I climbed this mountain yesterday as part of the Mourne 7'7's. Started in Donard car park at 7am and headed up toward the saddle between Donard and Commedagh. Leaving the rucksack at the Mourne wall, I tackled Donard first - always good to get the tallest out the way early on. Thereafter I retraced my steps and headed toward Commedagh; which despite being higher than Bernagh, I think is easier to climb. So, staying with the Mourne wall, I traversed over Slieve Corragh and Slievenaglogh and eventually came to the Hares Gap, to start the ascent of Bernagh. With the possible exceptions of Lamagan from Binnian/Lamagan colony and Donard from the Glen River, I think this is probably the hardest ascent of the entire walk. Clouds cleared at the summit to give decent views toward the Silent Valley and Lough Shannagh. Upon summiting Bernagh, I descended toward Pollaphuca, to begin the ascent of Meelmore. Meelmore is probably the easiest summit of the seven. Thereafter, I headed toward Meelbeg. Thick clouds had settled in by this stage to limit visibility to a few metres. Thankfully, upon descending Meelbeg, the clouds cleared to afford decent visibility toward Binnian, Lamagan, Ben Crom and Doan. The traverse between Meelbeg to the half way point of Ben Crom Dam is probably the most difficult terrain to walk upon of the entire walk. This is because there is no clear path and much of terrain is damp and marshy. Upon reaching the dam, the highlight of the walk appeared - Ben Crom mountain was reflected in the waters beneath the reservoir. Upon reaching the colony I commenced what I think the probably the most scenic part of the walk - the back castles of Binnian. Clear skies afforded views toward Slieve Foye on the Carlingford Hills. Upon reaching the South Tor, I retraced my steps toward the colony to begin the ascent of Lamagan. This marks the final ascent of the entire walk. The point at which the crest gives way to the summit affords nice views towards Donard/Commedagh/Beg/Cove. Upon summiting Lamagan, the real challenge of the walk begins. It may be tempting to think that with all mountains climbed the remainder of the walk is easy. This is not the case. The traverse over Cove, Beg, followed by the Brandy pad past the castles of Commedagh toward the saddle is probably the most difficult part of the walk. This is when fatigue and tiredness set in. Upon reaching the saddle simply follow the Glen river path toward Donard car park which marks the finish. This route took me 10 hours 47 minutes. The route I took last year - Donard, Commedagh, Lamagan, Binnian, Meelbeg, Meelmore, Bernagh - took me 12 hours 17 minutes. The difference in time is the valley between Doan and Ben Crom. Going from Meelbeg to Ben Crom dam means you are going in the same direction of the river. Going from the dam to Meelbeg means you are going against the river. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/83/comment/6468/