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.
Description
Start : The walk starts at Carricklittle car park (BT34 4RW) at the end of the Oldtown Road at the junction with Head Road (C313).
(S/E) From Carricklittle car park, take the track (North-East) leading up towards the mountains for 1 Km and cross the Mourne Wall using the stile/gate provided.
(1) Continue along the flat path for 1.8 Km keeping the Annalong Wood on your right. (A)
(2) 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.
(3) The path forks before this craggy outcrop, you should bear left.
(4) Passthe Blue Lough (on the right) and 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.
(5) Take this path to the right (North-East). Continue to the col between Slievelamagan and Cove mountain.
(6) From here follow the path over Cove Mountain along the top of the crags.
(7) Continue along this path Northwards to Slieve Beg passing the Devil’s Coach Road.
(8) Care should be taken here, especially in windy conditions. At the col between Slieve Beg and Slieve Commedagh the path meets the Brandy Pad.
(9) Turn right (East). Walk for 250m to pick up the path that follows the Annalong River.
(10) Continue down this path, cross-country in a Southerly direction for 3.25km, until you reach the wall at the northern end of the Annalong Wood.
(11) Follow the wall up South-West, to where it meets the main Carricklittle track again at waypoint (2). Retrace your steps back to the car park. (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 156 m - Carricklittle car park
- 1 : km 1.33 - alt. 235 m - Mourne Wall - Flat path
- 2 : km 2.85 - alt. 253 m - End of Annalong Wood - Annalong Forest
- 3 : km 3.36 - alt. 287 m - Fork - Bear left
- 4 : km 3.93 - alt. 332 m - Blue Lough (on the right)
- 5 : km 4.8 - alt. 395 m - Path to Slievelamagan (right)
- 6 : km 6.55 - alt. 556 m - Col between Slievelamagan and Cove mountain
- 7 : km 7.43 - alt. 625 m - Cove mountain
- 8 : km 8.28 - alt. 576 m - Slieve Beg
- 9 : km 8.65 - alt. 549 m - Brandy Pad
- 10 : km 8.81 - alt. 527 m - Path along the Annalong River (right)
- 11 : km 12.45 - alt. 189 m - Wall
- S/E : km 15.95 - alt. 156 m - Carricklittle car park
Useful Information
Start : The walk starts at Carricklittle car park (BT34 4RW) at the end of the Oldtown Road at the junction with Head Road (C313).
Driving to 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 at the junction with Head Road (C313).
Terrain : Unsurfaced mountain paths
Public Transport : Translink
Dog Policy : Dogs must be kept on leads
Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
(A) Annalong forest : Annalong Forest is located near the village of Annalong in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is made up of two sections: Annalong Wood and Silent Valley. The forest consists of various species of conifer. It is part of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There have been two major forest fires in the area since 2011. One, which started on 30 April 2011, required 10 fire engines to extinguish and caused the temporary closure of several roads. Another, on 24 April 2010, destroyed approximately 50 hectares of gorse and was believed to have been started deliberately.
