The Mournes Activity Map | Weather-Resistant | Includes Slieve Croob | Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland | OSNI 1:25,000 Scale Series | Northern Ireland | Walks | Hiking | Maps | Adventure

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The Mourne Mountains have a varied and complex character which means you can walk there for a lifetime and still discover new places, yet compact enough to allow you to climb many mountains in a single day. This pleasant spot where the path crosses the small fast stream which exits the Blue Lough, provides an opportunity to appreciate the view North East to Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. Visit Mourne’s urban centres and rural townlands are spread throughout our mountains, forests and lakes. It is designed to give an informative insight into walking in one of Northern Ireland’s most renowned areas of outstanding natural beauty. Patrick once stood and stand in wonder at the striking landscape where legend says he banished snakes from the island of Ireland.

Mournes 1:25000 Activity Map Jackson OS Northern Ireland The Mournes 1:25000 Activity Map Jackson

Above 200m poor soils, low temperatures, high rainfall and a short growing season combine to produce a harsh climate for plant growth. While steep and challenging in places, the route is reasonably straightforward and should suit everyone from casual walkers to seasoned hikers. If you don’t see something that suits, choose from our range of Guiding, Instruction, Shuttles, Centre and Event Support as you require and we’ll create your bespoke ‘Plod Package’. The Mourne Mountains are a granite mountain range in County Down in the southeast of Northern Ireland, is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and has been proposed as the first National Park in Northern Ireland.Completed in 1922, it took over 18 years to complete with many skilled locals seasonally employed to build this stone wall which still stands up to 8ft high and 3ft wide. All trips range in level and duration to suit a mix of age and ability and are fully staffed by local and passionate Guides, supported by our range of equipment, shuttles etc.

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The Mournes' coastal scenery has been shaped by the interaction of the sea with the land, by fluctuating sea levels and by erosion and deposition. The earliest farmers began the laborious process of clearing the land of its Ice Age legacy of countless granite boulders. This is a royal castle, built in the mid 13th century as part of the coastal chain guaranteeing a safe passage between Dublin and the north. The Mourne Wall crosses fifteen of the summits and was built to enclose the catchment basin of the Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs.

Its actual job is to supply most of the water for County Down and Belfast, but who knew it would be this pretty? Please be aware – although, there are numerous walking routes in the Mournes, the majority of these popular walks are not formally designated public rights of way. It's a landmark of international importance, its 12 peaks have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and with miles of footpaths to explore, there's plenty to see and do. Make sure to wear sturdy walking boots and don’t forget to bring snacks, water and a fully charged phone on this long walk.

The Mourne Mountains: Walks, Maps + 2023 Info

Due to its location at the centre of the range, the Slieve Doan walk offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Mournes from all directions. Below, you’ll find Northern Ireland’s highest mountain, outstanding views and trails that’ll imprint themselves upon your mind forever more! We recommend the trail to the summit that goes via the Glen River, and make sure to pack a pair of sturdy walking boots and a decent supply of food and water. I have done this walk on misty August days when the mountains were hidden behind a wall of fog; it adds an atmospheric angle to the obligatory dip in the lough.

In a survey of leisure visitors, 79% were found to come from Northern Ireland, 15% from elsewhere in the British Isles or Republic of Ireland, and 5–6% were international visitors. The western Mournes are much quieter than their eastern counterparts and walkers who prefer a quieter, more reflective hike will be at home here. Whether it is the deep blue of the Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs, the Blue Lough below or Loughshannagh across to the west, the majesty of the Binnian Tors and the rough granite terrain of Slieve Lamagan beyond or the more benign but tortuously steep grassy slopes of Donald as the vista stop, this is where you want to be to to have someone show you the walking in the high Mournes rather than just have them explained with a map. The taller mound, the motte, was built of earth to provide a look-out position and the central defence.

5 Walks in the Mournes - WalkNI Top 5 Walks in the Mournes - WalkNI

Short Walks In Northern Ireland Stay on ‘The Right Side of Outside’ The Right Way to Hike Top 5 Walks in the Mournes Top Buggy Walks in Northern Ireland Top Mindful Walks in Northern Ireland Top Picnic Spots in Northern Ireland Tracks And Trails visit Co. Believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland, stay in Killyleagh Castle and sleep in one of the stone turrets. The Mournes are one of the most breathtaking spots in the whole of Northern Ireland and are officially recognised as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.This fantastic circular walking route follows the Mourne Wall to the summit of Slieve Binnian (747m), traverses between the spectacular South and North Tors before descending along a track past the Blue Lough, Annalong Forest and back to the car park. Those peaks that are topped by granite tors are well worth a visit, in particular Slieve Binnian whose long summit plateau is interrupted by a series of dazzling rock forms and Slieve Bearnagh, where the summit tors are a challenge for experienced climbers and a delight for enthusiastic photographers. The Trassey Track is the end of a path known as the Brandy Pad, which crosses the heart of the Mournes and meets the coast just south of Slieve Donard.