
Silent Valley Heritage Trail
Discover the history of the Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains. On this walk you will pass an original ‘Watertown House’ and discover a memorial which commemorates the men who sadly lost their lives during the building of the dams.
County
Down
Distance
1.9 miles
OS Map
Sheet 29
Nearest Town
Kilkeel
Route Shape
Circular
Route Type
Parkland & Grassland
Terrain
Easy well laid paths
Grid Reference (Start)
J306212
Grid Reference (End)
J306212
Point of Interest
Silent Valley reservoir, Watertown house, memorial, the “Mourne Hand” art piece, natural heritage
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Mournes
Route Description
Stone way-markers are in place to help guide you. Follow the yellow arrows for the Heritage Trail. From the main car park you will pass the “Mourne Hand” art sculpture, follow the path past the duck pond and on towards the main visitor servicing area. En route, you will pass an original Watertown House as well as the memorial which commemorates the men who sadly lost their lives during the building of the dams. Walk on past the café and climb the steps, which take you past the Interpretive Centre. Visit the centre to learn more about the unique history associated with the park. Continuing on past the visitor centre, look to the skies to spot a red kite ! Continue along the path uphill and join the road which leads up to the lower dam wall of the Silent Valley reservoir. The trail then takes you along the embankment to the other side. Follow the way-markers to make your way past Sally Lough until you reach the start of the Nature Trail. From here, turn left and make your way back towards the main car park.
Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)
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.
Getting to the Start (by Car)
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.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead.
Accessibility Grade
Accessible Facilities
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
![]() | Disabled parking |
![]() | Disabled toilets |
Facilities
Toilets and refreshments available during summer months and public holidays at Silent Valley restaurant and information centre or in nearby Kilkeel.
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