Silent Valley

The area immediately below the Silent Valley Dam has been landscaped to provide pleasant surroundings with a spectacular mountain backdrop, and a 2 1/2 km circular walk. Walk from the car park towards the dam, taking the higher road leading to the parapet.

The restaurant and information centre are reached by paths leading to the left. At the parapet turn left to cross the width of the dam. Work on the dam began in 1932 and was finished ten years later. It is of earth and rock construction, and captures the waters of the Kilkeel River valley and the Annalong River valley to the east via a 3.6 km tunnel under Slieve Binnian, the rocky, crested mountain to the east (right).

The water in the dam provides much of Belfast with water via a 44 mile pipeline. The height of the dam allows the water to reach Belfast under the power of gravity only. The Mourne Wall surrounds the catchment area for the Silent Valley and Ben Crom dams. It predates the dams having been built between 1904 and 1922, and is a massive structure over 2m in height in most places and with an average width of 1m.

The Sally Lough is a tranquil place with an impressive view. It provides a contrast with the rough heather and grass moor of the upland catchment. These uplands have 'unnatural' man-made vegetation largely controlled by sheep grazing. More small shrubs and trees would otherwise colonise the uplands and the heather moor, currently reducing in area.

The Silent Valley area, the Sally Lough and its banks contain some interesting heath and wetland plants. The walk descends from the Sally Lough through wood-land towards the car park. The Kilkeel River, below the exit from the dam, is crossed by a footbridge.