Silent Valley Reservoir Walk
County Down
Distance 1 miles
OS Map 29
Terrain Easy well laid paths
Nearest Town Kilkeel
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J305209
Route Type Parkland & Grassland
Stone way-markers are in place to help guide you. Follow the orange arrows for the Reservoir trail. This circular route highlights the various elements of the Valley’s engineering hub with the Mourne mountains and the 22 mile long Mourne Wall acting as a backdrop.
Silent Valley reservoir, Watertown, Mourne wall, granite quarry and natural heritage
The route begins in the main car park reached through the gates on the Head Road on the south side of the Mournes. The Silent Valley is sign posted for drivers travelling south from Newcastle and north from Kilkeel. There is an entrance fee.
During the summer months, Translink operate the Mourne Rambler Service- a circular route that stops at the gates of the Silent Valley. More information can be found on the Translink website.
Must be kept on a lead.
Toilets and refreshments available during summer months and public holidays at Silent Valley restaurant and information centre or in nearby Kilkeel. Disabled parking and toilets
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
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Walk Route
Silent Valley Reservoir Walk
I’m surprised that no comment has been made regarding the small hydro electric scheme constructed around the year 2000 making use of the head of water available at silent valley dam and feeding power to the grid. A talking point to interest most people!
Beautiful, as always but disappointed that shuttle bus was not available! Appears to be a service provided at the whim of the operator.