Meelmore and Meelbeg
A moderate circular walk in the High Mournes, summiting two of the seven highest peaks in the region, Slieve Meelmore and Slieve Meelbeg.
County Down
Distance 5.4 miles
OS Map 29
Terrain Unsurfaced tracks, mountain path
Nearest Town Hilltown
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J279279
Route Type Mountain
Cross the obvious stile on the opposite side of the road from Ott car park. After 150m the stony track splits in two – take the upper path and continue along the obvious track ascending to the col between Slieve Loughshannagh and Carn Mountain where you will meet the Mourne Wall. At the wall turn left and follow the Mourne Wall up the summits of Slieve Loughshannagh (619m) and Slieve Meelbeg (708m), up to the summit of Slieve Meelmore (687m). Retrace your steps 300m back down Slieve Meelmore to the wall intersection and descend into the valley using the right hand wall at this intersection. Continue to where the wall meets a walking track and river and follow the river downstream, following the walking trails on either side. At the bottom of the valley pick up the Ulster Way, before reaching a pocket of evergreen woodland, follow this in a south westerly direction passing Fofanny Dam after 750m. The Ulster Way emerges onto the Slievenaman Road. Turn left and continue for 800m along the road back to Ott car park.
Slieve Loughshannagh, Slieve Meelbeg, Slieve Meelmore, Fofanny Dam, the Mourne Wall
The walk starts at Ott car park. To get here follow the Kilkeel Road out of Hilltown for 7 km, turn left at the junction with Slievenaman Road and continue for 1.5 km, Ott car park is on the left hand side.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs must be kept on leads
Car park and picnic facilities available at Ott car park.
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Meelmore and Meelbeg
Me and my 9 year old walked this route today. Fairly challenging in places for the nipper, and his old dad too. Spent most of it in the clouds and didn’t get to enjoy the views, but it was a good run out. That last road walk back to the Ott car park was the worst bit, some lunatic drivers come speeding along. Other than that, and the weather, a great walk.
Completed this walk yesterday, found the going quite tough as the snow was 3ft deep in places and I never brought spikes 😒😒😒. Low cloud meant no views 😒.The Mourne wall on this route is a godsend as it guides you the whole way. The descent from meelmore was tricky because of the icey conditions but the walk along fofanny dam back to the ott car park was stunning in the winter sunshine, I’ll definitely do this walk again when the visibility is better.
Another beautiful walk in the Mournes, the already stunning scenery that bit more special in the snow. A short distance walk but still challenging, I would recommend a packed lunch and plenty of water to fuel you up the peaks. Take time to enjoy the views, they’re well worth it.