Beginning at Castlewellan Forest Park and finishing near Corry Wood, this loop explores one of the oldest landscapes in the Mourne Gullion Strangford region. The land around Slieve Croob dates back over 400 million years, shaped by ancient ocean closure that formed today’s rugged peaks, rolling valleys, and the source of the River Lagan, which flows all the way to Belfast.
Along the route, you’ll find convenient car parking near Legannany Dolmen, a remarkable Bronze Age portal tomb featuring three upright stones supporting a huge granite capstone, one of County Down’s most striking prehistoric landmarks.
Continue to Windy Gap, a natural mountain pass offering breathtaking views across the Mourne Mountains, the Cooley Peninsula, Carlingford Lough, and the Ring of Gullion in County Armagh. This area is also dotted with historic ‘lazy beds’, the traditional ridges once used for growing potatoes, dating back to before the Great Famine.
Further along, stop at Binder’s Cove, where a souterrain, an underground passage possibly used for storage or refuge, adds another layer of mystery to the landscape.
For a rewarding finish, follow the paved path from Dree Hill car park to the summit of Slieve Croob. The climb is accessible and well worth the effort. From the top, enjoy panoramic views stretching over the Lecale Coast, the Ards Peninsula, and, on a clear day, the Belfast Hills and iconic Harland & Wolff cranes, where the RMS Titanic was built.
