The Slieve Binnian Loop is a really popular walking option in the Mourne Mountains. The route proves challenging yet not overly long. The well defined paths and trails mean no tough slogs through heavy heather and gorse. The really great thing about the Slieve Binnian Loop though is that it takes in not only the summit of Slieve Binnian but also some wonderful views of the Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs too.
Slieve Binnian comes in as the third highest mountain in the Mounes range (Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh being first and second respectively). Standing at 746m, Slieve Binnian has the honour of being the 36th highest mountain in Ireland. So just about makes it into my 40 highest mountains in Ireland challenge!
Slieve Binnian Loop Details
- Distance: 11.5km
- Time Required: It took me 4 hours. I kept a steady pace throughout though so my advice is to allow 5 hours to complete the Slieve Binnian Loop
- Elevation: Total ascent of 611m.
- Grade: Hard due to the elevation gain over a significant distance. While straightforward to navigate (in clear visibility), this hike would be a struggle without good fitness levels.
Map of the Slieve Binnian Loop
I used the alltrails map which provides a great route for completing the Slieve Binnian Loop. The trail is alternatively known as the Slieve Binnian and North Tor Circular. A tor being a large outcrop of rock that rise up from otherwise smooth surrounding landscape. The South Tor is Slieve Binnian itself and the route then takes you past the North Tor and then further north to the viewing point over the Ben Crom Resevoir.
The Starting Point for the Slieve Binnian Loop
I started the walk from the (free public) Carrick Little Car Park. It took me two hours to drive from Dublin. From the Belfast side, the drive should take about 1 hour 15 minutes. Unfortunately no public transport options to the starting point are available.
The car park gets very busy – especially at weekends. Other parking options nearby are the Carrick Little Walkers Car Park and the Carrick Little Top Car Park. The good thing about these is that they shorten the walk. The bad thing is that they are paid parking – £3 per car. The paid car parks form part of the set-up for Carrick Little Glamping.
Starting the Slieve Binnian Loop
I shook out my legs to try loosen them up after the long drive from Dublin and took in my surroundings. Everything looked grey! The clouds had settled and looked like they weren’t going to move for the day. Disappointing but unfortunately part of life when hill walking and mountain climbing in Ireland.
I headed up the slight incline of the narrow road leading north eastwards. Behind me was the Irish Sea in the distance. The sea views didn’t prove much of a distraction given the low visibility. As such, I pressed onwards at a good pace.
It took me about 12 minutes to complete the first kilometre and reach a series of gates that mark the end of the narrow roadway.
Up the Mountain Path
After the gates, the road turned into a gravel path. I needed to leave this gravel trail and take a left up a smaller path after another few hundred metres.
I’d be coming back via the gravel path to complete the loop. First I needed to head upwards along the path that moved in a westerly direction.
The trail provided a good incline which gave some nice views back towards the Irish Sea.
The Mourne Wall to my left provided a good navigation tool. Particularly as I get higher up the mountain and into the clouds. The path became less obvious as I neared the top. I found myself picking my way through the rocks that signify the summit is approaching.
Clouds, Wind and Rain
As I moved higher, the winds became stronger. The rain didn’t help matters but I persevered as I knew the top lay just up ahead.
As mentioned above, the summit of Slieve Binnian is the South Tor. While it is possible to climb to the top of the Tor, given the strong winds and rain I experienced at the top, I decided against it.
The summit is marked by a metal pole at the top of the Tor. I measured about 3.5km from the starting point to the top (well – to get to right beside the top anyway!).
On a clear day, the summit of Slieve Binnian offers up some stunning views to the Silent Valley Reservoir to the west of the mountain. No such luck on my visit though. Construction of the Silent Valley Dam and Reservoir was completed in 1933. The reservoir provides water to Down and surrounding counties as well as for most of Belfast (about 80km away!). The name Silent Valley is reputed to come from the absence of bird life experienced during the long construction period.
Even without the views, I experienced a satisfying feeling of achievement being up so high in the clouds.
To the North Tor
Given there wasn’t much to see at the top, I didn’t delay too long up there. Instead, I headed northwards towards Slieve Binnian North Tor. Standing at 722m, the North Tor comes in slightly lower than Slieve Binnian itself. Initially, the ground in front of me stretched out along a flat stony surface. I quickly found the path and moved on at a good pace. It felt surreal as large boulders loomed ahead in the gloomy surroundings. The biggest one being the outcrop that forms the north Tor.
Heading Downhill along the Slieve Binnian Loop
I followed the path which led me behind the massive boulder. Soon I found myself moving steadily downhill. To my amazement, I spotted a glimmer of blue sky ahead of me as I moved down through the clouds.
The improvement in weather conditions really and improved my mood. I stopped for a quick bite to eat. My packed lunch tasted great with the fantastic views of the Ben Crom Reservoir. This section of waterworks, completed in 1957, formed a later addition to the Silent Valley Reservoir.
I found the path leading down towards the water a really enjoyable section of the Slieve Binnian Loop.
Through the Annalong Valley
After about 6.5km of walking, I took a right turn and headed through the wide valley. I had Slieve Binnian North Tor to my right and Slievelamagan to my left.
I passed Blue Lough around the 7km mark. This small mountain lake lay to my left as I continued along the path. Shortly after the lake, you can take a trail to the left to reach Cove Cave. The option of exploring the cave would make this a much more adventurous hike. The cave opening is quite large. After that, it is possible to climb up and squeeze through it on the far side. Not one for the faint-hearted though and extreme caution would be needed.
Instead, I chose to continue on straight and the more idyllic option of crossing via stepping stones over the mountain stream that cuts across the path.
Completing the Loop
The gravel path remained well defined for the remainder of the Slieve Binnian Loop. The further I walked, the nicer the weather seemed to get with plenty of blue sky overhead.
The improving weather must have encouraged other hikers as I began to meet plenty of other walkers out on the trail. The advantage of the better weather meant better visibility of the nice sea views stretching out in front of me.
Finishing the Slieve Binnian Loop
I returned to the car park along the narrow boreen.
Overall, I found the Slieve Binnian Loop very enjoyable. It’s a great distance which feels like a proper day out in the mountains without being overly strenuous. Next time, I hope the weather will be a little better so I can fully enjoy the views from the top.