Much of the infrastructure of those days remains intact, including many locks, with traditional lock-keepers’ cottages. Most impressive are a set of four and a passing chamber at the end of the route in Lisburn. Many choose to walk the River Lagan towpath from Stranmillis Embankment, past the popular Shaw’s Bridge, and on to Lisburn then catch one of the frequent service bus or trains back to Belfast. The tarmac paved path can be joined at numerous points and some choose to dip in to shorter sections. Wherever you join the path, you’ll be able to see the old dual-waterway system, devised in the 1700s, at work with the steepest parts of river bypassed by sections of canal and a series of locks. Barges and boats would divert onto canals wherever the river flow was too steep, and the locks allowed them to negotiate the different water levels in safety. The river and canal have been largely preserved in their natural state, with abundant wildlife. Otters, kingfishers and waterfowl are all river residents. The Lagan Valley Regional Park, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), includes the formerly private estate, Barnett demesne. Popular for casual walking and orienteering, Barnett demesne is reached by a trail leading up from the towpath. The demesne was landscaped during the 1830’s and still retains much of the estate character. The demesne includes Malone House, a Georgian Manor (circa 1820), now managed by Belfast City Council as a function centre with a restaurant, bar and gallery open to the public. The woodlands in Barnett Park are mainly mature oak and beech. In spring an early walk can be greeted by a dawn chorus of migrant warblers, such as chiff-chaff and black cap. There are also 11 acres of meadows, with more than 70 species of wild flowers.