Map & Elevation
About this Route
Slieve Binnian is often considered the finest summit in the Mournes, and this direct out-and-back from Carrick Little is the most popular way to reach it. The route follows a good track through the Annalong Valley before meeting the Mourne Wall – that iconic stone boundary that threads across the high ground – and turning left to climb steeply alongside it to the summit tors at 747 metres. The final approach is rocky and increasingly exposed, with granite outcrops emerging from the hillside and wonderful views opening up across the reservoir-dotted landscape below.
This is a straightforward mountain walk with no technical sections, but the upper slopes are steep and the ground becomes boulder-strewn as you near the top. The tors themselves are impressive sculptural lumps of granite that give the summit real character. Weather can change quickly up here, and the Mourne Wall becomes a vital navigation aid in mist. The descent retraces your steps exactly, which makes navigation simple but doesn't reduce the cumulative effort. Expect your knees to notice the return journey.
Binnian's granite tors catch the light like nowhere else in the Mournes – half sculpture, half mountain.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Start from the car park at 158 m elevation. The track heads west into the Annalong Valley, rising gently at first on a well-maintained path used by both walkers and maintenance vehicles accessing the reservoir infrastructure.
The valley track continues to climb steadily through open moorland. The gradient is gentle here, gaining height at a comfortable pace with Slieve Binnian's rocky profile becoming more prominent ahead to the west.
Reach the Mourne Wall at approximately 235 m elevation. Turn left (south-west) and begin climbing steeply alongside the wall. The character changes here – the gradient increases noticeably and the terrain becomes rockier underfoot.
The wall continues upward through increasingly broken ground. Around 600 m elevation the path threads between granite outcrops and boulders. The exposure increases and views expand significantly, particularly back towards the Annalong Valley and Silent Valley reservoir.
The summit tors mark the highest point at 747 m. The Mourne Wall passes just below the actual top, which sits among dramatic granite formations. This is the turnaround point for the out-and-back route – return by the same path.
Retrace your steps down the wall, across the valley track and back to the start. The descent is straightforward navigationally but sustained on the knees, particularly on the steep upper section beside the wall.
Essential Tips
The Mourne Wall is your primary navigation aid on the upper mountain and becomes essential in poor visibility. Keep it on your right going up, left coming down. Don't leave the wall to explore alternative lines unless you're confident with your navigation – mist descends quickly here.
The path beside the wall becomes increasingly rocky and broken above 500 metres. Ankle protection is sensible, and walking poles help with balance on the descent. Take your time through the boulder field – a turned ankle is easily done when you're tired.
While there's no scrambling, the terrain near the summit is steep and open with significant drops nearby. Conditions can feel serious in high wind or poor visibility. If you're uncomfortable with exposure or the weather deteriorates, the wall provides a safe handrail back down.
This GPX trace is a pure out-and-back, not the longer North Tor or Blue Lough circular variations. That means you'll be retracing your steps exactly, which is navigationally simple but offers no variety on the return. Factor that into your energy planning – the 564 m of ascent becomes descent on tired legs.