Top 5 Lakes around Moneyscalp

The area around Moneyscalp offers several notable lakes. The Blue Lough is a popular mountain lake embedded in a wide trough valley. Another favorite is the sandy beach at Lough Shanna, offering a unique spot for relaxation high in the mountains. Additionally, the man-made **Silent Valley Reservoir** and **Ben Crom Reservoir** in the Mourne Mountains are renowned for their stunning scenery and recreational opportunities.

You'll find a diverse range of natural features. The Blue Lough is known for its impressive mountain setting. Lough Shanna features a surprising sandy beach. The **Silent Valley Reservoir** and **Ben Crom Reservoir** are nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Mourne Mountains, offering panoramic views of peaks like Slieve Binnian and Slieve Muck, serene waters, and varied wildlife.

Yes, there are extensive walking and hiking opportunities. At **Silent Valley Mountain Park**, you can find various routes, from easy, accessible trails like the 10.5 km Silent Valley Ben Crom Dam Walk to more challenging mountain hikes. The Heritage Trail explores historic landmarks, and the Nature Trail follows the old railway line for wildlife spotting. For more detailed hiking routes in the wider area, you can explore the Hiking around Moneyscalp guide.

Beyond walking and hiking, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on trails around lakes like the one near Castlewellan Castle. The **Silent Valley Mountain Park** also provides picnic spots and a children's play area. For more options, check out the Cycling around Moneyscalp guide and the MTB Trails around Moneyscalp guide.

The **Silent Valley Reservoir** is a significant visitor attraction in the Mourne Mountains, constructed between 1923 and 1933 to supply water to Belfast and County Down. It's known for its stunning scenery, the historic 22-mile-long Mourne Wall, and various walking routes. Facilities include a visitor center, coffee shop, and play area. It's generally accessible, with some trails suitable for wheelchairs and prams. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia.

**Ben Crom Reservoir** is another beautiful destination within the Silent Valley area, also supplying water to the region. It's typically reached by walking from the Silent Valley and is praised for its incredible vistas from atop the dam, offering panoramic views over the surrounding Mourne Mountains. It provides a tranquil atmosphere for hikers and families seeking peace in a mountain environment.

Yes, the area has historical significance. The **Silent Valley Reservoir** itself is an impressive feat of engineering, and its Heritage Trail explores landmarks related to its construction, including Watertown House and the Mourne Wall. You can also see the View of Castlewellan Castle, an ornate Scottish baronial castle built in the mid-1800s, visible from walking and cycling trails around the lake in Castlewellan Forest Park.

Many of the lakes and their surrounding areas are family-friendly. **Silent Valley Mountain Park** offers easy, accessible trails, a children's play area, and picnic spots. The area around Castlewellan Castle and the Castlewellan Peace Maze also provide family-friendly activities. The Castle Park Boating Pond in Newcastle offers swan boat rides, which are popular with families.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for walking and outdoor activities. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to the mountain landscapes. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit, especially if planning longer hikes in the Mourne Mountains.

Yes, vehicle access to **Silent Valley Mountain Park** is available via the main gates on Head Road, Kilkeel, with a charge payable at the entrance. For other lakes and trailheads, parking information is typically available on specific route descriptions or local signage.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The serene atmosphere of places like the Blue Lough and the panoramic views from **Silent Valley** and **Ben Crom Reservoirs** are often highlighted. The unique experience of finding a sandy beach at Lough Shanna high in the mountains is also a delight.

Yes, **Silent Valley Mountain Park** is generally accessible, with some trails suitable for wheelchair users and prams. The main path to Ben Crom Dam from Silent Valley is mostly flat and tarmac, making it an easier option for many visitors.