The view from its summit is one of the best in the country, offering a panoramic display of most of the higher peaks. This marvellously varied, two-day walk carries you from the coast, across the edge of the Mourne Mountains, and back to the sea at the opposite side of the range.

Mourne Mountains: A Complete Guide to Visiting the Mournes The Mourne Mountains: A Complete Guide to Visiting the Mournes

It supplies most of the water for County Down, surrounding counties and most of Belfast via the Aquarius pipeline. Heritage Trail to the more challenging 10km Mountain Trail, you can pick and choose which walk to hit and space them out over different weekends if you like. The Mourne Wall, now a famous landmark running through the Mournes, was originally built in an effort to keep cattle and sheep out of the water catchment area of the Silent Valley reservoir. The path consolidates at the col, and a steady descent brings you to a track at the base of the valley. You don't need to give us all these details if you do not wish, but it is often helpful for route management bodies to be able to contact you if further information about the problem is required.Despite being located at the foot of the Mournes, Tollymore Forest Park is another world and feels like you’ve stepped into a Lord of the Rings set!

The Mournes | Northern Ireland | National Trust

Don't include any personal or financial information, for example National Insurance, credit card numbers, or phone numbers. We went miles in the car, swam in the river, messed about in an old tub of a boat belonging to a farmer; and we spent a good many evenings in the hotel at Dungannon, drinking Irish whiskey and flirting with a cheeky girl Henry rather fell for.

At 849m, Slieve Donard is the highest peak in the province and is one of 30 peaks in the Mournes range that rise above 500m. For more information or to book the shuttle service, please contact Peter Magowan on +44(0)75 1641 2076.

Mourne Wall Challenge - WalkNI Mourne Wall Challenge - WalkNI

There are many granite cliffs, in the form of outcrops and tors, scattered throughout the range, making the Mournes one of Northern Ireland's major rock-climbing areas since the first recorded ascents in the 1930s. Cross the stile and follow the track south, passing two further gates before you reach open mountain terrain. The Mourne Mountains lie 30 miles from Belfast and 60 miles from Dublin and are the best known and most visited of Northern Ireland’s upland areas.

A short, two hour, walk to the Rocky Mountain ensued and this concluded with an overnight camp (quiet and peaceful). There is little accommodation available along the route so please ensure to make arrangements prior to setting off.