Off The Beaten Track
Slieve Bearnagh
*Crown Copyright. Route and Distances are approx. Only for guidance.*
Sliabh Bearnach - Gapped or Broken Mountain
Within an elliptical area of about 22km by 11km, The Mourne Mountains are among the most famous tourist attractions and perhaps the most popular walking areas in Northern Ireland. The highest point in Northern Ireland, Slieve Donard the other 34 summits and forests, loughs, rivers and bogs attract visitors all year round. There is something for everyone here from casual "stroller" to dedicated rambler and runner and our rich heritage is written all over them.
This walk takes you along the Trassey Track, part of "The Brandy Pad" a track created by the boots of smugglers and the hooves of heavily laden ponies, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Illicit cargoes of tobacco, wine, spirits, leather, silk and spices would be spirited through the mountains from the east coast to be distributed inland. So popular was the trade that by 1835 in the village of Hilltown, almost half the houses were pubs.
This route also takes in part of the famous Mourne Wall made from the granite quarried in the Mournes. On average 2m high and 1 metre wide, with virtually no cement to keep it together, it runs for 35km over the tops of 15 mountains and took 18 years between 1904 and 1922 to complete. The Trassey Track is one of the most beautiful gateways to the inner Mournes and the views from the summit of Slieve Bearnagh are stunning at any time of year.
Height: 739 metres (2424.5 feet)
Round trip: 10 Kilometres (6.2 miles)
Time: 5 hours
Level 3: Moderate to Difficult
This is a tough, steep continual ascent and needs a quite good level of fitness. Cloud covers this mountain frequently and so navigational skills and warm clothing are recommended.
Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discoverer Series 1:50 000
Map 29 The Mournes. or with more detail:
The Mournes Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Map 1:25 000
Map Coordinates: Start: 307308 Finish: 314281
Refreshments
There are many cafes, shops and restaurants in nearby Newcastle and a few in Bryansford to get meals and sandwiches.
Start and Finish
The walk starts at either of two car parks. The first is the Trassey Track Car Park around 9km west of Newcastle. From Newcastle town centre, head west towards Bryansford. Turn left in Bryansford village and join the B180 to Hilltown. 4 Km later, turn left onto a signposted minor road. The Car Park is on the left around 1.5km along this road. Alternatively carry on for another 1km approx and park at Meelmore Lodge Amenities Centre where there is also an entrance to the Trassey Track.
Terrain
Initially the path is well defined gravel but as it tracks upwards it becomes more stony and rocky. Although there are muddy, gravel thin tracks around the base of the mountain, the main steep ascent to the Hare's Gap is then over very large stones and boulders. From the Hare's Gap to the top of Slieve Bearnagh is over very steep soft peat covered in heather and rock, although if you stick close to the Mourne Wall, the track, although muddy in wet weather, is quite solid and well defined.
Route
Beginning at the start of the Trassey Track simply follow that for virtually all of the walk with the Trassey River or Burn on your right. Keep along this track until you see the Hare's Gap (400 m high) in front of you (a saddle between Slieve Bearnagh and Slievenaglogh).
When you cross the stile over the Mourne Wall , you will be offered stunning panoramic views of the inner Mournes, with the Brandy Pad at base of Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard to the left, Slieve Beg and Cove Mountain slightly to the right ahead of you and Slieve Lamagan further to the right above the the Ben Crom Reservoir Valley and Slieve Binnian in the distance.
Behind you is Slieve Meelmore towering above the Trassey Track Valley and in the distance Lough Island Reavy.
Turning right climb up built steps and round a precipitous escarpment with a flat top and bushes of dwarf juniper. Past a large rock outcrop, which can provide good shelter from the increasing wind and then it is a very steep but comparatively smooth slope to the top of Slieve Bearnagh. Its two Tors, separated by about 500 metres, are crowned with spectacular gigantic granite rocks, and the topmost summit offers superb 360 deg views of most of the Mournes, provided the frequent cloud has not obscured your view.
Local Walking Contacts and Association
Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs
Northern Ireland Tourist Board
Environment and Heritage Service
Points of Interest
The beautiful views from here stretch from the Irish Sea in the East to Slieve Binnian in the South and Ben Crom Reservoir just below you. To the South West is Doan and to the West is Slieve Meelbeg and Slieve Meelmore.
Gallery
Commadagh Mountain with Donard in the distance.
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© MMIX