Hill Walk Slieve Binnian and Slievelamangan

Route: Mourne Mountains

Route Details: Slieve Binnion, Slievelamangan and Annalong Valley

Distance / Duration: 14.5km / 5-5.5 hrs

Total Ascent : approx. 850m

Grading: This walk is graded on the hard side of moderate.

Meeting Point: Carrick Little Car Park

Walk start time: 10:00am

Further information: This is  a HILL WALK – NOT A RAMBLE

Leaders 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 of Man to the east and as far as the Wicklow’s to the south.  From the North Tor of Binnion we follow the trail via a saddle to Slievelamagan 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 the car park.

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 by WhatsApp closer to the time.

Please text Mary Collins or Shea Kelly by Saturday 25^th June if you would like to go on the walk.  Please provide a mobile phone number for contact.  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.

Further information:

Ø  Please ensure that, at the very least, you have either hiking boots or walking shoes (no trainers), and depending on the weather forecast – multiple layers including a warm jacket/fleece, hat and gloves, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a flask with a hot drink, sandwiches/snacks, a litre of 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.  Some might find a walking pole to help on this hike.

Ø  It is highly recommended that you do not wear any clothing made from denim, corduroy and cotton on the hike.

Ø  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.

Ø  Never go ahead of the Leader without being sure of the way and let the leader know if you are leaving the walk early.