View of the Mourne Mountains
View of the Mourne Mountains
Highlight • Natural Monument
View of the Mourne Mountains
Hiking
5.0
(130)
Running
5.0
(3)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
November 17, 2020
Hiking
•
October 20, 2023
Running
December 15, 2023
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near View of the Mourne Mountains
4.9
(16)
172
hikers
8.06km
02:17
180m
180m
Embark on a moderate hiking adventure to Blue Lough from Carrick Little, a route that spans 5.0 miles (8.1 km) and involves a total elevation gain of 599 feet (183 metres). You can expect to complete this journey in approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. As you hike, you will traverse open heathland, enjoying expansive views of the Mourne Mountains, including the striking peaks of Slieve Lamagan and Slieve Binnian. The trail culminates at the tranquil Blue Lough, offering a peaceful spot to pause and appreciate the wilderness.
To begin your hike, head to the Carrick Little car park, which provides convenient access to the starting point of the route. While the path is generally well-defined, be aware that certain sections, particularly those near Annalong Wood, can become boggy. For this reason, wearing sturdy boots is highly recommended, especially if you plan your visit after periods of rain. Planning ahead ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience on the trail.
This route offers a unique opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Mourne Mountains. Along your journey, you will encounter the historic Mourne Wall, a significant landmark that winds its way across the landscape. The serene Blue Lough itself provides a sense of remote wilderness, making it an ideal destination if you are seeking a quiet escape into nature. It is a rewarding hike for anyone looking to explore the natural heritage of the region.
4.7
(7)
32
hikers
19.4km
07:19
1,300m
1,300m
This difficult 12.0-mile (19.4 km) loop through the Mourne Mountains takes you over Slieve Binnian, Slieve Lamagan, and Slieve Donard, requiring about 7 hours and 18 minutes to complete. You will gain 4249 feet (1295 metres) in elevation, traversing diverse and demanding terrain. Expect to scramble over granite boulders on Slieve Binnian, known for its distinctive rocky tors like the Back Castles. The route offers panoramic views, including vistas down to the Silent Valley Reservoir and across the Irish Sea from Slieve Donard's summit. You will encounter heather, granite outcrops, and the historic Mourne Wall guiding your way.
This challenging loop demands a very good level of fitness and experience. You should be prepared for sustained steep climbs and descents, along with rough and uneven terrain. Given the potential for challenging weather conditions, sturdy footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing are essential. Make sure you have strong navigation skills, as paths on Slieve Lamagan can become indistinct. Carry sufficient supplies for the 7-hour and 18-minute duration.
This loop is notable for combining three iconic Mourne peaks, including Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest mountain, and Slieve Binnian, which offers some of the best views in the region. The historic Mourne Wall, a 31-kilometer dry-stone wall built over nearly 20 years, serves as a significant landmark and navigational aid across parts of the trail. You will experience diverse landscapes, from rocky tors and granite outcrops to views of loughs and reservoirs. Completing this physically demanding route offers immense satisfaction and a true sense of accomplishment.
5.0
(1)
33
hikers
34.7km
12:53
2,220m
2,230m
The Mourne Wall Challenge offers a highly demanding hiking experience through Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains. This difficult route spans 21.6 miles (34.7 km) and involves an impressive 7300 feet (2225 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 12 hours and 52 minutes to complete. You will traverse rough, uneven terrain with sustained steep climbs and descents, often scrambling over rock faces on peaks like Slieve Binnian and Slieve Bearnagh, all while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and reservoirs.
This very strenuous challenge requires a high level of fitness and experience. Given the demanding nature of the terrain and the potential for erosion, it is often recommended that groups keep their size to no more than 12 people. Always check local conditions and weather forecasts before you set out, as the mountain environment can change rapidly. Proper navigation skills are essential, though the wall itself can serve as a crucial aid in remote sections.
The Mourne Wall Challenge is notable for tracing the historic Mourne Wall, an impressive dry-stone structure built between 1904 and 1922 to protect Belfast's water supply. This engineering feat winds over numerous mountain summits, including Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak, making the route a significant physical and mental test. The dramatic landscapes of the Mournes, including the wall itself, are said to have inspired C.S. Lewis's Narnia books.
Details
Informations
Elevation 230 m
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Wednesday 6 May
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