Gruffalo Trail – Colin Glen
With each character magically recreated by sculptor Andrew McIntyre and set against the backdrop of a stunning forest park this family attraction is perfect for kids and kids at heart!
County Antrim
Distance 0.6 miles
OS Map Sheet 15 + Belfast Street Finder
Terrain Tarmac paths
Nearest Town Belfast
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference J284705
Route Type Forest, Parkland & Grassland, Riverside
The characters from the much loved picture book, The Gruffalo, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, have been brought to life along this trail at Colin Glen Forest Park in Belfast.
Each character has been magically recreated by sculptor Andrew McIntyre and is set against the backdrop of the forest park and the Colin River. From the car park, go through the Gruffalo Archway and follow the main path past Sky Trek and the red suspension bridge, keeping the Colin River on your right. You can then follow the Gruffalos footsteps to meet the silly old fox, owl and snake on the way to an amazing 8 foot tall Gruffalo – complete with knobbly knees, turned out toes and a poisonous wart on the end of his nose.
The trail will take approximately 20 mins to get to the Gruffalo (depending on how many photos and selfies you take at each sculpture) and then you can sit for a moment or two and take in the beauty of the forest next to the river, before a comfortable stroll back down to the visitors centre, where you can grab a nice cup of tea or coffee.
The experience is completely free so bring the family and enjoy one of Belfast’s most beautiful parks and rather than read the Gruffalo book (again!) come and live it.
Sculptures of the much loved characters from the Gruffalo
Car park at Colin Glen Visitor Centre – entrance signposted off the Stewartstown Road, Belfast.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs must be kept under control
Colin Glen Forest Park Centre – car parking, toilets, cafe and information, opening hours apply. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Café (wheelchair accessible) – Disabled parking – Disabled toilets
Grade 3
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 5cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 1m wide for its entire length.
- The path will not be steeper than 6° or have a cross slope of greater than 6°.
- There will not be any obstacles such as steps or stiles and surface breaks will be between 12mm and 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- There will be passing places at least every 150m and rest areas at least every 1km.
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Walk Route
Gruffalo Trail – Colin Glen
Wouldn’t recommend. Place is covered in dog poo , which was lovely to get covered in from my son’s shoes after having to lift him away from all the dogs being walked off lead – At one point one of them actually took something out of his hand. If the inconsiderate dog owners wasn’t bad enough, we even got treated to some second hand smoke from a couple of little rats’ joint as they walked past. If you are looking somewhere to go that you are having to drive to, there are far better places
I had a great autumnal walk here today with my family. The trail seems to have been restored following the reviews last year. There statues were in good condition and my toddler lived it.
Fantastic walk with the family. My – almost – 3 year old daughter absolutely loved it. It was long enough to feel like excellent value for money and short enough for the kids to walk the complete route. The character sculptures were in excellent condition, no graffiti or missing parts, and the trail itself was immaculate – no dog mess or litter. Extra special mention to Killeen the guide who was friendly, approachable and great with the kids. Wish they did more activities / trails involving the gruffalo!