Ben Crom is an excellent example of a mountain as a game of two halves, rising as it does in a relatively benign fashion from the raised plateau sprawling south-eastwards from Slieve Meelbeg. From this direction it pales in comparison to the nearby citadel of Doan, but beyond its summit it collapses dramatically in cliffs and scree to the Ben Crom dam.

The summit is reached in comparative comfort from any walks that explore the higher hills to the west: a number of paths cross the easy gradients from this direction, but due attention must be paid to the bogginess of the ground.

The only realistic 'base to summit' ascent is from the dam to the south. A direct ascent from here will involve rock climbing, although 'mere' scrambling ascents can be contrived from gullies further right. For a walking ascent turn left at the end of the dam (314256 A) before soon taking the path on the right which leads up the valley of the Ben Crom river. After approximately 500m use your judgement to strike up the slopes of Ben Crom on the right; too soon and you will encounter rough ground. The summit should be easily attained and the reward is a lovely belvedere with a superb aerial view of the dam and very interesting perspectives of the inner fastnesses of the High Mournes. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/404/comment/5163/