For Februarys walk we are going to the Blue Lough in the Mournes. Described as the best introductory walk to the Mournes, This walk is about five miles long, out and back, and depending on the weather should take around 4 hrs.
We will meet up at Carrick Little car park at 10.15 am and we will start the walk at 10.30 sharp. See directions below, NB this will be about 1 hour 20 min from Belfast.
THE BLUE LOUGH.
DIRECTIONS FROM NEWCASTLE, TAKE THE ROAD TOWARDS ANNALONG AND AFTER ABOUT 5 MILES YOU WILL SEE A PETROL STATION ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS THE QUARTER ROAD, WHICH BECOMES HEAD ROAD, CONTINUE ON THIS ROAD UNTIL YOU COME TO THE CARRICK LITTLE CAR PARK. IF THERE ARE NO PARKING SPACES GO UP THE LANE BESIDE CAR PARK AND USE THE SECOND CAR PARK, THERE IS A £3 CHARGE.
HERE IS THE WALKNI DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK.
A track leading from the car park north into the mountains provides a pleasant start to the Blue Lough walk.
A stile at this point crosses the Mourne Wall as it descents from Slieve Binnian to the West and continues east towards Long Seefin. The route to the Blue Lough crosses the wall at right angles and continues along a level track to reach and follow the edge of Annalong Wood.
The path continues along old quarry tracks in open heathland. Much of the route was originally paved with granite slabs and there is evidence of stone working along the way. There are two main track junctions between this point and the Blue Lough, the route bears left at both.
This pleasant spot where the path crosses the small fast stream which exits the Blue Lough, provides an opportunity to appreciate the view North East to Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain.
The rocky slopes of Slieve Lamagan rise close by to the north and Slieve Binnian lies to the Southwest. Percy Bysshe the small outcrop of rock close to the path was named after a poet.
The Blue Lough provides a fine place to picnic. A short walk (600m) further along the track to the col or saddle between Slieve Binnian and Slieve Lamagan will provide a bird’s eye view of Ben Crom Dam and the mountain from which it takes its name.
The return route is the same as the outward journey.
The Glen Walkers
www.glenwalkers.com