Slieve Binnian

Slieve Binnian (Green Collection/NMNI)

SLIEVE BINNIAN, a mountain summit near the centre of the great Mourne Mountains, County Down.

It is situated three miles south-south-west of Slieve Donard, and 4½ north by east of Kilkeel; and has an altitude above sea-level of 2,451 feet, making it the third highest peak in the Mournes.

On Sunday, 28th July, 2024, I drove from home to Carrick Little car park, at the main road, put on my hiking-boots, and began a hike to Slieve Binnian.

Shortly after I'd begun the hike I came to Carrick Little cottage café and glamping site, Head Road, where many vehicles were parked.

The farm track leads gently upwards for almost a mile, until it reaches a sturdy metal gate.

Beyond the gate, and to the right, is Annalong Wood, a picturesque grove popular with campers.

My trek took me adjacent to the wood, and gradually upwards.

Prospect of Blue Lough (Timothy Ferres, 2024)

Along this old quarry road little Blue Lough emerges to the right.

The rocky track continues for another half-mile, and narrows; where at this point we veer leftwards, and the route becomes steeper and more strenuous.

During this ascent there are splendid views of Ben Crom Reservoir.

Ben Crom Reservoir (Timothy Ferres, 2024)

Passing the North Tor, I followed a path on fairly level ground for some distance, towards the iconic Mourne Wall.

I lunched at the location of two old fence posts, a crag between Summit Tor and South Tor.

The Mourne Wall's boundary traverses Slieve Binnian here: two rusty old fence posts still penetrate the craggy rock on the line of the Mourne Wall.

From here one can see Silent Valley reservoir and its grounds on a clear day; indeed there were some fluffy clouds floating past me.

This is the very location (video clip above) where I unpacked the contents of my rucksack; namely, my venison burger, roll, onions and chutney.

I have a little single-burner stove and a small frying-pan; the exposed summit and high wind made it tricky to cook the food properly, and it took what seemed an eternity to fry the burger.

It was, however, worth the effort. Everything tastes better when you're outdoors with a hearty appetite!

I thereafter made my descent skirting the Mourne Wall, eventually rejoining the quarry track at Carrick Little.

The last time I hiked Binnian must have been a few decades ago, and I really wanted to pay it another visit while I'm still fit and able-bodied.

Hare's Gap Trek

The Hare's Gap in the distance

Why do some people dump litter? I'm a great believer in the Leave No Trace principle. You'd hardly know I'd been.

I even get irritated if, in a gale or gust, a tissue or plastic wrapper inadvertently blows away from me.

Plastic bottles seem to be among the worst offenders. They weigh so little when they're empty. Their owners might as well carry them home.

On Sunday, the 13th June, 2020, I went on another mini-hike, this time to the Hare's Gap in the Mourne Mountains, County Down.

I suppose Bryansford is the nearest village. Trassey Road leads you to a small car-park, though it was completely full at 10am, and lots of cars were parked along the narrow verge.

Trassey Track, as it's known, leads directly to the famous Hare's Gap, a kind of col nestled between Slieve Bearnagh and Slievenaglogh.

At this time of year Foxgloves proliferate the Mournes; such beautiful wild flowers they are.

The track follows the Trassey River for part of the way.

It's a fairly gentle ascent, by Mourne standards, and takes perhaps an hour or so.

The Mourne Wall at Hare's Gap

The scenery is magnificent on a clear day, and the col at the top is a good place to have a snack and enjoy the prospect.

The old Raichle boots have served me well during their twenty-five or more years.

I descended along a path that skirts Slieve Meelmore for some distance, before joining the track itself.

Later on I drove through Bryansford and into Newcastle, where I found a parking space at the top of King Street.

King Street is an interesting road. It leads to the former gate lodge of Donard Lodge, and what appears to be a former walled garden (now developed inside).

There are some handsome and admirable villas in King Street.

Having parked I strolled in a triangular route between the old gate lodge, the harbour, and the old parish church (on the 'rock').

The church was closed, though the Annesley arms adorn its main entrance.

The former Annesley estate office and hall are here, on the promenade.