Refine your search for walks in Slieve Donard
Slieve Donard walks
Slieve Donard, Commedagh and Bearnagh Trail
Tourist office
10.97 mi
+4,101 ft
-4,081 ft
8h 35
Difficult
Departure from Down
This is a strenuous and challenging walk with some steep ascents, but it is certainly worth it. The walk takes in three of the four highest peaks in the Mourne Mountains (Slieve Donard 853m, Slieve Commedagh 765m, Slieve Bearnagh 739m) and also the Brandy Pad – the well-trodden and infamous smugglers track. The walk gives wonderful views to the Irish Sea and to the heart of the High Mournes.
Slieve Donard (from bloody bridge) - Newcastle
6.58 mi
+2,720 ft
-2,700 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Newry and Mourne
This walk begins in the Bloody Bridge car park (on the coast), follows the Bloody Bridge River and then the Mourne Wall to the summit of Slieve Donard (850m).
Slieve Donard (via Glen River) - Newcastle
5.93 mi
+2,753 ft
-2,753 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Down
Slieve Donard at 850m (2,789 ft) is the highest of the Mourne Mountains. The views from the summit are extensive and on a clear day the Isle of Man, Wicklow, Donegal, Wales, and Scotland may be seen, as well as the long stretch of Newcastle Beach.
Mourne Wall Challenge Trail
20.76 mi
+8,192 ft
-8,219 ft
16h 40
Difficult
Departure from Newry and Mourne
A highly challenging route taking in 7 of the 10 highest mountains in the Mournes and Northern Ireland, by following the historic Mourne wall.
⚠️Group numbers of no higher than 12 should attempt this route in one go, due to erosion issues around the fragile Mourne wall.
Glen River - Newcastle
7.18 mi
+3,051 ft
-3,022 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Down
This walk follows a popular route leading to the summit of Slieve Donard (850m), Northern Ireland highest mountain. From Newcastle it ascends through the woods along the Glen River and climbs 3km to the head of the river valley, high on the slopes below Slieve Donard ad Slieve Commedagh (765m). From here the path continues to the Saddle (the col between Donard and Commedagh) from which point either summit can be reached.
Walks near Slieve Donard
Newcastle to Castlewellan - Newcastle Way Trail
11.17 mi
+456 ft
-79 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Down
This 1rst section takes you through Murlough Bay and Murlough Natural reserve. A trail between beach, sea, and forest where fantastic panoramic views await to amaze you.
Newcastle to Trassey Car Park - Mourne Way Trek
6.62 mi
+974 ft
-469 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Down
This 1rst section of the Mourne Way Trek marvellously varied carries you from the coast, across the edge of the Mourne Mountains. The route begins by climbing from urban parkland to a series of high forest tracks. This is a challenging yet rewarding walk, some of which crosses open hill side with no waymarking so please ensure you are adequatley prepared.
Mourne Way Trek
23.04 mi
+3,159 ft
-3,009 ft
4 days
Difficult
Departure from Down
This route is almost entirely off road, traversing the foothill of the Mourne Mountains from Newcastle to Rostrevor on Carlingford Lough. The Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a unique, largely granite landscape shaped by ice and man, with stunning vistas of coast, sea and countryside.
Trassey Car Park to Spelga Pass - Mourne Way Trek
5.81 mi
+1,142 ft
-853 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Down
This 2nd section of the Mourne Way Trek, is the Trassey Track, one of the busiest walkers’ routes into the Mournes. However, this is a challenging yet rewarding walk, some of which crosses open hill side with no waymarking so please ensure you are adequatley prepared. Almost all of the distance is off-road, with forest trails and mountain paths predominating. Highlights include a climb to 500m at the summit of Butter Mountain.
Reservoir Views - Mournes to Newcastle
9.20 mi
+3,579 ft
-4,042 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Newry and Mourne
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.
Trassey to Bloody Bridge Trail
7.43 mi
+1,339 ft
-1,768 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Down
A moderate linear walk linking Trassey Track and Bloody Bridge via the Brandy Pad, taking in sights such as the Mourne Wall, the Castles, Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard. A more challenging alternative route is an option, by summiting Slievenaglogh and Slieve Commedagh, then following the Brandy Pad to Bloody Bridge.
Castlewellan to Newcastle - Newcastle Way Trail
14.46 mi
+1,437 ft
-1,801 ft
7h 55
Difficult
Departure from Down
This 2nd section of the Newcastle Way Trail takes you through Tollymore and Castlewellan Forest Park. Those forest park are hiding those wonderful natural beauties from urban civilization. Take your time to observe those flora and fauna on the paths that wind through the trees.
Dundrum to Newcastle - Lecale Way Trail
4.19 mi
+16 ft
-26 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Down
This is the 6th section of the Lecale Way Trail. The Lecale region of County Down is characterised by pretty villages, wild coastline and a liberal scattering of historic sites. This walking route uses a combination of country roads, tracks and footpaths to explore the best of the scenery, with lowland terrain and frequent signposts making it suitable for most levels of walking experience. Almost all of the final section is off-road, with the dunes and sands of Newcastle Beach providing a fitting finale.
Spelga Pass to Yellow Water Picnic Area - Mourne Way Trek
7.20 mi
+919 ft
-1,175 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Newry and Mourne
This 3rd section of the Mourne Way Trek is a challenging yet rewarding walk, some of which crosses open hill side with no waymarking so please ensure you are adequatley prepared.
