With weather forecasters predicting sunny skies this week-end, I opted for a high level walk to a peak which I've haven't visited that often in the Mournes: Ben Crom. Ben Crom, at a height of 526 metres, occupies a central location sandwiched between the seven sevens. As such, the views are restricted by higher summits but the view from the summit excels in one respect: the view of the reservoir at its base which bears its name. Starting from Meelmore lodge I followed the traditional route to the Hare's Gap. Upon reaching the colony I turned right skirting the lower slopes of Bearnagh. The only drawback of the route is that much pathless heathery terrain needs negotiated. Just before the summit was reached, views of the reservoir opened up. A short walk further leads to the summit as the Silent Valley came into view for the first time. After a short break I scrambled over boulders as I made my descent towards Ben Crom river. I picked up the path near to the river in the direction of Meelbeg. Upon reaching a better path at Meelbeg's foot, I turned right towards the saddle between Bearnagh and Meelmore. Thereafter I picked up the track near the Trassey river back to Meelmore Lodge which has recently been refurbished. Total distance was just under 12km.
Slieve Croob and Tullymore:
Slievenaglogh and Hare's gap:
Crossing the Trassey river:
View from the Hare's gap:
Bernagh's twin peaks:
Commedagh and Donard from Bernagh's lower slopes:
Ben Crom reservoir:
Bernagh and Commedagh from Ben Crom:
Bernagh, Meelmore and Meelbeg from Ben Crom:
Silent Valley, Slievenaglogh and Muck from Ben Crom:
Doan and Slieve Muck from Ben Crom:
Meelbeg and Meelmore from the descent of Ben Crom:
Slieve Bernagh:
Retrospective view of Doan, Ben Crom and Binnian:
Zoom-in on Slieve Croob from the Meelmore/Bernagh saddle:
Slievenaglogh from Meelmore Lodge: