J4576 : No Trespassing sign, Cairn Wood

Cairngaver

214m Elevation
188m Prominence
I Country
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J4576 : No Trespassing sign, Cairn Wood

Rossographer Photo source

Explore routes near Cairngaver

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Lagan Towpath: Shaw's Bridge to Drumbeg Footbridge

9.5 km ~3h 15m Easy

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Drumbeg to Hilden Bridge: Lagan Towpath, Lambeg and Canal Locks

9.7 km ~3h Easy

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Castlewellan Forest Park: Lake, Arboretum and Mitchell's Lake Circuit

7.6 km ~2h 45m Moderate

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Tollymore Forest Park: River Trail near Newcastle

5.2 km ~2h Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Cairngaver Loop

A circular route starting from the car park, it guides hikers through scenic woodland and up to the summit, offering panoramic views.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Current County/UA Top

Elevation

214m

702 ft

Prominence

188m

Coordinates

54.6163, -5.7496

J454765

OS Map

15

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a well-constructed stone cairn and has a small trig point, providing a perfect spot for a scenic breather and photos.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with rocky sections the route can be boggy in some areas especially after rainfall.

Cairngaver is predominantly composed of basalt, formed from ancient volcanic activity. The rugged terrain reflects its geological past, with deep gorges and traces of glacial action evident across the landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can marvel at views of the Mourne Mountains to the south and the sprawling fields of County Down.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name ‘Cairngaver’ is derived from the term meaning ‘rocky place’, which aptly describes its rugged landscape.

Historical Significance

Cairngaver is part of the Mourne Mountains area, steeped in myth and folklore, and is a popular destination among local hikers.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park located at the beginning of the trail, off the B8 road, which accommodates a handful of vehicles.

Public Transport

The nearest bus services run from Newcastle town, which is about a 15-minute drive away. From there, it is advisable to taxi or cycle to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly at Cairngaver, but the nearby town of Newcastle offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery rocks, especially after rain. Some parts of the trail can be muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Cairngaver?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cairngaver through the maps

Are there other walkers around Cairngaver?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Cairngaver search or of course create your own walk for Cairngaver

Can I organise a walk to Cairngaver?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Cairngaver.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Cairngaver?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Cairngaver here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: J454765

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