Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 37 hikers
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Mourne AONB
Hiking amongst the mighty Mourne Mountains often brings atmospheric sights, dramatic tors and much history along for the expedition. Hikes up Slieve Bearnagh provide breathtaking views on clear days with staggering panoramas and the treat of the peak’s phenomenal twin summit tors.
Options for hiking trails are numerous, allowing you to plan your adventure according to your available time, energy levels and the weather conditions. For a full day, Slieve Meelmore is an ideal secondary summit to bag while you’re up here.
Monumental views across the Mourne Mountains
At 2,425 feet (739 m), Bearnagh offers the right amount of challenge and height for a fantastic day walk with clear paths leading the way across much of the mountain. You can begin from numerous spots, a common point being from the north west on Slievenaman Road or Trassey car park.
Hiking trails up Slieve Bearnagh will eventually lead you, over rocky and grassy terrain, to the historic, 100-year-old Mourne Wall. This granite wall is a marvel in itself, travelling over 15 summits, including Bearnagh. Following the wall up to the peak will display the extraordinary tors that perch upon this mountain in two distinct summits.
Views from here look over the Ben Crom Reservoir and the stunning Mourne Mountains. That’s if you can tear your eyes away from the north and south tors of course, which are so striking, it’s easy to forget you can see for miles.
Hike Slieve Bearnagh throughout the year but only experienced winter mountaineers should attempt the ascent in particularly challenging conditions. Light snowfall requires a careful step but bathes the scenery in a magical glow.
Find food and accommodation in Newcastle or Hilltown and don’t forget your camera because the landscape during all parts of your hike is exceptional.
Slieve Bearnagh from the Irish “Sliabh Bearna” meaning “Gapped Mountain” gets its name from its two giant rocky tors and the col lying between them. It is the 4th highest in the range and another 700m+ peak carrying the Mourne Wall with saddles at Pollaphuca to the West and Hares Gap to the East.
It is most accessible starting from the Cecil Newman Car Park and following the Trassey Track up and over Hares Gap, turning right and climbing the steps to meet the Mourne Wall which you follow to both summits. The final climb is steep requiring some hands and knees type scrambling. If doing a circular route descending from the North Tor (680m / J315282) to Pollaphuca is also extremely steep so care is required.
(mourne-mountains.com/mournes/mountains/slieve-bearnagh/)
March 10, 2021
I did a hike that took in Slieve Bearnagh and Slieve Donard and it was a scenic delight. The Mourne wall made it all the better. For my route click here: komoot.com/tour/277138904
October 26, 2020
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