Map & Elevation
About this Route
This 10.8 km out-and-back climbs Slieve Commedagh from Donard Park by the Glen River path and the saddle shared with Slieve Donard. The GPX gains about 750 m. It uses the familiar forest and river approach, but turns north-west at the saddle for Commedagh rather than south-east for Donard.
From Donard Park, follow the Glen River upstream through the forest. The path passes the old ice house and eventually leaves the trees for the open mountain. Stone pitching leads steadily towards the col, with the river and then the Mourne Wall acting as useful handrails. At the saddle, turn right and follow the wall north-west. The climb beside it is rough and steep in places, but the navigation is usually clear until the upper ground flattens.
The large stone tower beside the wall is not quite the true summit. Continue a short distance north-east to the summit cairn at 767 m before turning back. In mist this small final detour is easily missed, and it is just as easy to drift away from the wall when returning to the saddle. Descend by the same Glen River route to Donard Park. The stone steps and granite slabs can be very slippery when wet, while snow and ice make the wall section a winter mountain route. Newcastle may feel close throughout, but carry proper hill kit and an independent means of navigation.
The Glen River gets you onto the mountain gently; the climb from the saddle is where Commedagh shows its character.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Begin at Donard Park and follow the signed Glen River path into the forest. Parking fills quickly on busy weekends, so an early start helps.
Keep to the main riverside path as it climbs through the trees. Ignore smaller forestry tracks that leave the river.
Pass the stone ice house and continue upstream. The path becomes rougher, with wet stones and roots after rain.
Leave the shelter of the trees and continue on the pitched mountain path. Put on extra layers here before the wind strengthens higher up.
Climb the increasingly steep stone path towards the saddle. The wall becomes the clearest feature ahead in poor visibility.
At the col, turn right and north-west beside the Mourne Wall for Commedagh. Turning left leads towards Slieve Donard and is not this route.
Pass the summit tower and continue briefly north-east to the true summit cairn at 767 m, then return to the wall.
Retrace the wall to the saddle and descend the Glen River path through the forest to Newcastle.
Essential Tips
Commedagh is right and north-west when approaching from Glen River. The busier path left and south-east climbs Slieve Donard.
The wall tower is the obvious landmark, but the highest point is the cairn a short distance north-east. Take a bearing if the plateau is in cloud.
Stone pitching and slabs beside the wall become slick in rain, frost or snow. Poles can help on the long descent, but winter conditions need winter skills and equipment.
Donard Park and the Glen River path are extremely busy on good-weather weekends. An early start makes parking and the narrow forest sections easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Slieve Commedagh from Donard Park?
About 3 hours 25 minutes for the full 10.8 km round trip. That's based on the ascent of 747 m using Naismith's Rule, though your actual time will depend on fitness and conditions.
Which way do I turn at the saddle for Slieve Commedagh?
Turn right and head north-west along the Mourne Wall when you reach the saddle from Glen River. The left turn goes to Slieve Donard, which is a different route.
Is the stone tower at the top the actual summit of Slieve Commedagh?
No, the tower isn't the true summit. You need to continue a short distance north-east to reach the summit cairn at 767 m, which is easy to miss in mist.