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Hikes/United Kingdom/Northern Ireland
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
469 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
7.7 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Hen and Cock Mountain Trail

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Table of contents

The Hen and Cock Mountain Trail is a challenging journey in the Mourne Mountains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that will lead you up each of these two peaks for some beautiful views. While out on the trail, you will head across the boggy, open landscape to reach the rocky summit of Cock Mountain for some incredible views, before continuing on to the lesser peak of Hen Mountain. Due to the rugged terrain along the trail, dogs are not permitted to walk this route.

Route Description for Hen and Cock Mountain Trail

Walking the Hen and Cock Mountain Trail is a challenging but fun experience in the Mourne Mountains AONB that will allow you to bag to peaks and experience some beautifully scenic views. In addition to having a great sightline across the surrounding mountains, you will also have some great views of the Spelga Reservoir to the southeast.

Setting out from the car park, you will make your way to the southeast across Sandbank Road and continue along the trail as it traverses the open landscape. Here, you will follow along the Mourne Way as it runs parallel to the Rocky River, before turning to the northeast to traverse the boggy landscape on the steep ascent of Cock Mountain.

After experiencing the breathtaking views overlooking the surrounding mountains and reservoir, you will descend the mountainside and continue on to the rocky summit of Hen Mountain, where you will enjoy similar views, albeit from a lesser height. From here, you will continue heading to the northwest in order to make your way downhill on the return to the car park where you started your adventure.

Getting to the Hen and Cock Mountain Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for the Hen and Cock Mountain Trail can be found at the Hen Mountain Car Park, located along Sandbank Road, 2.6mi southeast of Hilltown.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    April-October

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Lollipop

Hen and Cock Mountain Trail Elevation Graph

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