Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs

This 3 mile walk (6 miles round trip) is excellent especially when conditions underfoot are wet as it is along a surfaced road all the way from Silent Valley Reservoir to Ben Crom. It is also worth the climb up the steps at the Ben From end for the view across the reservoir. It was so windy when we visited as Storm Ciara was just starting up. One of my favourite places in the Mournes.

I had a visitor from England who had never been to the Mournes so what better a way to show off this stunning mountain range than Silent Valley Reservoir. We parked outside the boundary and walked up to the cafe for coffee and scones, the coffee being particularly good. The scenery on a clear sunny day is simply breathtaking and great to see so many people/families out walking. My friend was so impressed with the area that we are staying in the locality next month with a view to climbing Donard or Binnian or maybe both!!

The reservoir itself is located at the mourne mountains which makes the overall scenery of the place an outstanding beauty. We climbed the Moolieve mountain so we were able to see the reservoir from the top. There are different walking routes which you could follow and there is a map for it on the reservoir. We didn’t follow any routes when we visited and just made our own. They have toilet facilities, picnic areas, cafe and play area. They have car park which can fit 63 cars and its first come-first serve basis.
To see video of our travel, click the link on the website section of my account/page.

Lovely part of NI with mountainous views.

You pay to go in & park in a large parking area. There are quite a few different level hikes around the grounds & reservoir to suit all.

You are given a map with the different level hikes colour coded & stones with the corresponding coloured arrows for you to follow. I'm not the best map reader but I did find them a little confusing & diverted off my walk & had to retrace my steps.

There wasn't many people about to ask if they knew the way back but luckily a local took pity & helped me!

Lots of picnic benches dotted around, some interesting historic dwellings, a large dam to walk across and a lovely small cafe for a well deserved hot chocolate!

I've known for so long how much I have wanted to visit Silent Valley but we live so far away it's been a dream until this weekend when I finally got my chance to visit an it did not disappoint. The views are to die for we walked for hrs an never once said we where fed up an wanted to turn back we did 9k in total the weather was up an down the rumbles of thunder made for the experience. We stopped at the lily pond and fed the ducks, went to the cafe for soup an toasties before setting off our adventure I really wish we had more time to spend exploring the sights and sounds but alas Time was not on our side as the weather closed in we headed back to the car for cover. The walk is for the most part flat few steps but they're manageable. The views really have to be seen to be appreciated. I can't wait to be able to visit again

Walked from Silent Valley reservoir up to Ben Crom reservoir and climbed the 270 steps up to the top. Stunning views to be had. Even though it was raining when we started out, it didn't dampen our spirits. Misti enjoyed it immensely ❤️

Arrived on a sunny Saturday, the view ofthe reservoir was absolutely amazing .Walk a mere three miles and up 270 steps to Ben crom dam.one wishes a drone would capture the true essence of the beauty of the scenery.
Stop of on your way back for a cup of coffee in the victorian tea room.

We were not sure what to expect here, paid at the gate and drove a long drive to a plentiful parking area. Then we walked. Pleasant grounds with wooded areas and stream, higher wooded areas with good paths, and a large dam. Information boards along the way explaing the roles of the people who had worked there and why. We walked a little of the dam but were going into the mountains the next day but you could walk from here. It was a really quiet peaceful place and had a lovely calming inflouence
Very nice little cafe serving a very good lemon meringue pie.

I arrived at Silent Valley on a drizzly day, but was immediately taken by the huge amount of walks there were for all abilities. I loved the three mile walk to the Ben Crom reservoir and the steps up to the top. So peaceful despite the huge amount of water right beside me. The hidden gem was the tea room. A scintillating welcome from this family friendly business. Superb coffee made with care and attention. Spent a brilliant day at the park and will be back.

We took a walk here and it is breathtaking. great views of so many of the peaks without the uphill struggle. It lives up to it's name. Super silent in so many places, its just lovely. Plenty of places to picnic if you felt like that.