Οι καλύτερες ορεινές πεζοπορίες στη Βόρεια Ιρλανδία

Το Slieve Binnian είναι απόλυτη μαγεία. Ως η τρίτη υψηλότερη κορυφή της Βόρειας Ιρλανδίας (747 μέτρα), διεκδικεί εύκολα τον τίτλο της πιο δραματικής σιλουέτας στα Mournes, χάρη στους τεράστιους, διαβρωμένους γρανιτένιους πύργους – που ονομάζονται tors – που φυλάνε την κορυφή του. https://www.expresstollpass.com

Starting from Carrick Little Car Park, the hiking path to Slieve Binnian offers a rewarding journey through the heart of the Mourne Mountains. This moderate to challenging loop, approximately 11.2 km in length, follows the Mourne Wall, a historic dry-stone structure built in the early 1900s, guiding hikers toward the summit of Slieve Binnian (747 m). The ascent is steady, with a mix of rocky terrain and scenic views. As you approach the summit, the path becomes more rugged, leading to the iconic South and North Tors. From the summit, panoramic vistas unfold, offering breathtaking views of the Silent Valley and the surrounding peaks.

bring lunch as there was no pub grub at the top

I was lucky to see them at their best today, beautiful 😍

The small, historic port provides a charming setting with views of the Mourne Mountains and the sea. The promenade is well maintained and is great for a relaxing cruise along the coast. However, it can get quite busy in good weather and at weekends, which can slow down the journey. A highlight is the proximity to Murlough National Nature Reserve, which is just a few kilometers away and is ideal for further exploration. Note, however, that some sections of the promenade can be slippery when wet, so care must be taken.

In the middle of the forest, you suddenly find yourself standing in front of a bizarre stone creature - the "witch". She looks as if she has just risen from the mossy ground, with a mischievous smile and deep, expressive wrinkles on her face. This artfully designed stone is one of those unexpected encounters that transform the forest into a small adventure land. When you explore this magical place surrounded by old trees and whispering leaves, it almost seems as if the witch is greeting you with a wink. Here you can linger for a moment, enjoy the silence and let your imagination run wild - who knows what stories this forest still has to tell?

On the way through the Giant's Lair you will be immersed in Irish legends. As soon as you pass under the artistically carved archway, a magical world opens up in which the story of Finn McCool comes to life. The path leads you and the whole family through four chapters that bring the world of legend to life with lovingly designed stations. For the little ones it is an exciting treasure hunt - at every bend there are new clues waiting for them, which they eagerly discover. While they run ahead to find the next adventure, there is enough time for you to enjoy the lush nature. The dense trees, the mosses and the ancient carvings make you forget everyday life. You are in the middle of a story that unfolds further with every step.

If you fancy a dip after all those hills, this is a very safe spot for swimming. The slipway at the side of the harbour wall is the preferred entry point. If you look back along the side of Slieve Donard, you will see some cottages known as “Widows Row”. These were built for the widows of fishermen who died at sea. They would be able to live out their days in one of the cottages looking out to sea.