Highlight • Trail
Hare's Gap
Hiking
4.9
(95)
Running
5.0
(2)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
May 1, 2023
Hiking
October 28, 2020
Hiking
August 23, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Hare's Gap
4.7
(38)
364
hikers
9.64km
03:21
510m
510m
Embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike to Hare's Gap and Slieve Bearnagh from Trassey Car Park, covering 6.0 miles (9.6 km) with a significant 1688 feet (514 metres) of elevation gain. This moderate route, typically taking around 3 hours and 21 minutes, leads you through varied terrain, starting on a gravel forest road before transitioning to rougher off-road paths, boulder fields, and steep, rocky ascents. As you climb, you'll pass through Clonachullion Forest and witness the dramatic tors of Slieve Bearnagh, eventually reaching Hare's Gap, a stunning mountain pass offering panoramic views across the Mournes.
This trail demands a good level of fitness and sure-footedness, especially as you navigate the steeper sections and granite steps leading to Slieve Bearnagh's summit, which may involve some scrambling. While the metadata suggests a duration of just over three hours, be prepared for a longer trek of 4 to 5 hours depending on your pace and conditions. Always be aware that winter weather, including strong winds, snow, and ice, can significantly increase the difficulty and arduousness of this climb, so plan your visit accordingly.
Beyond the physical challenge, this route is rich in history and natural beauty. Hare's Gap was once a notorious smugglers' hotspot, part of the
4.9
(41)
266
hikers
14.0km
04:38
640m
640m
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.
4.9
(12)
127
hikers
19.4km
06:55
1,110m
1,110m
This difficult loop in the Mourne Mountains challenges you with 12.0 miles (19.4 km) of hiking and a significant 3637 feet (1108 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 6 hours and 54 minutes to complete. You will navigate steep, rocky mountain paths, including sections that require scrambling, especially on Slieve Bearnagh. The reward for your effort is spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the High and Western Mournes, the Irish Sea, and Newcastle below, with the distinctive rocky tors of Slieve Bearnagh adding to the dramatic scenery.
To tackle this strenuous route, you need very good fitness and sure-footedness. The varied terrain includes unpaved paths, gravel, and natural ground, with some sections of built steps. Be prepared for sustained steep climbs and descents; parts of the trail, particularly descending Slieve Bearnagh and towards Hare's Gap, are very steep and demand extreme caution. Wet or icy conditions can make the already rugged terrain particularly slippery, so plan your visit for clear weather.
The trail takes you over Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Commedagh, and Slieve Donard, encompassing three of the four highest peaks in the Mourne Mountains, with Slieve Donard being Northern Ireland's highest. You will encounter the iconic 19-mile (31 km) Mourne Wall, which hikers often follow, and sections of the historic Brandy Pad, a former smugglers' track. The Mourne Mountains are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, highlighting the unique geological and ecological significance of this challenging and rewarding hiking destination.
Details
Informations
Elevation 430 m
Weather
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Monday 11 May
12°C
4°C
15 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h
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