Three mountain walks at a glance
Distances include the full return or circuit. Compare the ground and starting point as well as the kilometres; none of these is a gentle walk.
| Walk & grade | Full distance | Starting point | Underfoot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slieve Donard via Glen River Very strenuous | ~9.3 km return | Donard Park car park, Newcastle. Source grid reference J375305. | Forest paths become rough mountain paths with a steep final climb. River crossings and exposed ground require care; avoid the Eagle Rocks cliffs. Mountain navigation and suitable equipment are essential. |
| Slieve Binnian circuit Very strenuous | ~9.8 km circuit | Carrick Little car park near Annalong. Source grid reference J345219. | Stony tracks, steep rugged slopes, rocky summit ground and exposed mountain paths. Navigation skills, fitness and mountain equipment are needed. |
| Hare's Gap via Trassey Track Strenuous | ~6.8 km return | Trassey Road council car park. Source grid reference J311314. | Unsurfaced paths, stiles, river fords, bare rock and a boulder field on the climb to the pass. Water levels and exposed weather can change the difficulty. Bring mountain navigation equipment. |
On smaller screens, scroll across the table to compare all four columns. Route details and original sources are linked below.
01
Compare the routes
Which Mourne mountain walk should I choose?
Choose Donard for a summit walk starting in Newcastle, Binnian for a demanding granite ridge circuit, or Hare’s Gap for a shorter return walk to a mountain pass. All three involve rough mountain ground.
Donard and Binnian are graded very strenuous; Hare’s Gap is strenuous. The shortest route can still be demanding. Choose for the whole group’s fitness, navigation skills and the day’s conditions. For a gentler outing, compare the forest and lakeside walks instead.
Find a gentler forest or lakeside walk →
Sources for this answer
How does Slieve Binnian compare with Slieve Donard?
Both published walks are very strenuous. Donard is an approximately 9.3 km return ascent from Newcastle; Binnian is an approximately 9.8 km circuit from Carrick Little.
Donard follows the Glen River through woodland before a steep climb beside the Mourne Wall. Binnian climbs rugged slopes to granite summit rocks, where hands are needed, then follows the ridge past the Back Castles and returns near Blue Lough. Choose by terrain, navigation skills and conditions rather than assuming Binnian is easier because it is lower.
Sources for this answer
Read the source: WalkNI — Slieve Donard via Glen River · WalkNI — Slieve Binnian
Which published routes offer a shorter mountain outing?
Hare’s Gap via the Trassey Track is a shorter published outing than the full Donard or Binnian walks: approximately 6.8 km out and back to a mountain pass.
It starts at the council car park on Trassey Road, grid reference J311314. It is still strenuous, with unsurfaced ground, two fords, bare rock and boulders on the approach to the gap. Return by the same route; continuing onto the Brandy Pad or neighbouring summits adds distance and difficulty.
Read the Hare’s Gap return route →
Sources for this answer
Read the source: WalkNI — Hare’s Gap
Does a lower summit mean an easier walk?
No. Distance, ascent, steepness, rough ground, exposure and the route you choose matter more than summit height alone.
Binnian is lower than Donard but its published circuit is slightly longer and involves rocky summit ground where hands are needed. Hare’s Gap does not reach a summit, yet the route has river fords and boulders and is graded strenuous. Read the whole route description, not just the mountain height.
Sources for this answer
Which walk is a circuit, and which returns the same way?
The published Slieve Binnian walk is a circuit from Carrick Little. Slieve Donard via Glen River and Hare’s Gap via the Trassey Track are out-and-back walks: you return along your approach.
Our distances cover the complete return or circuit. Adding Commedagh to Donard, continuing from Hare’s Gap along the Brandy Pad, or linking other summits creates a different outing. Plan that route separately rather than using these distances for an extension.
Read the Glen River climb and return →
Sources for this answer
Read the source: WalkNI — Slieve Donard via Glen River · WalkNI — Slieve Binnian · WalkNI — Hare’s Gap
02
Before setting out
Can I bring a dog on these walks?
Follow the rule for the specific route. WalkNI requires leads on the Donard, Binnian and Hare’s Gap routes, and NI Water asks visitors to keep dogs on leads at places including Silent Valley.
In public forests, keep dogs under control, clear up after them and use a lead wherever signs or Forest Service staff require it. Respect signed areas where dogs are excluded and keep away from livestock and wildlife. Check the destination’s current rules before travelling.
Researched 15 October 2026. Opening, charges, services and access can change. Check the linked operator again close to your visit.
Make more of your visitGet to know the Glen River routeRead the guide →