Hill Walk Mourne Mountains

Route: Slieve Binnion, Slievelamangan and Annalong Valley

Distance / Duration: 14.5 km / 5-5.5 hrs. Elevation gain 896m

Meeting Point: Carrick Little Car Park

Walk Start Time:  10:00am

Further Information: This is HILL WALK – NOT A RAMBLE

1. Please ensure that, at the very least, you have hiking boots (no trainers), and depending on the weather forecast – multiple layers including a warm jacket/fleece, hat and gloves, a waterproof jacket and trousers, snacks, water and a small rucksack.  If you are unsure about your gear check with the leader a few days beforehand as anyone turning up with inadequate gear will not be permitted to walk.  You will not be permitted to join the walk unless you have the equipment outlined above.  Always be prepared for adverse weather in the mountains.
2. It is highly recommended that you do not wear any clothing made from DENIM/CORDUROY/COTTON on the hike.
3. The club is a supporter of the ‘Leave No Trace’ campaign so please ensure that you leave no litter (of any sort) on the hike route.
4. NEVER go ahead of the Leader without being sure of the way!

Leader’s Note:
Toilets and coffee shop available at the start/finish. Car parking charge £3.00 (sterling!)

From Carrick Little car park we go into the Annalong Valley and ascend Sl. Binnion along the Mourne Wall. This is a relatively steep ascent but followed by a magnificent ridge walk in the heart of the Mournes with the Silent Valley to the west below us, the Annalong Valley to the east and the highest peaks of the Mournes all around us. If clear enough we will get excellent views of the sea and Isle on Man to the east and as far as the Wicklows to the south. From the North Tor of Binnion we follow the trail via a saddle to Slievelamangan passing Buzzards Roost and Blue Lough on the way. Descending Slievenamangan by the saddle between it and Cove Mountain we return to the Annalong Valley by Cove Lough passing steep rock climbing cliffs on the way. The valley passes by Annalong Woods as we return to our car park.

Please text walk leader Shea Kelly on or before Friday 25th June if you would like to go on the walk.

Before the walk you will be asked to confirm:

1. you have not been outside the country in the last 14 days,
2. you have no symptoms of Covid-19 – cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of smell/taste,
3. you have not been in contact with any confirmed case of Covid-19  or have been told to self-isolate in the last 14 days.

For ease of communication and updates a WhatsApp group will be set up for this walk.  If you do not wish to be included in this WhatsApp group please let the leader know when you get in touch to book your place.

Directions

We will meet at Carrick Little Car Park (J345 219) a few kilometres east of The Silent Valley – from Skerries, M1 to Newry, then follow route to Hilltown, then Kilkeel Road past Spelga Dam turning on to R27, Head Road past The Silent Valley Reservoir to Carrick Little car park. Leader will provide more details as required.