Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

Hen, Cock and Pigeon Rock

Newry, Co Down
Hen, Cock and Pigeon Rock

Book Tickets Online

About

A circular route in the western Mournes giving a taster of views that can be experienced in the region. The walker will ascend Hen, Cock and Pigeon Rock Mountains using open mountain terrain before descending through a valley to the starting car park.

Start Point:
J233277

Finish Point:
J233277

Route:
Leave Sandbank Car Park and cross the Sandbank Road to Hen track, directly opposite. Follow Hen track up to the gate. After the stone wall follow the well worn track cross country to ascend Hen Mountain. From here there is no constructed path on the route until the Hen Track is rejoined later at the Rowan Tree River. At the summit, explore the impressive collection of tors popular with rock climbers. From the south tor descend south east before starting the steeper ascent up Cock Mountain. Ascend Cock Mountain from where there are impressive views of Spelga Dam Reservoir to the east. Descend Cock Mountain in a south south easterly direction to flatter ground which can be boggy, before ascending Pigeon Rock Mountain to meet Batts Wall at its summit. Follow Batts Wall initially in a south easterly direction and then in a south westerly direction to the col between Pigeon Rock Mountain and Slievemoughanmore, where you will meet the upper stretch of the Rowan Tree River. Follow the river to join Hen track. Follow the track back to Sandbank Road Car Park.

Distance:
5.9 miles

Terrain:
Loose surface tracks, open mount

Point of interest:
Hen Mountain, Cock Mountain, Pigeon Rock Mountain

Facilities:
Car park and picnic facilities available at Sandbank Road Car Park

Nearest town:
Hilltown

OS map:
29

Accessible terrain:
no

Accessible signage:
no

Book Tickets

Facilities

Provider Preferences

  • Free (parking charges may apply)

Map & Directions

What's Nearby

  1. Spelga Dam Reservoir sits in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, located approximately 10…

    2 miles away
  2. Goward Dolmen is situated approx 0.4km south of the B8 Castlewellan/Hilltown road on the…

    2.13 miles away
  3. "Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea" (Percy French) The popular song has…

    2.54 miles away
  4. The fertile land of County Down has been farming country for centuries. It was here that…

    5.66 miles away
  5. 'Cill Bhronaigh', or Bronagh’s Church (12th century), is located in the graveyard just…

    5.84 miles away
  6. The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is…

    6.08 miles away
  7. Kilbroney Park Forest features riverside walks and an arboretum. There is a two-mile…

    6.9 miles away
  8. Our play farm offers a huge indoor soft play area with four dragon slides and a massive…

    7.21 miles away
  9. Covering an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne mountains, Tollymore…

    7.43 miles away
  10. Castlewellan Forest Park boasts a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views,…

    8.14 miles away
  11. Castlewellan Peace Maze, is one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes representing…

    8.18 miles away
  12. Excellent example of a tower-house and bawn built about 1568 at a point where the Newry…

    8.49 miles away
  13. Bagenal’s Castle located in historic Newry is a 16th century fortified house and…

    9.15 miles away
  14. This is undoubtedly the most commanding building in Newry and is arguably the most…

    9.23 miles away
  15. Sand & pebble beach located on the south down coast.

    9.31 miles away
  16. Maghera Church and Round Tower is of major historical importance and is among many…

    9.41 miles away

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Road Directions

The walk starts at the Sandbank Road Car Park. To get here follow the Kilkeel Road out of Hilltown for 2.9 km, turn right at the Sandbank Road crossroads and continue for 1.4 km, Hen car park is on the right hand side.

Public Transport Directions

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss