Silent Valley: Return to Slievenaglogh

Binnian

Saturday August 14: A glorious summer day in the Mournes with the Spartans. Starting from the Head Road and wall-walking to escape the impossible tangle of grose and brambles by the road - slightly terrifying. Binnian looking splendid on the right.

Then up Slievenaglogh, and that's a particular pleasure. Slievenaglogh was the first hill I ever climbed with the Spartans. Six years ago that was, and the start of what has been a very enjoyable association. This is the first time I've been back since then. It was beautiful that day in September, and it still is. It's one of the best viewpoints in the Mournes, looking down on Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs and looking out on the ring of hills - one of the best viewpoints and one of the least known.

Round the top of Silent Valley, fording streams, fighting off midges - my arms are rough today. Back down to the dam and across. Silent Valley was once known as Happy Valley, before it was turned into a dam. Now that title has been transferred to the pleasant valley between Meelbeg and Meelmore. Silent Valley is silent - and awesome.

And back to the wall, Slievenaglogh and Binnian behind us. In the August afternoon sun you could imagine yourself in the Rockies or anywhere else you wanted to be. But it's the Mournes, and it's pretty good. I just need to remember the insect repellant next time.