Silent Valley Ben Crom Dam Walk
County Down
Distance 3 miles
OS Map 29
Terrain Easy well laid paths
Nearest Town Kilkeel
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference J300220
Route Type Parkland & Grassland
Stone way-markers are in place to help guide you. Follow the red arrows for the Ben Crom walk. This linear route will guide you alongside the Silent Valley Reservoir to Ben Crom Dam passing the exit of the Binnian Tunnel and other reminders of the feat of engineering required to help fulfill the water needs of Belfast. The walk turns at the foot of Ben Crom wall. You can choose whether or not to follow the steps up to the top to take in the spectacular views including the Brandy Pad and Slieve Donard. Retrace your steps back down the valley to the main car park.
Spectacular views of the Mourne mountains, Silent Valley Dam, Silent Valley overflow (or plughole), valve tower and Ben Crom Dam
The route begins in the main car park reached through the gates on the Head Road on the south side of the Mournes. The Silent Valley is sign posted for drivers travelling south from Newcastle and north from Kilkeel. There is an entrance fee.
During the summer months, Translink operate the Mourne Rambler Service- a circular route that stops at the gates of the Silent Valley. More information can be found on the Translink website.
Must be kept on a lead.
Toilets and refreshments available during summer months and public holidays at Silent Valley restaurant and information centre or in nearby Kilkeel.
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Silent Valley Ben Crom Dam Walk
Did this on a beautiful autumn day with three kids 4-11. Took the little legs three hours out and back! The walk was long but flat & easy. Tarmac all the way to Ben Crom and then you can climb the steps to walk across the dam if you want to. Saw quite a few kids on bikes and scooters on the trail. Brill mountain views without the climb. The route in the image below is not the route to Ben Crom. The Ben Crom route goes all the way up the side of Silent Valley Reservoir to the next dam.
Good tarmac walk. Not crowded. South facing all the way. What a great way to stretch out on a dry january afternoon. Fantastic viiews and lots of walk options onward if you have time. £4.50 a car. Toilets, picnic and good play areas. Shuttle to top and walk back if you like.