With a favourable forecast for the morning I decided to return to Carrick Little to climb Slieve Binnian yesterday. At a height of 747m, Slieve Binnian is the third highest mountain in the Mournes. I followed a clockwise circular route from the car park. I ascended on a good track followed by a path beside the Mourne wall to the south tor summit. I reached the summit 1.5 hours after leaving the car park. I started off in good sunshine before cloud set in as I reached the summit
. I had my lunch at the summit waiting for the cloud to lift. Within 15-20 minutes, the wind came and blew the clouds away and the sunshine returned
. Views opened up of the Silent Valley, Slievenaglogh and the western Mournes. After photos, I made my way to the North tor via the back castles. I think this is my favourite walk in the Mournes. All of the 7'7's could be seen and upon reaching the North tor views opened up of Ben Crom reservoir. I followed a good track beside the Annalong valley as I returned to the car park. Total distance was around 11km, taking 4 hours approximately.
Lamagan to Hares castle from ascent of Binnian:
Half of Silent Valley:
Silent Valley but no Slievenaglogh:
A window appears:
Half of Slievenaglogh:
The clearing of the mist:
Slievenaglogh comes into view:
Slieve Muck from Binnian:
Silent Valley, Slievenaglogh from Binnian:
Slieve Donard:
Donard, Lamagan from south tor summit:
Meelbeg framed between the back castles:
The back castles:
Meelmore to Slieveloughshanngh, Doan, Ben Crom from the back castles:
Brandy pad, Bernagh, Meelmore, Meelbeg:
Ben Crom reservoir backed by Ben Crom and Bernagh:
Blue lough: