Central Mournes

About

A circular route in the central Mournes taking in sites such as Annalong Wood, Slievelamagan, Ben Crom Reservoir, Cove Mountain and Annalong Valley, with views over the Irish Sea and to the Isle of Man.

Start Point:
J345219

Finish Point:
J345219

Route:
From Carricklittle car park, take the track leading up towards the mountains for 1km and cross the Mourne Wall using the stile/gate provided. Continue along the flat path for 1.8km keeping the Annalong Wood on your right. At the end of the wood, continue along the main path ascending towards the craggy outcrop of Percy Bysshe. This was used for bombing practice from off-shore ships during World War II. The path forks before this craggy outcrop, you should bear left passing the Blue Lough (on the right). Continue for another 500m to reach the col between Slieve Binnian and Slievelamagan (704m). You will see the path coming off Binnian on your left and a path leading up Slievelamagan on your right. Take this path to the right and continue to the col between Slievelamagan and Cove mountain. From here follow the path over Cove Mountain along the top of the crags. Continue along this path northwards to Slieve Beg passing the Devil's Coach Road. Care should be taken here, especially in windy conditions. At the col between Slieve Beg and Slieve Commedagh, where the path meets the Brandy Pad, you should continue cross-country in a southerly direction for 250m to pick up the path that follows the Annalong River. Continue down this path for 3.25km, until you reach the wall at the northern end of the Annalong Wood. Follow the wall up to where it meets the main Carricklittle track again and retrace your steps back to the car park.

Distance:
9.9 miles

Terrain:
Unsurfaced mountain paths

Point of interest:
Annalong Wood, Blue Lough, Slievelamagan, Cove Mountain, Slieve Beg, Annalong River

Facilities:
Car park available at Carricklittle.

Nearest town:
Hilltown

OS map:
29

Accessible terrain:
no

Accessible signage:
no