This is an easy 14.3 kilometres walk not only through the majestic natural beauty of the Mourne Mountains but also passing some amazing feats of engineering.

In 1933 the successful damming of the Kilkeel River valley was the end of 30 years of work started by Belfast City and District Water Commissioners. They were responsible for supplying water to the city of Belfast. This set in place the Mourne Wall and then the huge reservoir in “Silent Valley”. The reservoir was built to gather water from the mountains over most of the High Mournes. The Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs supply water for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast. The two dams are ringed by mountains – while the reservoir grounds contain the parkland, lakes and ponds which were part of the original landscape design. Most of these areas are now open to the public.

For a map and statistics go to https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=17046753

Start at the Silent Valley car park, OSNI Discovery Sheet 29, 306209.  Follow the tarmac road along the side of the reservoir to reach Ben Crom.

The track along the edge of Ben Crom is fairly rough and ready but well worth the effort.

Use the same track and the tarmac road for the return journey, the views are equally stunning.