The Walks

As part of our sponsored walk, there are two routes available:

1. The Little Water Walk
This is a 2 mile circular walk with a spectacular mountain backdrop. It an easy family walk on gravel paths, forest trails and private roads. It is suitable for all ages and abilities pending personal fitness levels and will accommodate prams. It should take an estimated 1 to 2 hours.

Walk from the car park towards the dam, taking the higher road leading to the parapet. At the parapet turn left to cross the width of the dam.  The dam itself is stunning. Work on the dam began in 1932 and was finished ten years later. It is of earth and rock construction, and captures the waters of the Kilkeel River valley and the Annalong River valley to the east via a 3.6 km tunnel under Slieve Binnian, the rocky, crested mountain to the east (right).  The water in the dam provides much of Belfast with water via a 44 mile pipeline. The height of the dam allows the water to reach Belfast under the power of gravity only. 

The walk then continues to Sally Lough. This is a tranquil place with an impressive view. The Silent Valley area, the Sally Lough and its banks contain some interesting heath and wetland plants. The walk descends from the Sally Lough through wood-land towards the car park. The Kilkeel River, below the exit from the dam, is crossed by a footbridge. 

2. The Big Water Walk
This walk is just over 6 miles long and takes you up to the Ben Crom Reservoir. This reservoir is nestled at the bottom of the Ben Crom mountain and the views here are beautiful. The walk itself starts at the car park and takes you along the water road past the Silent Valley Wall, through the Binnian Tunnel and on to the Ben Crom Reservoir. This walk is on gravel paths, forest trails and private roads and is suitable for all ages and abilities pending personal fitness levels. It will accommodate prams (excluding the final steps to the actual Ben Crom Dam Wall). Estimated time 2-4 hours.

You can decide which of the walks you wish to participate in.  Both walks will allow you to avail of some breath-taking scenery in one of Northern Ireland’s ‘must see’ visitors attractions.

Please note: Although you will not be crossing open mountainside, the walks are taking place in an upland region and so should come prepared with sturdy outdoor shoes that offer support and grip (Wellies are acceptable for kids on the Little Water Walk for compulsory splashing!), warm comfortable clothing to include a hat and gloves, waterproof coats and trousers if possible and lots and lots of food and drinks! (Although, please be aware that littering is not acceptable)

Other important information:

Entering the Silent Valley
Vehicle access is only possible through the main gates located on Head Road, Kilkeel. Normally a charge is payable at the entrance, however, enclosed in this pack in a car-part voucher, please hand this to the parking attendant and you will be permitted to enter free of charge. 

Registration
A Concern stand will be set up outside the Education centre. Please come to the stand and register your name. There will be a member of the Concern team here to gather your entrance fee for the walk and your sponsor money.

Funds
There is a £10 entrance fee for adults (18+), and a £5 fee for children over 10 years of age. Children under 10 go free.

After this we ask that you raise as much sponsorship money as possible. We are not going to put on a minimum sponsorship level, as we are mindful of the economic pressures of people here as well, but we would ask that people try to raise as much as they can, as we really need the funding to support our water projects.

There is a sponsorship form enclosed in this pack. We would also encourage you to set up an online sponsorship page using www.justgiving.com

NB: Please note Concern Worldwide is not liable for any injury, lost or death incurred as a result of taking part in this event.