01
Compare the routes
How does Slieve Binnian compare with Slieve Donard?
Both published walks are very strenuous. Donard is an approximately 9.3 km return ascent from Newcastle; Binnian is an approximately 9.8 km circuit from Carrick Little.
Donard follows the Glen River through woodland before a steep climb beside the Mourne Wall. Binnian climbs rugged slopes to granite summit rocks, where hands are needed, then follows the ridge past the Back Castles and returns near Blue Lough. Choose by terrain, navigation skills and conditions rather than assuming Binnian is easier because it is lower.
Read the source: WalkNI — Slieve Donard via Glen River · WalkNI — Slieve Binnian
Which published routes offer a shorter mountain outing?
Hare’s Gap via the Trassey Track is a shorter published outing than the full Donard or Binnian walks: approximately 6.8 km out and back to a mountain pass.
It starts at the council car park on Trassey Road, grid reference J311314. It is still strenuous, with unsurfaced ground, two fords, bare rock and boulders on the approach to the gap. Return by the same route; continuing onto the Brandy Pad or neighbouring summits adds distance and difficulty.
Read the Hare’s Gap return route →
Read the source: WalkNI — Hare’s Gap
Does a lower summit mean an easier walk?
No. Distance, ascent, steepness, rough ground, exposure and the route you choose matter more than summit height alone.
Binnian is lower than Donard but its published circuit is slightly longer and involves rocky summit ground where hands are needed. Hare’s Gap does not reach a summit, yet the route has river fords and boulders and is graded strenuous. Read the whole route description, not just the mountain height.
Read the source: WalkNI — Slieve Binnian · WalkNI — Slieve Donard via Glen River · WalkNI — Hare’s Gap · Mourne Mountain Rescue Team — Mountain safety
02
Before setting out
Can I bring a dog on these walks?
Follow the rule for the specific route. WalkNI requires leads on the Donard, Binnian and Hare’s Gap routes, and NI Water asks visitors to keep dogs on leads at places including Silent Valley.
In public forests, keep dogs under control, clear up after them and use a lead wherever signs or Forest Service staff require it. Respect signed areas where dogs are excluded and keep away from livestock and wildlife. Check the destination’s current rules before travelling.
Read the source: WalkNI — Slieve Donard via Glen River · WalkNI — Slieve Binnian · WalkNI — Hare’s Gap · NI Water — On the Lead, Whatever the Breed, 1 May 2026 · Forest Service / nidirect — Walking in forests · Forest Service / nidirect — Stay safe and be responsible
Researched 9 October 2026. Opening, charges, services and access can change. Check the linked operator again close to your visit.
Make more of your visitGet to know the Glen River routeRead the guide →