Topic: Iconic Mournes (Read 3646 times)

paulocon · « **on:** January 05, 2013 »

Hi,

Working on some pieces for a website I run in my spare time and just wondering what people reckon are the iconic mountains in the Mourne Range.

I done this piece on Binnian which for me, is one of the iconic Mournes. http://www.walkingandhikingireland.com/walking-irelands-iconic-mountains-number-3-slieve-binnian/

I'd like to feature another 1 or 2 of the Mourne Mountains, was thinking Slieve Bearnagh has to be in there and perhaps Slieve Donard given that it's the highest in Ulster.

Would be interested in hearing any opinions on this.

Paul.

Kayakgirl · « **Reply #1 on:** January 05, 2013 »

Bernagh is one of my favourites along with Doan, the views from there are spectacular. I also think Lamagan is pretty Iconic too.

LandyLiam · « **Reply #2 on:** January 05, 2013 »

Nooooooooo, Lamagan is awful

Doan & Bearnagh are great though.

paulocon · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2013 »

With the right light, Lamagan can look fantastic when driving that road up towards Carrick Little car-park - kind of like a giant speckled egg!

Agreed re. Bearnagh - I'll definitely include that in the series of articles. Any suggestions as regards the best route up Bearnagh - been on it a few times but normally as part of a circuit (of the wall or on the seven sevens). The one time I tried climbing it purely for it's own sake, we had to turn back due to snow (http://www.walkingandhikingireland.com/panic-on-the-slopes-of-bearnagh/).

twentyclicks · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2013 »

I definitely think Lamagan is a hidden icon of the mournes. In the centre of the central spine, and with a steep, trackless ascent it must be one of the least visited mountains on the range. It's best view is also hard come by... sort of from the annalong river near the forest...but from there it shows its stronghold dominance in the centre of the range...slabs and scree defending all approaches.

As a pure icon, Doan probably tips it though. It's easy access and stunning views make it well loved by all. The 'island peak' of the Mournes, it boasts both a gentle approach over a martian white landscape and sheer scrambling sides.

As an outsider, I'd suggest Muck for consideration... a long buttressed ridge with a massive plateau... it's a very fine mountain to be on top of and somewhat different to the rest... or Hen...so accessible, but so interesting on top.

My favourite route up Bearnagh is up the quarry track to the Bearnagh/Meelmore saddle then straight up the steep side. There is great theatre coming up Trassey under Spellack, with the Hare's gap boulder field above (I like coming down this as a circuit route), rugged history in the quarry remnants, a sharp relentless climb, then popped out right at the top amidst the crowning tors. Everyone who doesn't know the mountains, loves Bearnagh when they see it (often from Doan). It's the most aggressive. My mate calls it Kid A as it reminds him of the Radiohead album cover.

clairebear · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2013 »

Agree ref bernagh, first time up it i remember loving the rocks and decent off it towards meelmore.

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Author Topic: Iconic Mournes (Read 3646 times)

paulocon

Iconic Mournes

Kayakgirl

Re: Iconic Mournes

LandyLiam

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paulocon

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twentyclicks

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clairebear

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