SLIEVE DOAN
SLIEVE DOAN
THE HEART OF THE MOURNES
Nestled right in the middle of some of Northern Ireland’s tallest peaks, is Slieve Doan.
At 562m, it’s still a worthy mountain. But just like the brilliant Slieve Binnian or Ben Crom Reservoir viewpoint walks, you’ll have ticked off a chunk of the ascent before you’ve got out of your car.
And although the overall climb isn’t a thigh-burner like Donard or Bearnagh, the views are equally as stunning. Get yourself to the top, spin around 360° and you’ll see mountains all directions.
Check out the adventure video at the bottom of this article…
GROUP ADVENTURES NORTHERN IRELAND
Thanks again to all those that came on this one (especially those who knew the route and led the way)!
Our 2020 group adventures have been organised privately so far - a bunch of people who have met through social media and a shared love of the outdoors/trying new things.
If you want to get involved in our future group adventures - whether it’s to meet new people, explore new places, take some snaps or simply switch off for a few hours - get on our mailing list here (we never spam).
DOGS AND FARM ANIMALS
We didn’t spot any “no dogs“ signs on this walk - there are plenty of places in The Mournes with a zero tolerance rule, so always keep an eye out.
The general rule we stick to, is to only let the dogs off leads when there’s clear visibility in all directions - i.e. no chance of a sheep appearing from behind a hidden dip or bushes.
Equally, when there are no potential large drops, that an energetic dog may not see until too late.
This is a great walk, ticking a lot of boxes for dogs, so there was plenty of off-lead time. As always though, respect that other walkers may not be a dog lover like yourself (or have little’uns), so keep your pooch close.
SLIEVE DOAN: WHERE TO START
OTT CAR PARK is the most convenient place to park, if you just want to tackle the one mountain today. There are no toilets, so best to tick that box before you get into the Mournes area.
There’s space for about 12 cars here, but likely you’ll find cars parked on the grass by the side of the road too. It’s a popular starting point.
Simply cross the road and jump over the style to begin the walk.
Do take care when crossing the road here - cars can be travelling at speed past the car park.
Once on the natural path, follow the gentle ascent, across patches of bog and small rivers…
Looking back to where we came from (far left)
…and up to where we’re headed.
Eventually you’ll arrive at Point 2…
THE MOURNE WALL
It’s 20 miles long - you’ll see the impressive wall on most walks in The Mournes.
Once you cross the style over the wall, carry on straight ahead. You’ll see Lough Shannagh just ahead of you (and also Ben Crom Reservoir in the distance).
The peak just in front of you is Slieve Doan.
Again, follow the natural path that curves round to the left (keep Lough Shannagh on your right).
Slieve Bearnagh in the distance (Lough Shannagh and Doan are just to the right, out of shot)
WALKING SLIEVE DOAN
After more soggy bogs, small rivers (if it’s been raining) and rough terrain...
…the ‘gentler’ side of Slieve Doan will be just ahead of you.
Follow the exposed loose-rock path all the way to the top.
This, and the climbing-the-big-rocks section at the top, is the hardest part of the walk - but fairly moderate in comparison to other mountains nearby.
If it’s windy at all, bear in mind that the climb down can actually be more difficult (it suddenly feels a lot higher looking down, than it did on the gradual metre-by-metre climb up) - so another word of caution!
BEST VIEW IN THE MOURNES
…probably? The amount of peaks in all directions is spectacular. You’ll even see ships delicately balancing on the horizon, travelling up Carlingford Lough, to Warrenpoint.
Definitely one of the best picnic spots for sure! We sat for about 30 minutes at the top, taking in the views, seeing the tiny shapes of other humans in the distance, giving the vista a sense of scale.
Cred: My Little Duke & Land, Sea & Eire)
And on the way back down, as we usually warn about The Mournes, the weather changed in an instant. Harsh, heavy, sore, sideward hailstones for about 10 minutes. Whiteout.
Refreshed!
Love it.
Again, if you want to join us on a future group adventure, leave your details here.
SLIEVE DOAN: ADVENTURE VIDEO
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