Coolcross Hill
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C404469 Trailhead
A well-marked trail leads hikers up through scenic heather moorland, offering occasional glimpses of the surrounding lakes. Starting from the C404469 parking area, this route is ideal for those looking to soak up the sights without too much sweat!
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Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
291m
955 ft
Prominence
168m
Coordinates
55.2674, -7.3652
C404469
OS Map
03
At the Summit
The summit of Coolcross Hill is adorned with a sturdy stone cairn, where hikers often pause for a well-deserved rest. On clear days, it feels like you can see the world from the top, albeit a bit wobbly from exhaustion.
Terrain & Geology
Coolcross Hill is predominantly formed of granite, a tough and durable rock that gives the hill its rugged charm. Over time, glacial activity has shaped its contours, giving it a unique character in the landscape.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can behold stunning views of the Mourne Mountains, the shimmering waters of Silent Valley Reservoir, and, if you're lucky, a few sheep pretending to be mountain goats.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Coolcross' is derived from local Gaelic words meaning 'the hill of the cross', possibly referring to a historical landmark that once marked the area.
Historical Significance
The Mourne Mountains have long been a source of inspiration for artists and writers. Coolcross Hill, while not the highest, offers a sensory feast that echoes with the stories of old.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
The nearest parking area is located at the trailhead near C404469, offering enough space for several vehicles. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot!
Public Transport
Buses run from Newcastle to the Mourne area, but a bit of a walk from the nearest stop is required to get to the trailhead. Taxi services are also available.
Nearby Facilities
While there are no facilities directly on the hill, Newcastle has several cafes and pubs where you can refuel after your hike. Don’t forget to treat yourself; you’ve earned it!
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Beware of sudden weather changes, as conditions in the Mournes can shift faster than you can say 'cairn'. Additionally, the rocky terrain can be slippery, especially after rain.
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 Coolcross Hill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Coolcross Hill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Coolcross Hill?
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 Coolcross Hill search or of course create your own walk for Coolcross Hill
Can I organise a walk to Coolcross Hill?
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 Coolcross Hill.
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 Coolcross Hill?
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 Coolcross Hill 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: C404469
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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