link to the official Connswater Greenway website Link