Easy hikes and walks around Aughnaloopy

Near the Silent Valley reservoir you can hike wonderfully through beautiful, extensive heathland, with views of the 35 km long Mourne Wall through the Mourne Mountains and the sea in the distance.🐑☘️🍺🏰😀

The Mourne Wall, built from 1904-22, was originally intended to protect the catchment area (36 km²) for Belfast's water supply around the water reservoir. With modern treatment facilities, this is no longer so crucial today. The 35 km long wall, made of unworked granite stone, crosses 15 summits of the Mourne Mountains, including Northern Ireland's highest, Slieve Donard, and offers beautiful hikes. Some take on the challenge of hiking it in one day.

The small exhibition provides insights into the hard work of the construction of the dam. Next to it, you can still see houses built for the workers.

The Duck Pond feels like a calm secret waiting to be discovered. Recommended by hikers and tucked into a protected area, it’s a gentle spot where water glimmers among reeds and mountains frame the quiet mirror below.

Silent Valley Reservoir, nestled in the Mourne Mountains, is a peaceful retreat surrounded by sweeping granite peaks and heathered slopes. Built in the early 20th century to supply water to Belfast and much of County Down, the reservoir combines striking engineering with natural beauty. Visitors can stroll along well-kept paths, admire the Victorian-style dam and impressive Mourne Wall, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere by the lakeshore.

This section of the path is not maintained at all. It’s overgrown with high vegetation, thorny plants, and hidden holes. The terrain is quite challenging and can be dangerous, with boggy patches and rocks concealed in the tall grass. Take care and be cautious when walking here.

A tea room located in the beautiful setting of Silent Valley Mountain Park. The café is open daily all year round, which is convenient, but unfortunately the food quality is very disappointing. The staff are friendly, but I had one of the worst ham and cheese sandwiches of my life: dry bread, bland ham, and cheese that tasted like the lowest supermarket grade. The bread was probably the only halfway decent part of it.

The well-maintained trails take you through impressive scenery, surrounded by the striking peaks of the Mournes. The view of the Mourne Wall, which stretches for 35 kilometers and connects 15 peaks, is particularly impressive. However, some sections can become slippery in wet weather, so caution is advised. A highlight is a visit to Ben Crom Reservoir, which can be reached via an extension of the route. Note that there is a fee to enter the park.