Hen Mountain is a conspicuous outlier of the Western Mournes, with steep slopes rising to a summit bristling with numerous spectacular granite tors, and it provides an excellent miniature summary of the huge appeal of this group of hills.

The summit would generally be reached at the beginning or climax of a longer hillwalk, linking as it does to the higher (but much less aesthetic) Cock Mountain. An ascent invariably starts from the small car park and picnic area on the Sandbank Road just north of the Rockyriver Bridge at (232 276 A). Cross the road and take a sandy gravelly track on the left of the obvious house. This climbs gently up to a gate with a stile on the right at (239 276 B); once past this head straight up the slope (there is a path, but circumstances underfoot are reasonably straighforward anywhere). Keep left of the impending West Tor to reach a small pool; the summit is the first of two large tors on the left. There is much outcropping rock but the highest point is easily attained on (mostly) grass.

The summit area is a fascinating playground of granite, very much deserving a leisurely exploration. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1388/comment/17836/

The huge rocky outcrops capping this small summit more than make up for its small scale. Not on any of the main lists, but well worthy of a visit nonetheless. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1388/comment/23213/

Hen Mountain in autumn colours offers an amazing contrast with the green fields behind. This pic was taken on 13. November this year from the upper slopes of Cock Mountain SW Top. No time to visit it this time, but I have put this hill on my bucket list for one of my next trips to the Mournes, as it seems to be worth exploring its tors !! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1388/comment/18710/