Highlight • Viewpoint
Slieve Meelbeg summit
Hiking
5.0
(16)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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May 2, 2023
Hiking
August 27, 2025
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Slieve Meelbeg summit
4.8
(34)
124
hikers
9.39km
03:10
490m
490m
Embark on the Slieve Loughshannagh, Meelbeg and Meelmore loop for a challenging hike through the Mourne Mountains. This moderate 5.8-mile (9.4 km) circular route involves a significant 1602 feet (488 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 9 minutes to complete. You will traverse unsurfaced tracks and mountain paths, encountering sections of uneven ground and open mountainside. Expect sustained steep climbs and descents, with rocky sections, especially on the way down from Spellack to the Mourne Way. From the summit of Slieve Loughshannagh, you can enjoy wide views over Silent Valley and Slieve Binnian, while Slieve Meelbeg offers fantastic vistas of Bearnagh and Donard. The route also passes by the attractive Fofanny Dam.
This loop is generally considered a moderate to hard hike, requiring good fitness due to the significant physical effort involved in its sustained steep climbs and descents. The trail typically starts and ends at Ott Car Park, which provides convenient access for hikers. Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the varied terrain, which includes sections where paths can be indistinct or non-existent, particularly between Meelmore and Spellack. Always be prepared for mountain conditions and ensure you have good navigation skills.
What sets this trail apart is its journey across three prominent peaks: Slieve Loughshannagh, Slieve Meelbeg, and Slieve Meelmore, which is the seventh highest in the range. A significant feature you will encounter is the iconic Mourne Wall, a 35-kilometer dry-stone wall that crosses 15 summits and often serves as a navigational aid. The route offers diverse scenic points, from the peaceful feel of Slieve Loughshannagh to the panoramic views from Meelbeg and Meelmore, encompassing other major Mourne peaks, reservoirs, and loughs.
4.5
(2)
30
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.
4.9
(8)
55
hikers
8.01km
02:46
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Elevation 680 m
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