A trip through lanes in the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the countryside between Dromara and Ballynahinch. This walk of around 5 miles follows 2 public rights of way and roads in the rolling Dromara Hills. A walk for clear weather when the views can be enjoyed.

Route Fact File

Distance:	5 miles
Grade:	Moderate
Advice:	Tracks may be very muddy in wet weather – boots required. Uneven surface. Gates. Finnis Souterrain/Binder’s Cove is prone to winter flooding and may be closed during this time. For information ring 028 4066 0617.
Start and Finish:	Drumkeeragh Forest
Parking:	Drumkeeagh Forest Car Park
Grid Reference:	J330460 OS Discoverer Series 1:50000 Sheet 20 Slieve Croob Outdoor Pursuits Map
Terrain:	Mixture of public rights of way and road.
Accommodation:	B&B accommodation and Slieve Croob Inn nearby, also self-catering cottages at Seeconnell, near Slieve Croob and one near public rights of way above. Contact Banbridge Tourist Information Centre on 028 4062 3322.
Refreshments:	Several pubs and restaurants and fast food outlets are located in Dromara which is approximately 3.5 miles from the forest. An alternative is the Slieve Croob Inn set in the hills (approximately 3.5 miles) – turn left from Forest entrance along Drumnaquoile Road take first road on the right, Slievenisky Road continue along ignoring road on the left (Ballywillwill Road) at junction of Slievenisky Road and Clonvaraghan Road turn right and after a short distance you will see the Slieve Croob Inn on the right. There is also a pub in Finns – advisable to check opening times (approximately same distance to north west of Forest).

Route Finder
From Banbridge From Dromore Road join A1 in direction of Belfast and take first turn-off on right signed for Dromara. Where road forks take Waringsford Road to left. Follow signs to Dromara passing through the small village of Kinallen. In Dromara, at junction turn R into village onto B7 towards Rathfriland. Take the second road on the left (from junction) the Castlewellan Road (outside village). Travel along this road for approximately 3.5 miles to Drumkeeragh Forest on the left. Turn in and park in car park or at lay-by on left before forest entrance.

Points of Interest
The walk offers good views of Slieve Croob mountain, known locally as ‘The Twelve Cairns’ as a massive Bronze Age cairn once graced the summit (little now remains). The mountain is the source of the River Lagan which flows from here to the sea at Belfast.

Visitor Information
Drumkeeragh is a mixed conifer forest managed by Forest Service. It is located on the south west slopes of Slieve Croob 7 miles south west of Ballynahinch and offers extensive views of County Down. There are a number of walking trails in the forest ranging from 0.5 miles to 3.5 miles. Forest Service have produced a trail guide available from www.forestserviceni.gov.uk – publications. Down District Council have public rights of way asserted near the Slieve Croob Inn. The impressive Legananny Dolmen is located about 5 miles from Drunkeeragh Forest, as is another intreresting historic site, Finnis Souterrain/Binder’s Cove, which is an underground passage. From forest take right and travel downhill to cross roads. At the cross roads, take left onto Drin Road. At the end of the road, take a right, drive over the bridge and turn left onto the B7, take next left, Carrigagh Road and follow signs for Dolmen. To visit the souterrain retrace steps to junction of Carrigagh Road and Legannany Road, turn left onto Carrigagh Road and look out for signpost and a small lay-by about 0.5 mile along this road.

To begin walk turn right from the entrance of Drumkeeragh Forest and follow Castlewellan Road for 2 miles. Pass the Gaelic football pitch and look for signpost on the right marked ‘Bridleway’. Turn into this lane known as ‘Darby’s Loanin’ which is a public right of way and follow lane through farmyard until you eventually meet the Moneynabane Road. From this lane there are wonderful views of Slieve Croob. In season, the brilliant yellow of the gorse or whins provides a beautiful display. In the past, whins were used for roofing, making brushes and dyes. At the end of Darby’s Loanin turn left and continue along Moneynabane Road for approximately 0.5 mile. Take second lane on right ‘Glen Loanin’, another public right of way, which is signposted as a bridleway. Follow this pathway to meet the Drumboy Road and turn right walking towards Slieve Croob. Continue to the T-junction and turn left to continue back to Drumkeeragh Forest.

For a shorter walk park with due care and consideration (without blocking the gates), outside the Gaelic football ground off the Castlewellan Road. From the entrance turn right and walk down the road to the bridleway sign on the right and follow directions as above but at T-junction turn right to walk down the Castlewellan Road to return to starting point.