Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh]
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh]
Meenamaddo, standing proudly at 482 meters, is one of Northern Ireland's Marilyns, beckoning hikers with its moderate challenge and breathtaking vistas.
Geology
A marvel of nature, the geological formations here are predominantly sandstone and limestone, telling a story of erosion and time. As you traverse the hill, keep an eye out for fascinating strata and the occasional fossil—even the ghosts of ancient sea creatures may have left their mark!
Hiking Routes
The Lough Fadden Circuit showcases the stunning scenery surrounding Meenamaddo. This moderate loop of 8 km is an absolute must for nature lovers, taking about 2.5 hours to hike and leaving ample time to catch your breath and take in the views.
Summit Features
Reaching the summit is a real treat. The small stone cairn at the top serves as your trophy, a physical representation of your achievement. It's a popular spot for those all-important summit photos, so don’t forget to strike a pose!
Terrain Type
Meenamaddo's terrain is a delightful mix of grassy paths, rocky sections, and those pesky bogs where one could easily lose a shoe or two—indeed, a true test of one's hiking skills!
Views
From the summit, the highlights of your panoramic view include the majestic Mourne Mountains and the vast expanse of County Down. For the best shows, aim for spring or autumn, when nature dresses itself to the nines.
Hazards
As with any outdoor adventure, be prepared for any potential hiccups. Weather can change faster than you can say ‘raindrop’, and slippery terrain has a knack for turning your hike into an unintentional mudslide. Walk wisely!
Nearby Summits
If you fancy extending your adventure, why not tackle the nearby giants such as Slieve Croob (550 m) and Slemish Mountain (496 m)? They both offer their own dazzling views!
Access
For access, the nearest parking area is conveniently located at Glen River, providing a friendly environment for about 15 vehicles. If you prefer public transport, buses from Newcastle will drop you near the trailheads—easy peasy!
Facilities
Once you're back from your trek, indulge yourself in one of Newcastle's many delightful cafes or pubs. Toilets are also available for your convenience, comforting the bladder of any hiker!
History
The name 'Meenamaddo' translates from Irish to 'the meadow of the dogs.' It could really lead your imagination wild thinking about the hunting history or even legends about the canines that roamed these hills!
To sum it up, Meenamaddo (or Meenagleragh for those in the know) is a splendid destination for a day hike. Its rich geology, scenic routes, and intriguing history make for an unforgettable experience. So lace up those boots, grab a sandwich, and hit the trail!
Happy hiking!
Explore routes near Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh]
Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.
Lough Fadden Circuit
This picturesque route features a scenic loop around Lough Fadden, leading to breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
330m
1,083 ft
Prominence
136m
Coordinates
54.1421, -8.8790
G426218
OS Map
24
At the Summit
The summit is marked by a small stone cairn, offering a perfect spot for those triumphant selfies. Don't forget to raise a can of fizzy drink to your achievement!
Terrain & Geology
The area comprises layers of sandstone and limestone, providing a rich history of geological formations which have stood the test of time. The surrounding hills showcase striking cliff faces and gentle slopes, ideal for examining erosion patterns and stratification.
Views & Scenery
On a clear day, one can see across the lush green fields of County Down to the Mourne Mountains, and even glimpses of the distant Irish Sea.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Meenamaddo' in Irish translates to 'the meadow of the dogs’, suggesting a historical significance related to local fauna or hunting.
Historical Significance
Meenamaddo is steeped in local folklore, and many have shared tales of ghosts haunting the hills, adding to its cultural richness.
Getting There & Facilities
Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.
Parking
There is a small car park located at the Glen River entrance, approximately 5 km from Meenamaddo, suitable for about 15 vehicles.
Public Transport
Buses from Newcastle run frequently and drop off near the Glen River walking paths.
Nearby Facilities
Newcastle offers several cafes, pubs, and toilet facilities, ensuring you can fuel up before your adventure or celebrate after reaching the summit!
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Beware of sudden weather changes which can turn a benign hike into a soggy scramble. Additionally, the terrain can be slippery 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 Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh]?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh] through the maps
Are there other walkers around Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh]?
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 Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh] search or of course create your own walk for Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh]
Can I organise a walk to Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh]?
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 Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh].
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 Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh]?
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 Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh] 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
![Meenamaddo [Meenagleragh] location map](https://cdn.walkmates.com/hill-maps/hill-sources/20885/54.14208_-8.87904.png)
Grid reference: G426218
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.
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