a mourne mountain walk

A popular approach to the Mournes. Note the clear unpeaty water of the Glen river, striking rock strata, fine trees. The wood fades away and a granite gravel path runs almost to the great Mourne Wall, built 1904-22 to enclose the catchment area of the Silent Valley which was dammed in the 1920's . Look back down the glen to the elegant sweep of the bay. From here the wall provided a perfect if steep guide to summit of Slieve Donard, Ulster's highest peak - not to be missed if the weather is good. Brandy Pad is an old smuggler's trail. Passing below the Castles (rock towers) look S where isolated granite towers (tors) stand here and there on the ridges. They seem almost manmade. You might be side tracked up 400 ft (120m) to inspect the Diamond Rocks. Beyond the Hare's Gap it's a long tramp along Trassey river. Examine the sheep pens, where strays were probably kept after the hill had been gathered and the sheep sorted out according to their fleece-marks. Now you pass gorse banks, then Ulster Way signs and stiles, hazel coppice, young fir plantation an a fully grown wood of big Douglas firs. Just before Parnell's Bridge Ulster Way goes S but you stay with the river bank. Do not cross the bridge but go straight down to the small lake. Distance 12 miles (19km) Minimum Time 6 hours