Slievelamagan
Good walks are even better shared.
J3226 : The eastern slopes of Slievelamagan
Eric Jones Photo source
Overview
Slievelamagan is a 702.2m granite mountain in the Mournes, County Down, Northern Ireland. Its rocky summit overlooks Ben Crom Reservoir and the Annalong Valley. The Carrick Little approach passes Blue Lough before the steep southwest ascent; a longer circuit continues over Cove Mountain and Slieve Beg. These are strenuous mountain walks with rough ground and crag hazards.
Slievelamagan
Slievelamagan rises to 702.2m in the Mourne Mountains, County Down, Northern Ireland, with 195.1m of prominence. Its highest point is a rock outcrop. The steep granite slopes stand above Blue Lough and the Annalong Valley, with Ben Crom Reservoir to the west.
Walking approaches
Carrick Little is the southeastern trailhead. The ascent runs past Annalong Wood and Blue Lough to the Binnian–Slievelamagan col, then turns onto Slievelamagan’s steep southwest slope. Retracing that approach gives a summit out-and-back. A longer Central Mournes circuit continues over Cove Mountain and Slieve Beg before returning down Annalong Valley. The western approach starts in Silent Valley Mountain Park, reaches Ben Crom Dam and climbs to the same southwestern col; return by the outward route.
Terrain and safety
Expect loose stones, steep rocky slopes and rough paths. The eastern crags are not a shortcut back into Annalong Valley. The longer northern circuit passes crag tops near the Devil’s Coach Road. Cloud and wind can make navigation and balance difficult; take a map, compass, waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and a head torch. Plan the descent before climbing and turn back if the conditions exceed the group’s ability.
In a mountain emergency call 999 or 112, ask for Police and then Mountain Rescue, and give a grid reference. Mobile reception is unreliable.
Access
Use established approaches, gates and stiles. Keep field entrances clear, close gates and keep dogs on leads. Long use by walkers does not itself establish a public right of way; respect local access notices and landowners.
Silent Valley is a gated, paid-entry park. Complete the return before closing. NI Water’s visitor page, checked on 16 October 2026, lists the lower Nature Trail as closed after a landslide; that trail is separate from the reservoir-road approach described here. Swimming and other water activities are prohibited at Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs, as are fires and barbecues on NI Water land.
Name and landscape
Sliabh Lámhagáin means ‘creeping/crawling mountain’. The Annalong Valley and neighbouring corries preserve glacial landforms. The Blue Lough approach follows old quarry tracks with surviving granite paving. Nearby Slieve Binnian and Cove Mountain are separate summits; Ben Crom mountain stands across its reservoir to the west.
Explore routes near Slievelamagan
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Silent Valley to Ben Crom Dam: Reservoir Road Walk, County Down
View route
Tollymore Forest Park: River Trail near Newcastle
View route
Tollymore Forest Park: Mountain and Drinns Trail
View route
Castlewellan Forest Park: Lake, Arboretum and Mitchell's Lake Circuit
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Slievelamagan via Blue Lough: summit return
From Carrick Little car park (J345219), cross the Mourne Wall at the gate/stile and follow the track beside Annalong Wood. Keep left at the forks towards Blue Lough, then climb to the Binnian–Slievelamagan col. Turn right for the steep, rocky southwest ascent to Slievelamagan. Return down the same slope, past Blue Lough and along the outward track to Carrick Little. Do not shortcut directly down the eastern crags into Annalong Valley.
Central Mournes circuit: Lamagan, Cove and Beg
From Carrick Little, pass Annalong Wood and Blue Lough to the Binnian–Slievelamagan col. Ascend Slievelamagan, continue over Cove Mountain and Slieve Beg, then reach the Brandy Pad at the col below Commedagh. Turn south to the Annalong River path; descend the valley, follow the wall at the northern end of Annalong Wood back to the Carrick Little track, and return to the car park. This full circuit passes crag tops and the head of the Devil’s Coach Road; take particular care in wind.
Slievelamagan from Silent Valley: summit return
From the main car park inside Silent Valley Mountain Park, follow the reservoir road to Ben Crom Dam. Climb the dam steps, then take the eastward path to the Binnian–Slievelamagan col and ascend Slievelamagan’s steep southwest slope. Retrace this route via the col, dam steps and reservoir road to the park car park. The summit climb is additional to the reservoir-road walk. Return before the park gates close; the lower Nature Trail is not part of this approach.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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J3226 : The eastern slopes of Slievelamagan
Eric Jones
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J3226 : Below the summit ridge of Slievelamagan
Eric Jones
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J3226 : The north-western ridge of Slievelamagan
Eric Jones
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J3226 : View south towards the summit of Slievelamagan
Eric Jones
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
702m
2,304 ft
Prominence
195m
Coordinates
54.1661, -5.9661
J328260
OS Map
29
At the Summit
The highest point is a rock outcrop on the rocky summit crest. Cairns are also present in the summit area.
Terrain & Geology
The mountain lies in the granite uplands of the eastern Mournes. Glaciation shaped the Annalong Valley and the corries around Slievelamagan and Blue Lough; moraines record successive phases of ice retreat and readvance.
Views & Scenery
Views across Ben Crom Reservoir and the Annalong Valley, with Slieve Binnian, Cove Mountain, Slieve Donard and other Mourne peaks around the summit, and the Irish Sea beyond.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
From Irish Sliabh Lámhagáin, meaning ‘creeping/crawling mountain’. Paul Tempan’s placename notes connect the name with the steep ascent, citing Walter Harris’s 1744 description.
Historical Significance
Old quarry tracks on the Blue Lough approach retain granite paving and evidence of stone-working.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Carrick Little car park, at the Head Road and Oldtown Road junction near Annalong (J345219), is the southeastern starting point. For the western approach, use the main car park inside Silent Valley Mountain Park, entered from Head Road. Keep roads and field entrances clear.
Public Transport
Use Translink’s journey planner for travel to the Annalong area and plan onward transport to Carrick Little. NI Water also advertises a paid Mourne Shuttle Service, with advance booking recommended; its current stops and timetable must match the chosen start and finish.
Nearby Facilities
Parking and café facilities are available around Carrick Little. Silent Valley Mountain Park has toilets, a visitor centre and a café for the western approach.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- The southwest summit ascent is steep and rocky, with loose stones and rough path sections. Direct descents into the eastern crags above Annalong Valley can lead onto much steeper ground.
- The extended Cove Mountain and Slieve Beg circuit passes exposed crag tops and the head of the Devil’s Coach Road; wind increases the danger there.
- Cloud can obscure the paths and cols. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them; mobile coverage is unreliable. Leave a route and return time with someone.
- NI Water prohibits swimming, diving, paddleboarding and other water activities at Ben Crom and Silent Valley reservoirs. Keep away from the water’s edge.
- For a mountain emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Give your location, preferably a grid reference.
- On 16 October 2026, NI Water’s visitor page still listed the lower Nature Trail at Silent Valley as closed after a landslide. Use the reservoir road for the western approach and obey the park’s barriers and closing time.
Seasonal Hazards
Cold, wet winter conditions make the steep rocky ascent and descent more serious; ice requires suitable winter skills and equipment. Allow enough daylight for the full return. In dry conditions, follow wildfire warnings at NI Water entrances; fires and barbecues are prohibited on its land.
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 Slievelamagan?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Slievelamagan through the maps
Are there other walkers around Slievelamagan?
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 Slievelamagan search or of course create your own walk for Slievelamagan
Can I organise a walk to Slievelamagan?
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 Slievelamagan.
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 Slievelamagan?
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 Slievelamagan 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
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Location
Grid reference: J328260
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