Silent Valley Reservoir Walk

The Silent Valley Reservoir Walk is a fantastic route in the Mourne & Slieve Croob AONB, Northern Ireland that offers stunning views of nearby mountain peaks. While out walking the trail, you will traverse some peaceful forest terrain and walk along a dam wall overlooking the calm surface of the Silent Valley Reservoir, with the nearby peaks of Slieve Binnian, Slievenaglogh, and Doan in the backdrop. For the small price of admission, this is a wonderfully scenic route that can be enjoyed by nearly everyone.
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Route Description for Silent Valley Reservoir Walk
While there isn’t anything overly negative that can be said about the Silent BValley Reservoir Walk, you should take note of the fact that you will need to pay an entry fee of £4.50 per vehicle to enter the park. Additionally, some sections along the trail can become a bit boggy, so be sure to wear good walking footwear to remain comfortable on your adventure.
Featuring a charming forest atmosphere, lovely setting along the Kilkeel River, and stunning views across the Silent Valley Reservoir towards the imposing Mourne Mountains, this really is a spectacular walk that you won’t want to pass up on. Terrain here is easy-going enough that the entire family will be able to get out and enjoy a fun day on the trails, and the Silent Valley Cafe along the route offers a great place to pop in for some refreshments near the end of your walk. What a wonderful way to spend a fun afternoon on the weekend!
Setting out from the car park, you will pick up the trail leading to the west and keep left at the fork, heading to the southwest to enter into the cover of the forest and follow the trail as it skirts along the winding banks of the Kilkeel River. After 0.8 km, you will cross over the river and continue along the west bank, following it to the northwest as you enjoy the tranquil woodland atmosphere.
After another 0.9 km, make a left turn along the trail and follow it for 0.12mi to exit the tree cover and arrive at a junction. Turn right here and follow the path to the north as it skirts the edge of the forest, climbing gently uphill to eventually reach the edge of the Silent Valley Dam. Turn right here and make your way across the dam wall, enjoying the spectacular views across the Silent Valley Reservoir that include the beautiful sight of the Mourne Mountains in the backdrop.
Reaching the opposite side of the dam wall, turn right and follow along the road south for 0.7 km. Here, you will pass by the Silent Valley Cafe on your right, as you make the return leg of the walk back to the car park where you began the Silent Valley Reservoir Walk.
Trail Highlights
Silent Valley Reservoir
Constructed between 1923 and 1933 by a force of over 1000 workers, the Silent Valley Reservoir was built with the purpose of gathering water from the Mourne Mountains. From there, it would supply a large part of Belfast, in addition to all of County Down with clean drinking water. The reservoir is located southwest of Belfast in the Mourne & Slieve Croob Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is the Silent Valley Reservoir?
At its deepest point, the Silent Valley Reservoir is 65 m deep.
How much does it cost to enter Silent Valley?
Per vehicle, it cost £4.50 to enter Silent Valley.
Insider Hints for Silent Valley Reservoir Walk
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for this adventure.
- There is an entrance fee of £4.50 to enter the park.
- Toilet facilities can be found near the car park.
Getting to the Silent Valley Reservoir Walk Trailhead
The trailhead for the Silent Valley Reservoir Walk can be found at the Silent Valley Mountain park car park off Head Road, just north of Kilkeel.
Route Information
Silent Valley Reservoir Walk Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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Nearby Trails
- Annalong Wood and Blue Lough Circular Walk
- Hen and Cock Mountain Trail
- Butter Mountain Circular Walk
- Ben Crom Summit via Ott Track Walk
- Hare’s Gap Short Walk via Trassey’s Track
- Bloody Bridge River via Brandy Pad Loop
- Blue Quarry to Doan Walk
- Walk to Doan Summit via Banns Road
- Slieve Muck and Carn Mountain via Ott Track
- Silent Valley Reservoir Circular Walk
- Rocky Mountain and Tievedockaragh Circular Walk
- Slieve Binnian Summit Tor and North Tor Circular Walk