With a favourable forecast, last Saturday's walk saw me take in Upper Cove and Slieve Lamagan. Slieve Lamagan is the 6th highest summit in the Mournes and is one of the seven sevens. Starting from Carrick Little car park, I followed a good track to the Mourne wall. Passing through a gate I headed in the direction of the Annalong valley. After reaching the head of Annalong forest I turned off the path to pick up a foot trail beside Annalong river. Following the river's course to the foot of Upper Cove I started to ascend to the mountain's colony, shared with Slieve Beg. A patch of blue sky was replaced by a thick cloud
. The cloud partially lifted as Bernagh came into view. Turning 180 I saw a temperature inversion with Donard and Commedagh above the clouds. After admiring the views I headed to Slieve Lamagan. It seemed I had picked the only mountain with blue sky above it. I descended to the colony shared with Slieve Binnian. After admiring Ben Crom reservoir I returned to Annalong forest before treating myself to a Carrick cottage cheesecake. The cafe has just recently opened and its always good to treat oneself after a 10 mile trek
Binnian and Lamagan:
Binnian and Annalong forest:
Annalong valley:
Slieve Beg and Commedagh:
Hare's gap:
Bernagh's twin peaks:
Bernagh and Meelbeg:
Upper Cove and Donard:
Bernagh:
Donard and Commedagh:
Donard:
Zoom-in on Donard:
Donard only; Commedagh has its cap on:
Donard and Commedagh from Lamagan:
Meelbeg:
Binnian south tor:
Meelbeg and Ben Crom:
Ben Crom reservoir:
Blue Lough:
Cheesecake: