The Devil's Coach Road via Cove Mountain — Mourne

Embark on a difficult hike along The Devil's Coach Road via Cove Mountain, a challenging route spanning 9.3 miles (14.9 km) with an elevation gain of 1976 feet (602 metres), typically taking 4 hours and 56 minutes to complete. This trail leads you through rugged terrain, including a deep, steep gully of loose scree on the granite flanks of Slieve Beg, where footing can be unstable. As you ascend, you will encounter rocky paths and areas covered in heather, offering varied scenery. From Cove Mountain, enjoy panoramic views of the central Mournes, including the Ben Crom Reservoir and distant peaks like Slieve Donard. The route also traverses tranquil valleys with gravel and grassy paths, occasionally crossing small streams, providing a diverse hiking experience.

This is a demanding hike requiring good fitness and sure-footedness, so come prepared with sturdy shoes. The ascent through the loose scree gully of the Devil's Coach Road is particularly challenging and steep, sometimes appearing almost vertical. If you have a fear of heights, this route may not be suitable for you. It is also not recommended for dogs due to the steepness and potential for paw injury. Some sections may involve technical or hazardous terrain, so prior experience and potentially specialist equipment are advisable.

The Devil's Coach Road is steeped in local folklore, with tales suggesting the Devil himself used this path to