Hare's Gap & Slieve Commedagh loop from Trassey Car Park — Mourne

Embark on the Hare's Gap & Slieve Commedagh loop, a challenging yet rewarding hike through the dramatic Mourne Mountains. This route spans 8.7 miles (14.0 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2085 feet (635 metres), typically taking around 4 hours and 37 minutes to complete. You will navigate varied terrain, from gravel forest roads to winding tracks over bare rock and through boulder fields. The ascent to Hare's Gap involves rough steps, leading to panoramic views across the range, while the climb up Slieve Commedagh, the second-highest peak, offers sweeping vistas out to the Irish Sea and Newcastle below. You will also see the impressive Mourne Wall winding over the peaks and the Ben Crom Reservoir.

This moderate hike requires good fitness and sure-footedness, so make sure you wear sturdy shoes. While the route is generally well-defined, some sections, especially on Slieve Commedagh, can be steep and demanding, sometimes over pathless ground. It is wise to carry a map and compass, particularly if visibility is poor or you are unfamiliar with the area. The trail starts conveniently from Trassey Car Park, making it accessible for a day trip into the mountains.

The Hare's Gap itself is a historically significant mountain pass, once a key smuggling route where goods were carried along the Brandy Pad. This path still offers gorgeous scenery through the heart of the High Mournes. As you hike, you will frequently encounter the iconic Mourne Wall, which not only serves as a navigational aid but also highlights the scale and history of this unique landscape. The route transitions beautifully from forest edges to open mountainside, showcasing impressive granite features and the wild beauty of the Mourne Mountains.