Top 11 Lakes in Mourne Aonb

Visitors frequently enjoy the serene beauty of Silent Valley Reservoir, known for its impressive engineering and peaceful walks. Another favorite is Blue Lough, offering a tranquil spot to appreciate the natural surroundings. For a unique experience, many head to Sandy beach at Lough Shanna, a small sandy beach nestled high in the mountains.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Silent Valley Reservoir is an excellent choice, featuring woodland walks, a children's play area, and an exhibition centre. The Silent Valley Duck Pond also has picnic benches and a kids' play park, making it a pleasant spot for families.

The lakes in the Mourne AONB are set amidst rugged terrain, granite peaks, and heathered slopes. You'll find impressive mountain scenery, such as around Silent Valley Reservoir and Ben Crom Reservoir. Lough Shannagh, known as the 'Lake of the Foxes,' offers a wilderness experience with its natural mountain lough and views from nearby Doan mountain.

Yes, the region has a rich heritage. Silent Valley Reservoir itself is a significant engineering feat, with its Victorian-style dam and the impressive 22-mile-long Mourne Wall. Near Lough Shannagh, you can find historical aspects like abandoned cottage ruins and 'famine fields,' offering a glimpse into the area's past. Additionally, you can view Castlewellan Castle overlooking a lake, though it's not open to the public.

The area around the lakes is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, from easy strolls to challenging mountain hikes. For example, explore routes like the 'Lakeside Walk' or 'Tollymore Forest River Trail' mentioned in the Easy hikes in Mourne Aonb guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as the 'Castlewellan MTB Trails' detailed in the MTB Trails in Mourne Aonb guide. Fishing is also possible at lakes like Camlough Lake.

Yes, both Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs offer walking opportunities. At Silent Valley Reservoir, you can enjoy woodland walks and well-maintained paths. Further up the Kilkeel River valley, the Ben Crom Dam Walk is a popular 10km trail that takes visitors to Ben Crom Reservoir, passing the exit of the Binnian Tunnel.

The Mourne AONB lakes offer beauty year-round, but spring and summer provide the most pleasant weather for walking and outdoor activities, with vibrant greenery and blooming heather. Autumn brings stunning colors to the landscape. While winter can be beautiful, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially challenging conditions on higher trails.

Yes, parking is generally available at the more accessible lakes and reservoirs. Silent Valley Reservoir has visitor parking, and Spelga Dam offers a car park that provides a stunning lookout over the reservoir. For more remote loughs like Lough Shannagh, access might require parking further away and walking in.

Yes, Silent Valley Reservoir has a coffee shop on its grounds, providing refreshments for visitors. For other lakes, especially those in more remote mountain settings, it's advisable to bring your own provisions for picnics, such as at Spelga Dam or Sandy beach at Lough Shanna.

Lough Shannagh, also known as the 'Lake of the Foxes,' stands out as a natural mountain lough offering a true wilderness experience. Unlike the larger reservoirs, its terrain is often unsurfaced and hilly, providing a more rugged adventure. It features a small gravel beach, perfect for picnics, and walks to the lough cross the historic Mourne Wall, offering superb views, especially from nearby Doan mountain.

Visitors consistently praise the tranquil atmosphere and impressive natural beauty. Many appreciate the blend of natural landscapes with significant engineering feats like the dams and the Mourne Wall. The opportunity for peaceful walks, stunning viewpoints, and the chance to pause and enjoy the scenery, as described for Blue Lough, are frequently highlighted.