I've one simple principle when hiking in the Mournes: when the skies are blue, climb one of the seven sevens. This week-end saw me take in the third highest mountain, Slieve Binnian, 747m. The route was circular. Slieve Binnian is also the biggest mountain in the range. Starting from Carrick Little I followed the path beside the Mourne wall to the south tor. Took me 1.5 hours to reach the summit. After admiring the views of the Silent Valley I headed across the broad ridge of the back castles towards the north tor. I think the ridge is best walked in this direction as you are walking into the best scenery offered by the eastern Mournes. Upon reaching the north tor, views opened up of Ben Crom reservoir. Turning right I made my way back to Carrick Little car park along a good track. Total distance was 11.5km.
Slieve Binnian from the start of the walk:
Bernagh, Lamagan, Cove and Commedagh:
Annalong Valley and the Donard group, taken on the ascent:
Eastern Mournes taken on the ascent:
Silent valley from the south tor:
Lamagan, Commedagh, Donard, Chimney, Rocky and Annalong valley from the south tor:
From Commedagh to Chimney plus the Annalong forest from the south tor:
From Lamagan to Chimney from the south tor:
From Meelmore to Donard from the south tor:
From Meelbeg to Commedagh from the south tor:
The central Mournes and Lough Shannagh from the south tor:
Silent Valley, Slievenaglogh, Eagle and Slieve Foye from the back castles ridge
Slieve Bernagh from the back castles ridge:
Doan, Ben Crom, Slieveloughshannagh, Meelbeg, Meelmore and Bernagh:
North tor panorama:
Ben Crom reservoir backed by Bernagh, Ben Crom, Meelmore and Meelbeg taken from the north tor:
Rocky, Chimney and Blue lough:
From Lamagan to Chimney: