Area: Co Antrim.
Distance: 0.6 miles Linear (one way).
Map: Sheet 15 of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discoverer Series available from Land & Property Services osni.gov.uk or nidirect.gov.uk/map-shop-information.
Nearest town to start: Belfast.
Facilities: Toilet and café facilities available in the visitors centre.
Developed By: Colin Glen Trust.
Terrain: Uneven woodland trail.
Walk Description: If you go down to Colin Glen Woods, you're sure of a big surprise, as characters from Children's book The Gruffalo come to life along this brand new trail.
Set against the backdrop of the stunning forest park, this family attraction, based on the much loved book by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler is sure to ignite the imagination of kids (and parents) this winter. From entering through the Gruffalo Archway, to a beautiful Gruffalo-themed seating area next to the cascading Colin River, your children will be amazed at meeting their favourite characters recreated by sculptor Andrew McIntyre.
From the car park go through the pedestrian gate into the park and follow the main path past the red suspension bridge, keeping the Colin river on your right. Soon you will reach the Gruffalo Archway from which you can follow his way-marker footsteps to meet the silly old fox, owl and snake on the way to an amazing 8ft-tall Gruffalo, complete with knobbly knees, turned-out toes and a poisonous wart on the end of his nose.
The trail will take about 20 mins to get to the Gruffalo (depending on how many photos and selfies you take at each sculpture) where you can sit for a moment or two and take in the beauty of the forest. Enjoy the comfortable stroll back down to the visitors centre, returning the way you came to enjoy a 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 (again!), come and live it.
:: Responsible Walking: Please remember to practice the principles of 'Leave No Trace' when enjoying the outdoors in order to minimise your impact on the environment. For more information, visit leavenotraceireland.org.
:: This information has been provided by WalkNI.com in association with The Irish News. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information. However, neither WalkNI.com nor The Irish News can accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Where such are brought to our attention, the information for future publications will be amended accordingly.
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