9.2 miles
Linear
Very Strenuous
Reservoir Views
A strenuous linear walk linking the south Mournes to Newcastle via Slieve Binnian, Slievemalagan and the Glen River. Impressive views of Silent Valley Reservoir can be enjoyed from Slieve Binnian and of Ben Crom Reservoir from Slievelamagan, both of which supply Belfast with piped water.
TRAIL INFORMATION
From Carricklittle car park, take the track northwards for 1km and cross the Mourne Wall using the stile/gate provided. After a short distance leave the track and continue along the Mourne Wall for 2km ascending the eastern slope of Slieve Binnian (747m). This section starts off gently sloping before ascending steeply to the summit tor. Descend Slieve Binnian northwards using the line of the tors, passing the Back Castles. Continue along this well eroded path for 2 km passing the north tor and descending steeply northwards to the col with Slievelamagan. Continue straight ahead to ascend Slievelamagan (704m). Continue northwards on the well worn path, 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. The path meets the Brandy Pad 0.5 km after this point. Continue in an easterly direction along the Brandy Pad passing under the craggy outcrops of The Castles on the left. At the end of the Castles veer left and ascend to the col between Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard. Cross the Mourne Wall using the stile provided. Follow the Glen River Path downhill for 4km. The well trodden path parallels the Glen River first in the valley floor and then through Donard Wood to the Donard car park in Newcastle, where the route ends.
Another option to include within your route would be to summit Slieve Donard. After following the Brandy Pad past The Castles, instead of crossing the wall and continuing down the Glen River Valley towards Newcastle, turn right at the wall and summit Slieve Donard. Descend the same way and follow the Glen River Path towards Newcastle as above.
TRAIL INFORMATION
From Carricklittle car park, take the track northwards for 1km and cross the Mourne Wall using the stile/gate provided. After a short distance leave the track and continue along the Mourne Wall for 2km ascending the eastern slope of Slieve Binnian (747m). This section starts off gently sloping before ascending steeply to the summit tor. Descend Slieve Binnian northwards using the line of the tors, passing the Back Castles. Continue along this well eroded path for 2 km passing the north tor and descending steeply northwards to the col with Slievelamagan. Continue straight ahead to ascend Slievelamagan (704m). Continue northwards on the well worn path, 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. The path meets the Brandy Pad 0.5 km after this point. Continue in an easterly direction along the Brandy Pad passing under the craggy outcrops of The Castles on the left. At the end of the Castles veer left and ascend to the col between Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard. Cross the Mourne Wall using the stile provided. Follow the Glen River Path downhill for 4km. The well trodden path parallels the Glen River first in the valley floor and then through Donard Wood to the Donard car park in Newcastle, where the route ends.
Another option to include within your route would be to summit Slieve Donard. After following the Brandy Pad past The Castles, instead of crossing the wall and continuing down the Glen River Valley towards Newcastle, turn right at the wall and summit Slieve Donard. Descend the same way and follow the Glen River Path towards Newcastle as above.
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest The Mourne Wall, Slieve Binnian, Cove Mountain, Slieve Beg, The Devils Coachroad, The Castles, the Glen River.
- Facilities Car park available at Carricklittle and Donard Park in Newcastle. Toilet facilities also available in Donard Park. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Disabled toilets – (Newcastle) – Disabled parking – (Newcastle)
- Dog Policy Dogs must be kept on leads
- Accessibility Information
Accessibility Grade: Grade 5 Terrain: Uneven mountain paths Toilet Facility: No Signage: No - Getting to the Start The walk starts at Carricklittle car park. To get here follow the Moneydarragh Road out of Annalong for 1.3 km, continue straight on at the crossroads on the Oldtown Road for 2.4 km, Carricklittle car park is at the end of the Oldtown Road.
- Public Transport Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
- Trail Grade Very Strenuous TRAIL GRADE DISCLAIMER
The trail grades shown on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com are based on desk-based assessments of available trail information. The categories—Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Very Strenuous—follow the Sustainable Trails Development Guide grading system.
These grades are provided as a general guide to help users choose trails that may be suitable for them. They are not a substitute for official, on-site grading or safety information provided by the relevant land manager, which may differ from the information on these websites.
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Conditions on trails can change, and the actual environment may differ from what is described online. Users should always exercise their own judgment, take appropriate precautions, and remain responsible for their own safety and conduct at all times.
All information provided on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com is intended as a guide only and should be used alongside your own experience, awareness, and careful decision-making.
These are demanding routes, often undefined and on continuously difficult terrain in remote and rugged environments. Expect challenging, natural obstacles such as stream crossings without bridges, rock scrambles and narrow, overgrown sections.
