Separate from the more dramatic mountain scenery of the High (eastern) Mournes, the Central Mournes extend west from the cliffs of Pigeon Rock and north from Rostrevor to Deer’s Meadow at Spelga Dam. Their western edge is marked by a scarp slope (part of a major fault line extending to Rostrevor) with its highest point the summit of Tievedockdarragh. From here views take in Carlingford Lough, the plateauof Low (western) Mournes and the undulating drumlin-strewn country stretching beyond Rathfriland. On clear days Lough Neagh, Cavehill (overlooking Belfast) and even historic Slemish Mountain (close to north Antrim) can be seen. Commencing at the Council car park beside Shanky’s River (224255) the walk follows the base of the slope past Altaggart Mountain before ascending Tievedockdarragh along forest trails leading north from Rostrevor.