Last Saturday saw me venture to the eastern Mournes. It was fairly cloudy driving through Newcastle en route to Carrick Little. Upon arriving at Carrick Little I noticed the mountains were fairly clear; it was a very strong contrast not usual in the eastern Mournes. I thought if it stays clear I'll ascend Binnian, if the cloud thickens I'll walk up to Ben Crom reservoir. In the end I decided upon a little hill known as Lower Cove. Lower Cove is probably the lowest mountain in the Annalong valley range. I started upon a good track from the roadside before turning right to Annalong river. I followed its course in the direction of lower Cove before ascending to the summit. I was treated to a partial cloud inversion of the higher Mournes of Binnian, Lamagan and Donard. Total distance was 12km taking 3.5 hours.
Lamagan, Upper Cove, Beg, Commedagh, Donard, Rocky and Annalong valley:
Hares Castle and Donard:
Lower Cove, Upper Cove, Slieve Beg and Commedagh:
Lower Cove (left)and Upper cove (right):
Chimney, Rocky, Hares Castle and Annalong river:
Donard, Chimney and Annalong river:
Donard and Commedagh, the highest summits and part of Slieve Beg:
Upper Cove, Slieve Beg, Commedagh:
You can see Binnian but not Annalong village:
Donard and Chimney:
Chimney, Rocky, Hares castle and the seefins:
Cloud inversion around Binnian:
Lower Cove and Chimney in the background:
Binnian's south tor:
Binnian's north tor and back castles:
Chimney group:
Donard, the Mournes' highest peak:
Lamagan:
Donard and Rocky: