Slieve Bearnagh North Tor is one of the most visually dramatic of the Mourne Mountains, and it forms the northern summit of the duo of Slieve Bearnagh tops. The highest point is atop the large tor at the summit which can be easily climbed by hopping the wall near the summit and approaching the tor from the northern side.

One approach is to start at Meelmore Lodge at J305 308 A. (Secure parking but at a cost of a couple of pounds), or at a nearby free car park at J311 313 B. From either place follow tracks out onto the open bog to meet the Trassey Track at J312 305 C. Follow the Trassey Track up to the Hare’s Gap at J323 288 D. Turn right and follow the very steep slope up to reach Slieve Bearnagh North Tor. There are magnificent views of the surrounding Mournes and over to the main summit. Bearnagh North Tor be reached in less than two hours, although the steep slopes above the Hare’s Gap may slow you down. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/139/comment/4899/

I tackled the Bearnaghs in the snow today. Started at the car park at the foot of the Trassey Track (grid ref J311 314 E), and made my way up the track to Hare's Gap, where I turned right. There are some steps to aid you up past the cliff sections marked on the OSNI map. After that, a pretty direct slog to the top following the wall rewards you with fantastic views over the central Mournes and the Slievenalough - Slieve Corragh - Slieve Donard ridge. Photo shows my lunch stop at the summit, with the view east over to Slieve Donard (in mist). Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/139/comment/2129/

One of those photos I promised. The rock formations up here are truly magnificent - as a geographer i could easily have spent all the hours of daylight wandering around between the tors. On a par with Binnian in that respect.There are some other smaller gems in the Mournes also such as Hen, Ben Crom and Doan. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/139/comment/1203/

A view of the North Tor from the slopes of Slieve Bearnagh, near the summit. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/139/comment/1786/

The picture shows the author experiencing "transcendence" on an unspecified Tor of S.Bearnagh in March 2005. The mystical experienced occurred in the presence of many Navan Hillwalkers. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/139/comment/1559/