Slieve Croob Pass Loaning

Slieve Croob rises to 1775 ft (534m) and is the highest point of the Dromara Hills and source of the River Lagan. Although marred by modern telecommunication masts the summit offers on a clear day wonderful panoramic views over County Down. Dogs absolutely prohibited.

County	Distance	OS Map
Down	6.5 miles	Sheet 20

Nearest Town	Route Shape	RouteType
Finnis a.k.a. Massford	Circular	Mountain

Terrain	Grid Reference (Start)	Grid Reference (Finish)
Road, farm lane and hill	J285477	J285477

Point of Interest	Great viewpoint
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty	Mournes
Route Description	Finnis/Massford is a hamlet on the River Lagan nestling at the foot of Slieve Croob, approx. 2 miles south of Dromara on the B7. There is a community facility known as Peter Morgan's Cottage on the bridge, cross over the bridge onto the Dree Hill Road and park with care in the vicinity of the cottage (do not park in front of the cottage as this is an agricultural right of way into adjoining fields). Walk to the front of the cottage and have a look at the infant River Lagan as it passes under the bridge. Take a L from the cottage and walk along Dree Hill Road, past the Massford Close Development before turning L into the Drin Road. Continue along this road for approx. 1 mile and look out for a concrete lane on R marked 'Pass Loaning'- there is a bungalow just opposite the entrance to the lane. Turn into this concrete lane and follow to its end at a stile leading onto Slieve Croob. Look ahead to see the waymark posts which indicate the route, these may not be visible in mist or fog and it is easy to become lost in poor visibility - only do the route in clear weather. There is a steep climb along the remains of an old path but once the 2nd stile has been reached, at the fence line, the land levels off. Keep looking ahead to spot the waymark posts and orientate yourself and follow these to reach the transmitter road. On reaching the transmitter road, turn left to reach the summit of the mountain. Follow the transmitter road to its end and look on the mountain to see stiles leading to triangulation point. Retrace steps back along the transmitter road - you will see the River Lagan cutting its way down the mountain. Keeping to the path head towards the Dree Hill Car Park. At the car park turn R and follow the Dree Hill Road downhill, back to the starting point.
Getting to the Start	Start walk at Finnis/Massford.
Facilities	Slieve Croob Inn 2.4 miles to the south along the Clonvaraghan Road. Turleys Bar and Restaurant is on the B7 to the south at Lowtown.
Accessible Toilet Facilities	No
Accessible Terrain	-
Accessible Signage	-
Publication	Slieve Croob Walks
Publication Availability	Download below or contact the Countryside Officer on 028 4066 0600