J2017 : The penultimate stretch of the climb to the summit of Slievemartin

Slievemartin

483m Elevation
177m Prominence
I Country
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J2017 : The penultimate stretch of the climb to the summit of Slievemartin

Eric Jones Photo source

Explore routes near Slievemartin

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

9.8 km ~2h 45m Easy

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Tollymore Forest Park: River Trail near Newcastle

5.2 km ~2h Moderate

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

7.6 km ~2h 45m Moderate

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Scarva to Poyntzpass: Newry Canal and Lough Shark Return

10.1 km ~3h Easy

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Route planning notes

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

Mourne Wall Route

A scenic route that follows the iconic Mourne Wall with stunning views and varied terrain.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Brandy Pad Route

A popular route that provides a gentle ascent with expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

7 km ~2.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

483m

1,585 ft

Prominence

177m

Coordinates

54.0936, -6.1651

J201176

OS Map

29 36

At the Summit

The summit features a large stone cairn and offers a trig point for the avid peak bagger. On a clear day, you might even spot a few brave souls flying kites at altitude!

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops with some boggy patches to keep your boots entertained.

Slievemartin is primarily composed of granite, which formed from molten magma. The area showcases typical geological features of the Mourne Mountains, including scree slopes and rocky outcrops, which present a true reflection of the region's volcanic history.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can see the Irish Sea, the town of Newcastle, and the other peaks of the Mourne range, including Slieve Donard.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Slievemartin is derived from the Irish 'Sliabh Mhártain’, meaning 'mountain of the martins', likely referencing the local wildlife.

Historical Significance

The Mourne Mountains are steeped in folklore and have been the inspiration for poets and writers, including the renowned Percy French.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Car park at Donard Park, Newcastle; it has ample spaces and is a short drive from the start of popular routes.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Belfast to Newcastle, with some local taxis available for the final stretch to hiking trailheads.

Nearby Facilities

In Newcastle, you'll find a range of facilities, including cafes, restaurants, and public toilets for those pre-hike emergencies.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch for rapidly changing weather conditions typical of the mountains. Boggy areas can be treacherous, and the rocky sections require careful footing.

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 Slievemartin?

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

Are there other walkers around Slievemartin?

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 Slievemartin search or of course create your own walk for Slievemartin

Can I organise a walk to Slievemartin?

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 Slievemartin.

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 Slievemartin?

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 Slievemartin 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

Slievemartin location map

Grid reference: J201176

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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