5 of the best running routes in Belfast

Steeped in history and blessed with a plethora of parks, Belfast is a city runner's haven.

If you're bored of trudging along in a soulless gym, hop off the treadmill and try one of these city runs.

Titanic 10k

Roughly ten kilometres, this route offers a fantastic whistle-stop tour of the city's Titanic quarter.

Starting at the Titanic Dock and Pump House, head along to Queen's Road and follow the thoroughfare southwest for roughly two kilometres past the Northern Island Science Centre and the Titanic Belfast Museum.

This run takes you past the striking Belfast Titanic Museum (Photo: Shutterstock)

Turn left along Sydenham Road and left again along Airport Road. When you reach Victoria Park perform a loop of the green space before returning via the route you came.

Distance: 10 kilometres

Ormeau Park 5k

This 5k takes you through the heart of one of the city's prettiest parks.

Starting at the entrance to the Ozone Complex start by running east and taking the second right past Ormeau Park playground.

Follow this path for nearly the length of the park, before taking a sharp second right. From here take the next two left turns and one final right. At this point you are running parallel to the River Lagan. Finish off your run by returning to the Ozone Complex.

Distance: 5 kilometres

Cave Hill Country Park

Those looking to challenge themselves with a cross-country run should try this run North of the city in the incomparable Cave Hill Country Park.

Start at the car park by Belfast Castle and face the car park's interpretive panel. Climb to your left before turning right at the first junction.

This run starts by Belfast Castle (Photo: Shutterstock)

Jog through the muddy woodlands and enjoy the ever improving views of the city, before taking a left and striding around the Devil's Punchbowl. Continue on this path and then take a left up a grassy path to McArt's Fort.

Join the main path down the southern slopes of the hill and take the next left before following a path until you reach Cavehill Road. From here turn left and nip to the car park where you started your jaunt.

Distance: 7.5 kilometres

Stormont

This 5k route takes you past the city's parliamentary buildings and the striking Stormont Castle.

Beginning at the Stormont Hotel, head north through the heart of the Stormont Estate and take a slight left towards the parliament building after roughly a kilometre.

Turn right and run the length of the country's parliament and stride past Stormont Castle.

Turn left then left again and run around the northern side of Knock Golf Course, before turning right along Ballyregan road and once more along Upper Newtownards Road. Finish by returning to the Stormont Hotel.

Distance: 5 kilometres

Botanic Gardens

This pocket-sized run takes you through the exquisitely verdant Botanic Gardens.

Starting at the Palm House follow a path east and take the first right before taking a slight left and running along the park's eastern perimeter. Continue to stick to the perimeter until you reach the Stranmills Embankment.

The Botanic Gardens are a peaceful retreat from the bustling city (Photo: Shutterstock)

Follow this for a couple of hundred metres before taking a sharp right turn nearly back on yourself. Follow the new path and run around the front of the Queen's Sport leisure centre heading northwest through the centre of the park before taking a left past the Ulster Museum and back to where you started.

Those looking to extend this run might consider joining it up with the Ormeau Park 5k.

Distance: 2.5 kilometres