Tourism \ Activities \ Walking \ Slieve Martin

Slieve Martin

Slieve Martin rises steeply from Carlingford Lough near the village of Rostrevor, bringing to mind those famous words: "Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea". The forested slopes conceal the ancient Rostrevor Oakwood, which is protected as a National Nature Reserve. The huge Cloghmore Boulder, which legend says was thrown across Carlingford Lough by the giant Fionn Mac Cumhail, is a fine viewpoint. A moorland crest can be followed beyond the summit of Slieve Martin to Knockshee, then the walk heads back into Rostrevor Forest and links with the Ulster Way. It's also worth taking the time to explore Kilbroney Park and the village of Rostrevor.

The walk
Park in Rostrevor Forest and take a look at the information boards, which show a series of short waymarked trails. Walk down from the car park and turn left in front of the Forest Office. A path on the left is signposted for the Rostrevor Oakwood. Turn left along a broader path, where another sign points the way to Fiddler's Green. The path zig-zags up a wooded slope and reaches the grassy clearing known as the Fiddler's Green.

Continue up to a forest track and turn right. Turn left to follow a steep, narrow, grassy path uphill through the forest. The edge of the forest gives way to a gentle, open slope, where you bear left to reach the huge 40 tonne Cloghmore Boulder and enjoy the fine views over Carlingford Lough.

Turn around and look for a gravel track leading around the head of the nearby glen. It overlooks a forest drive and car park. Follow this track as it rises around the head of the glen, then make a bee-line up a grassy path to reach the summit of Slieve Martin. There is a cairn and a trig point at 1,597ft (485m), and views of the mountains around Carlingford Lough are very good.

Leave Slieve Martin and head east towards a prominent mast, crossing a small stile over a fence on the way. Keep walking towards another mast along the grassy crest. As the crest narrows, a path leads along it to reach the hump of Knockshee at the end. This is another fine viewpoint, crowned with an ancient burial cairn. In clear weather you can see beyond the Mountains of Mourne to Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains, as well as to the Isle of Man.

Double back to the gap, then drift gradually off to the right. Aim to pick up an old track leading towards Rostrevor Forest at the head of the Watergap River. As you approach the forest, you need to drop down from the hill track and cross a stile over the forest fence to reach a forest track. Turn right to follow the track to the edge of the forest on the slopes of Slievemeel, avoiding other tracks to right and left.

By the time the track runs downhill and bends left, there are views along the length of Kilbroney River. Keep to the right at two junctions with other forest tracks, until you reach a narrow tarmac road and a barrier gate. Turn left along the road, passing another barrier gate to return to the car park where the walk started. The Forest Restaurant is immediately to hand, with Kilbroney Park and the village of Rostrevor beyond.