Walking with little ones, Hen Mountain, Mournes, N.Ireland

This week we made it back to the Mournes. As usual we were unsure what the weather would do so had sun hats, winter hats and rain coats packed. 

I had read online and in my guide to the Mournes that Hen mountain was a family friendly route to try. So we parked at Sandbank Road Carpark and had our picnic by the river. This is a lovely picnic spot with a number of tables set by the river and below the car park. 

The track begins opposite the Carpark and Hen mountain is clearly visible up ahead. It is an easy to walk on path and leads you slightly uphill to a set of gates. Once through the gates we headed straight up the side of the mountain but if you want an easier walk it would be better to remain on the track which goes off to the right. It is a quick but steep climb to the top. The kids reached the top much quicker than the adults which is always slightly unnerving!

The views from the top are amazing, as usual! I love the photo of my Mum at the top. I hope I’m still fit enough to climb when I am her age.

Coming down was more tricky as we weren’t sure which way we should descend. The older boys were keen to descend down the rock face. My Dad was unsure how safe it was for the little ones with us...Aged almost two and upwards. I guess we took too long to decide as before we knew it the older boys were heading down and setting up a route for us to pass the smaller kids down safely. 

I had hoped to find a spot by the river, by the track at the base of the mountain, so the grown ups could rest and the kids could enjoy paddling and throwing stones into the water but the boys got so far ahead we couldn’t turn them and ended up back at the car park.