- Distance · Return walk
- ~1.7 km
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Before your visit
- Start
- Silent Valley Mountain Park’s main entrance on Head Road, Kilkeel, BT34 4HU; start from the visitor car park at the southern end.
- Distance
- Approximately 1.7 km, including the return.
- Terrain
- Paths and gravel with steep steps.
- Dogs
- Keep dogs on leads.
- Facilities
- Parking, toilets and picnic facilities are listed at the park. Check current opening and charges; refreshments may not be available along the walk.
Checked 9 October 2026. NI Water — Silent Valley trails · NI Water — Silent Valley visitor information and current notices · NI Water — On the Lead, Whatever the Breed, 1 May 2026
For current opening, charges and access, check the operator before travelling. Bring what you need rather than relying on refreshments being open.
The walk
Explore the reservoir setting and look at the dam’s engineering against a mountain backdrop. This short return walk is a way to get to know Silent Valley without adding the longer trip to Ben Crom.
Underfoot
Expect paths, gravel and steep steps. Check the trail board for the route and current access.
Start & access
Start: Silent Valley Mountain Park, Head Road, Kilkeel, BT34 4HU.
Enter through the main Head Road gates. Admission charges and seasonal hours apply. Check NI Water's latest trail notices and follow signs and barriers.
Route map & access at NI Water — Silent Valley Trails
Give yourself enough time
Allow for your group’s pace, terrain, stops and daylight. Leave enough time and energy for the return journey.
Sources & walk details
Checked 8 October 2026. Original grade: Level two. Distances rounded for comparison. Where time or ascent is unavailable, no estimate is supplied. A summit height is different from a walk’s total ascent. About the route information.