Slieve Binnian

Slieve Binnian

Slieve Binnian is a 745.9 m mountain in the Mournes, County Down, Northern Ireland. Its long granite ridge separates the Annalong Valley from Silent Valley. The main summit is the southern high point of the ridge, rather than the separate North Top, North Tor or East Top.

Summit and ridge

The high point is among granite summit rocks. Reaching it involves a short scramble; visiting the ridge does not require climbing every tor. The Back Castles and northern tors make distinctive landmarks, but their steep rock faces are not ordinary walking paths. Clear weather gives views over Silent Valley, the Mourne peaks and the County Down coast.

Walking from Carrick Little

The usual start is Carrick Little on Head Road at J345219. Walk up the lane, pass the mountain gate and follow the path uphill beside the Mourne Wall. Near the top, take the walking approach to the gap beside the summit rocks rather than following the wall into a crag.

For a ridge circuit, continue north past the Back Castles and around the northern tors, descend to the col with Slievelamagan, then turn south-east past Blue Lough and Annalong Wood to regain the lane and car park. Tourism NI describes this complete circuit as approximately 11.2 km. A summit out-and-back using the wall-side approach is described by Get Lost Mountaineering as 7 km with about 3–4 hours for the full return.

Planning and safety

This is strenuous mountain terrain with steep paths, wet or loose stones, boggy ground and exposed summit rocks. The Annalong approach crosses small streams; after heavy rain, assess each crossing and turn back if unsafe. Low cloud can obscure the descent and the separate tops, so carry a suitable map and compass and know how to use them. Snow and ice can make the paths and scrambling substantially harder. Check the mountain forecast, start with adequate daylight and carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a headtorch. In an emergency call 999 or 112, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.

Use gates and stiles, follow current access signs and avoid blocking the lane or farm entrances. Parking is limited at the roadside car park; private parking is also available farther up the lane, subject to the operator's terms. Arrange transport in advance: a current bus to Carrick Little should not be assumed. Carry your own supplies rather than depending on mountain facilities.

Landscape and history

Binnian's granite tors are resistant rock outcrops within a landscape shaped by glaciation and continuing weathering. Their formation is more complex than a single episode of glacial carving. The Irish name Sliabh Binneáin is translated as “mountain of the small peak”. The Mourne Wall was built between 1904 and 1922 around the water catchment. Beneath Binnian, a tunnel constructed between 1947 and 1952 carries water from the Annalong River to Silent Valley.