The best walks and hikes around Spelga Reservoir

Yes, the area offers several options suitable for families. For a very short and accessible walk, the trail to Slieve Muck from Moyad Road — Mourne is a great choice. It's a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) route through open moorland. Another popular family-friendly walk is the path around Slievenamuck, which is located right next to the main car park and offers lovely views without a strenuous climb.

Dogs are often welcome on the trails in the Mourne Mountains, but it's essential to keep them under control, especially since this is an active farming area with livestock. The open moorland terrain is great for dogs, but always be mindful of wildlife like ground-nesting birds and Irish hares. It's recommended to keep your dog on a lead.

The main starting point for many hikes is the Spelga Dam Car Park, located right by the reservoir on the B27 road. This car park provides direct access to several trails and offers fantastic views across the water to the surrounding peaks. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea.

The terrain around Spelga Reservoir is primarily open moorland, bog, and pasture, with trails on both clear paths and rugged, rocky ground. The weather in the Mourne Mountains can change very quickly, so it's crucial to be prepared with waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and navigation tools, even on a clear day. Many routes are exposed with little shelter.

Absolutely. For a demanding day out, the Eagle Mountain – Hen Mountain loop from Upper Bann is an excellent choice. This difficult 13.3-mile (21.3 km) route involves significant ascent and rewards hikers with panoramic views. The region has over 28 difficult-rated trails for those seeking a strenuous mountain adventure.

Yes, several routes incorporate sections of the historic Mourne Wall. For a long and challenging trek that follows this iconic stone wall, consider The Mourne Wall – Hare's Gap loop from Upper Bann. This 16-mile (25.6 km) hike is a serious undertaking but offers a memorable experience of the Mournes' most famous landmark.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 750 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding peaks, the sense of remoteness on the high moorlands, and the unique experience of walking alongside the historic Mourne Wall.

There are over 115 hiking routes to explore around Spelga Reservoir. The trails range from short, easy walks suitable for families to strenuous, full-day mountain treks, with the majority being of moderate difficulty. This variety ensures there's a suitable hike for almost every fitness level and experience.

Yes, many of the best hikes in the area are circular routes that start and end near the reservoir. The Hen Mountain – Cock Mountain loop from Upper Bann is a popular moderate loop of about 7.8 miles (12.5 km). It takes you to the summits of two prominent peaks with rewarding views.

Besides the reservoir itself, the most famous man-made feature is the Mourne Wall, a 22-mile dry-stone wall that crosses over many of the peaks. Natural features include the rugged granite outcrops of the mountains, vast expanses of heather, and the source of the River Bann. From many summits, you can see the nearby Silent Valley Reservoir and the coastline.

Facilities at Spelga Dam itself are limited to the car park. However, a short drive away is the highly-rated Silent Valley Mountain Park, which has a large coffee shop and visitor centre explaining the history of the reservoirs. It's a great spot to visit for refreshments after a hike.

The 'Magic Hill' or 'Gravity Hill' is a famous local curiosity on the B27 road near the reservoir. It's a section of road where an optical illusion makes it seem as though your car is rolling uphill when you put it in neutral. It's a fun stop for visitors to the area.