With the annual seven sevens challenge walk taking place in the eastern and central Mournes this week-end I decided to venture to the western Mournes to avoid the traffic chaos at the end of the day. I had originally thought of Slievemartin from Rostrevor but when driving to Hilltown I noticed the lower western summits were free from cloud. Change of plans. I parked the car at the small car park at the foot of Hen mountain. I followed a circular route taking in Slievenamiskan first and finishing on Hen. Leaving the car park I followed a small minor road to the Mourne wall. Turning left at a gate, I picked up the Mourne way in the direction of Kinnahalla. Its been years since I walked this trail. I followed the trail towards the Spelga Pass before turning right across pathless grassy terrain towards Slievenamiskan. The cloud had lifted of the higher eastern Mournes as pleasant views were to be had across Spelga Reservoir. As I looked westwards I noticed a rain cloud approaching from Hilltown. Met office had predicted 30% chance of precipitation at midday and were proved correct. After getting the rab bergen out of the rucksack I dropped down to Hen Mountain. The rain poured until I got back at the car park
As I drove home, the sun came out. Typical.
No photos from Hen unfortunately. Total distance was nearly 5 miles.
Leitrim Hill:
Approaching Slievenamiskan:
Spelga mountain from Mourne way:
Kinnahalla:
Hen from ascent of Slievenamiskan:
Kinnahalla:
Slieve Croob from Slievenamiskan:
View to Slieve Muck:
Spelga range from Slievenamiskan:
Rain coming in from the west:
Hen mountain:
Eagle, Shanlieve, Slievemoughanmore and wee Slievemoughan from Slievenamiskan:
Spelga Reservoir and central Mournes:
Meelmore, Meelbeg, Slieveloughshannagh, Ott from Slievenamiskan: