Binnian loop, returning via Binnian Lough

This is my favourite way of doing the magnificent Slieve Binnian. A note of appreciation too for those who have done such a fantastic job improving the paths up and down!

Follow the usual route up by the Mourne wall until just before the last climb to the main peak you cross the stile on the left. Then walk on the left hand side of the wall until the path veers towards Binnian South Tor, where you can enjoy great views down to the Silent Valley and beyond.

From the south tor follow the path up to the right of the rocky ridge. The easiest way is probably to climb up onto the peak, traverse it to the far end and clamber down. But the weather was wet and windy so we took a lower route, crossing to the left hand side and dropping down onto the path. (The photos are from when we did the route on a summer's day!).

From there walk along the main path past the north tor, down to the col between Binnian and Lamagan. As you descend the last section look below to your right and you should see your path to Binnian Lough.

From the col the path is a little indistinct but becomes clearer as you continue on. Near the col keep a look out for the bales which have been laid to dam and protect the bog.

On the rise before the lough the path becomes rather unclear at times, but keep fairly high up and over the rise you can clearly see the path passing on the right of Binnian Lough to the big boulder at the far end.

Continue following the path past the rock and cross the gap in a wall. You now have 2 walls, one to your right and one to your left, running parallel in the direction you're going. Both lead back to your original ascent path up Binnian but both will probably involve tramping through boggy ground. My preference is to go along the right hand (higher) wall, but when recording the track we cut across to the left wall, as time was short.

Once back to the main track the descent back along your outward route is easy.