Cave Hill

Cave Hill rises to 368 metres on the northern edge of Belfast, a basalt escarpment whose southern profile, seen from the city, resembles a reclining human face and nose; it is known locally as Napoleon's Nose, and the tradition that Jonathan Swift, who lived nearby at Lisburn, took it as the image of a sleeping giant for Gulliver's Travels is often repeated though not documented. McArt's Fort at the summit is an Iron Age promontory fort defended by a single ditch, with the cliff doing the rest. Five caves are cut into the basalt face, artificial rather than natural, probably worked for iron ore or as shelters. Belfast Castle, a Scots baronial house of 1870, sits on the lower slope with gardens and a cat mosaic tradition. The view takes in the whole city, the lough and, on clear days, Scotland.

What's there

• Napoleon's Nose - a cliff profile reading as a reclining face from the city.
• McArt's Fort - an Iron Age promontory fort at the 368-metre summit.
• The five caves - artificial cuttings in the basalt face.
• Belfast Castle - an 1870 baronial house with gardens on the lower slope.

When to go

April to October for the walking; clear days give the view across the lough to Scotland. The paths are muddy in wet weather and the summit is exposed. The country park is open year-round and free.

Good to know

The climb to the summit gains around three hundred metres and is steep in places. The caves are not safely accessible and approaching them involves loose ground above a drop. Paths are eroded and can be very wet.

Nearby

Belfast city centre is below; the Antrim coast road begins north.