Source: Slieve Croob Circuit

This is a moderate 10 kilometres circuit on old roads and rough ground.  For a map and statistics go to https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=18725608

Slieve Croob is a rugged isolated little mountain situated in the northern part of the Mournes.  Unfortunately, the summit is decorated with an array of communication masts but the views are magnificent, stretching from the Mournes to the Belfast Hills and Strangford to Lough Neagh.  It is also famous as the source of the River Lagan which rises here as a mere trickle before making its mighty way to Belfast.

Start in the hamlet of Finnis which is about 2 kilometres outside Dromara, heading south on the B7.  Take the Dree Hill Road and then shortly turn left onto the Drin Road.  Follow this for just over a kilometre and then turn right onto Pass Loaning.  The lane climbs up through gorgeous scenery and turns sharply right to a metal gate near some ruined cottages.  Here the walk opens into open mountain slopes and the track is more indefinite but it is well marked with a series of wooden posts to the summit.

The grassy slope on this part of the mountain is known as Monahoora and it is a great place to listen to the song of the skylark and spot buzzards hanging in the air.  After a couple of stiles, cross some boggy ground to reach a tarmac road.  Turn left and the road will bring you to the summit cairn and a trig point at 534 metres.

Return to the road and it will zigzag downhill back to Finnis, passing the source of the Lagan, marked by a viewing point in the car park, en route.