Finally, after what seemed like a four long months, the weather gods smiled on me today in the eastern Mournes. I decided to avoid the popular peaks of Donard, Binnian and Bernagh and headed for the quieter options of Meelmore and Meelbeg. Starting from the happy valley car park, I crossed a small stream to begin the ascent of Slieve Meelmore. Slieve Meelmore is the 7th highest in the range. Much of the ascent was over pathless grassy terrain but once the summit was gained I followed the Mourne wall to Slieve Meelbeg, an obvious extension. I completed the Horseshoe loop in 2.5 hours. Total distance was 6.5 kms. What struck me as I walked was the number of lakes, reservoirs which became visible as the walk progressed. I counted about 7.
Happy valley car park:
Butter group:
Slieve Croob and Lough Island Reavy reservoir:
View of Murlough bay:
Ascending Meelmore:
Donard, Commedagh, Corragh and Slievenaglogh:
Meelbeg, Doan, Silent Valley:
Silent valley from Meelmore:
Meelmore:
Donard and Bernagh:
Annalong valley mountains:
Doan, Binnian, Ben Crom:
Lough shannagh and Spelga reservoir:
Slieveloughshannagh, Muck and the western Mournes from Meelbeg:
The butter range and Hen:
Descending Meelbeg:
Spelga reservoir and the western Mournes:
Fofanny reservoir:
Slieve Croob from the descent of Meelbeg: