START YOUR MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES FROM KRIBBEN COTTAGES
Step out of Kribben Cottages and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Mourne Mountains. We’ve chosen our top 5 mountain walking routes, which can be easily accessed on foot from Kribben Cottage during your stay.
Whether you want a get-together with a group of friends, a romantic break for two, or you’re in need of a family getaway, Kribben Cottages are nestled in the heart of the Mournes, the ideal location to start your mountain adventures, capture those all-important memories and take in breath-taking views from sea to summit. Please remember to be fully prepared to face all four seasons when walking in the Mourne’s and wear the correct footwear to support you in the Mournes.
1. Seefin
Level: Easy | Distance: Approx 2.5 miles | Suggested Footwear: Trainers with a little grip
Soak in the views from the summit of Seefin, one of our smallest mountains in the Mournes and the closest to Kribben Cottages. Whether you choose our ‘out and back route’ or our circular ‘Seefin Loop’ reaching Seefin’s summit is suitable for the whole family to enjoy and a great introduction to hill walking.
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2. Rocky
Level: Moderate | Distance: Approx 5.5 miles | Suggested Footwear: Hiking Shoes
A frim favourite with the locals, our Rocky route offers panoramic views of the Mournes including Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak, the Brandy Pad, where smuggled goods were transported on pack ponies in centuries gone by and the ever-popular Slieve Binnian. If you enjoyed your trek onto the summit of Seefin and you’re feeling energetic, you’ll be blown away by the views on Rocky, we can assure you (on a clear day) it’s definitely worth the additional miles.
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3. The Blue Lough
Level: Easy-Moderate | Distance: Approx 7.5 miles | Suggested Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes
Wander from Kribben Cottages and along the Carricklittle lane to the Blue Lough, where rumour has it, the remains of a fighter plane from the Second World War lie beneath it’s calm and gleaming surface. Of course as rumours go, this has never been proven but we do love a good story! A hot spot for picnics and the perfect location to relax and enjoy some sunny weather, the Blue Lough has become a firm favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. Situated in the heart of the Annalong Valley, the Blue Lough draws quite the crowds in the summer months and whilst there are no mountains to ascend on this route, you can marvel at their grandeur as they tower above you on your walk through the valley.
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4. Slieve Binnian
Level: Moderate | Distance: Approx 7 miles | Suggested Footwear: Hiking shoes with good grip
Easily accessible and with multiple route options, Slieve Binnian has become increasingly popular over the years. Standing at 747m, it holds the title of the third highest peak in Mourne and therefore a mountain worth ticking off your bucket list, not to mention the beautiful views across the Mourne Countryside and into the Silent Valley that can be admired. If you’re an early bird and the weather is in your favour, we recommend setting your alarm to reach the summit for sunset, we promise it’s worth getting up for!
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5. Binnian Loop
Level: Moderate-Hard | Distance: Approx 9.5 miles | Suggested Footwear: Hiking shoes with good grip
If you fancy a longer walk, a more gradual climb and even more incredible views, you will love our ‘Back of Binnian Loop’, which takes you on an adventure past the Blue Lough and provides stunning aerial views of the Ben Crom Reservoir before summiting Binnian from a North Westerly direction. While the climb is gradual in comparison with the direct ascent up Binnian by the wall, this loop is longer, covers rougher ground and requires a little bit of scrambling and a head for heights.
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For more information on booking accommodation at Kribben Cottages, or walks in the local area, please email us on stay@kribbencottages.com or 07724727283 and we’ll be happy to help.