Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains, Slieve Doan offers an unforgettable experience for hikers and nature lovers alike. This short but rewarding hike boasts cinematic views, dramatic landscapes, and a peaceful escape into nature. Slieve Doan (Dún Maol Chobha) is a prominent peak in Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains, surrounded by rugged beauty,
I visit Doan mountain most frequently in winter. Slieve Doan’s shorter distance makes it an ideal hike for shorter daylight hours. The low sun and rolling clouds create an atmospheric, golden light, perfect for photography and moments of reflection.
The Slieve Doan Hike
The trek to Doan begins at Ott car park, following the Ott Track toward the famous Mourne Wall. While the path itself may seem ordinary, the journey transforms upon crossing the stile at the wall.
Here, the view shifts dramatically from the gentle contours of the track to the jagged peaks of Slieve Bearnagh and Slieve Binnian, with Doan Mountain standing proudly at the centre above the shimmering Lough Shannagh.
Trail Highlights
The walk, roughly 7 kilometers with an elevation gain of under 600 meters, can be completed in less than three hours. Though relatively short, it is not without challenges.
Marshy and muddy sections require sturdy footwear, and the final ascent involves a bit of a scramble. However, the effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the Mourne range, including Slieve Binnian and Slieve Bearnagh.
Doan: A Fujifilm Test Location
Slieve Doan frequently served as a testing ground for preproduction Fujifilm cameras, offering a dynamic and picturesque setting. The tight timeline to capture a portfolio of images for a new camera launch added a thrilling sense of urgency.
One memorable shot, taken at the summit of Slieve Doan with a preproduction Fujifilm X-Pro2, perfectly encapsulates this process.
After a cloudy day with zero visibility, the clouds briefly lifted just ten minutes before sunset, revealing a breathtaking mountain view and providing the ideal moment to capture the scene.
Slieve Doan Panoramic Images
I am a big fan of the sweep panoramic mode on (most) Fujifilm cameras. Fujifilm’s Sweep Panorama mode is a feature that allows users to capture expansive, wide-angle images by stitching together multiple frames into a seamless panoramic shot.
The camera automatically aligns and merges the frames, producing a high-resolution panoramic image. Click any of the images to to see a larger version. The first two images were captured at the top of Doan.
Fujifilm Landscape Photography
This photograph of Slieve Doan appears in Fujifilm Headquarters in Japan. Photos courtesy of Photography Journalist and founder of SheClicks, Angela Nicholson.
Video : A Dull Day on Slieve Doan
Captured in January, this video showcases the scale and views from the summit.
Slieve Doan Mini Gallery
Video: Slieve Doan from Slieve Bearnagh
This timelapse, captured during a lunch stop atop Slieve Bearnagh, highlights Slieve Doan’s central position in the Mournes..
Conclusion
Doan Mountain presents a captivating and accessible hike that highlights the untamed beauty of the Mourne Mountains. Whether you’re in pursuit of breathtaking landscapes, a tranquil escape, or the rejuvenating power of being outdoors. Doan promises an unforgettable experience and stands as a must-visit destination.
Links
The Mourne Mountain Gallery
10 Incredible Locations to Photograph in Northern Ireland
Slieve Doan Grid Reference
Doan Mountain Height : 593m,
Grid Ref : J302262, Google Maps : 54.168477, -6.005944
Slieve Loughshannagh : Grid Reference: J29456 27205
Disclaimer
Please note that the hike details are provided for informational purposes only and should be undertaken at your own risk. If you plan to explore the mountains, ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear, clothing, and provisions for hill walking. Be ready for sudden weather changes, and make sure you have the necessary navigation skills for traversing rugged mountain terrain.
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