Situated not far from Cloughmore is an area of outstanding natural beauty known as Kodak Corner, another viewpoint but rest assured you will love it. You follow the path on the other side of Cloughmore. The Path then takes you upwards and be warned this path also (Rather Frustratingly) is also a cycle trail so keep your eyes open for cyclists. They should consider traffic lights for the path. you follow the path through a spot of woodland until you step out onto a magnificent view
Kodak Corner is truly a beautiful spot as you look down upon Carlingford Lough and far out to sea and all the surrounding greenery. They say a picture paints a thousand words but they apply that to views as well I think. This area is popular for both walkers and cyclists and especially on bright sunny days. I would recommend you bring a picnic and your camera and your dog of course.
Situated beside Cloughmore lies Slieve Martin and I can tell you the climb up this one is a little more challenging than Cloughmore. You will definitely need your walking boots for this one for as someone who often climbs mountains it is very frustrating seeing people climb mountains in trainers, slip on shoes and in one instance High Heels (I’m not joking). Interesting fact People walk in thier bare feet doing the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage however I don’t think that will catch on here in Rostrevor.
To return to the subject at hand, to access the path to Slieve you turn to the left pathway opposite to the road to Cloughmore. As I just said this path is more challenging than climbing to the stone but after all we all enjoy a challenge. To describe the path it consists of 3 Zig Zag like pathways that take you the Cairn pathway which technically counts as another hill. The first Path is quite easy and prepares you for the more tougher paths
Once you reach the second path then the challenge on your legs begin, the path gets steeper and leads you on upwards. The climb may be tough but the forest scenery around you adds an ambiance of tranquility and beauty. As the path leads on upwards you see nothing but the winding path and trees on either side but the aesthetic of nature and adventure drives you to further proceed.
As you can see in the above photo, this area presents a perfect opportunity for photographs, thing about it, the enclosing trees and winding pathway, if you have an eye for detail then this area gives you enough beauty and detail to capture to your hearts content. As you come towards the final Zig Zag path, you have but one more push to get you up this final hurdle. You will of course notice the trees become slightly more denser and are all painted green by the moss making it more mysterious and picturesque. Again another chance for some creative photography.
You should see what this part is like in foggy weather, it looks very mysterious and spooky like something out of a horror movie. However to continue as the final path ends you walk out into open ground atop the mountain with the other mountains and world below surrounding you like a picture perfect postcard. There is but one more hill to climb to reach the Cairn but it will be worth it as you drag your exhausted, tired legs up the hill
Finally you reach the Cairn and are rewarded for your efforts with a magnificent view of the world below. Again like Cloughmore one wishes they had wings and could fly down from atop the mountain. It would be wonderful to be able to do that. Again the view is so picturesque and the welcome reward after the tough climb. I do believe in January after the gluttony of Christmas (Pardon the religious terminology) walk up Slieve Martin Everyday, the tradition is called Cairnuary and perhaps something writer should consider next year.
Anyway Thanks for reading this Post and stay tuned for a post on Kodak Corner
To begin with Cloughmore is the Irish word for Stone or more correctly Big Stone. People however seem call it Cloughmore Stone which is quite ridiculous as they basically saying Stone Big Stone. So you just need to call it Cloughmore. The legend goes that a Giant known as Finn McCool threw the stone a great distance onto the Mountaintop during the last ice age. Quite a fascinating story and you can read a more detailed telling on sites about the Mournes.
At the point of digressing Let me be your guide on how to reach Cloughmore, from the Cafe/Playground you can proceed by either two routes. You can drive up to the Mountain Car Park or you could take the forest path. I would recommend the forest path as not only would it be lazy to drive but the journey up is much more pleasant and charming.
I would strongly recommend you wear walking boots as the path can be a little steep and in the wet weather a trifle slippy so be aware of that. The walk up is very please, the first few minutes the path is quite steep then becomes more relaxed. you have up on one side the road for those who drive up. below on the other side flows the river. The sound of the flowing/running water makes you feel serene and calm as you journey on up. As you continue to journey up you arrive to a flat path and it takes you to a small stairway besides which runs a small waterfall but it is beautiful to look at.
You can stop here to sit and admire the woodland or even better take a few photographs, it’s the perfect spot for it. It is such a picturesque area to be in and why would you would drive up rather than take the scenic route and save money on fuel. The path then proceeds on up to the Mountain Car Park but there is one more hill to climb however there is a forest pathway which will take you there quicker rather than than risking yourself on the roadside path. It is a lovely path to walk up and if you keep your eye open you may spot a Squirrel or two. As I said this path is quicker getting up to the Car Park and another scenic route.
At Last you arrive at the Car Park, the way to Cloughmore lies on the right as the left turn will take you up to Slieve Martin and there will be a another post on that lovely spot later. There are a variety of ways up to Cloughmore, there is a steeper path down from the main path however the main pathway is more lenient on your legs. Here you make your up towards the stone and the landscape as you climb is like a patchwork quilt of fields spreading on till the ends of the earth. It is a rewarding experience as you proceed on up with such a view on the other side. It is a rewarding experience as you proceed on up with such a view on the other side. It also makes you realize how rewarding exercise can be
Interesting note as you come towards the end of the path upon which there is a left turn to take you to the Stone. As you proceed towards the end of the path it looks like you have come to the edge of the mountain and are level with the sun. On a day if the sun is shinning on that spot it feel like you are walking into the sun
Finally you reach the stone and you can revel in the stunning beauty and magnificence of the Stone and the spectacular view of the picturesque landscape from atop Cloughmore. The stone also features carvings and writings carved on by people over the years. Let’s be honest Finn McCool picked the right spot to throw this stone on.
From standing atop this spot you can see how CS Lewis was inspired to create Narnia, it channels the inner artist or lover of beauty within us. To use an appropriate phrase “A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words” You could stay up here for ages taking photos from all the right angles and perspectives or just sit here and reveal in your surroundings. I have been up to this spot so many times and I never tire of how beautiful it is up here. You can even climb up onto the stone although I have never had much luck in doing that but I wish I could then I would really feel on top of the world. Looking down onto such a magnificent view you wish you could sprout wings and fly down.
before drawing to a conclusion on this post I would like to refer to you a more scenic route to go home by, that Being Fiddlers Green. if you go down the other side of Cloughmore you will find a path that takes you down through the Forest. Again make sure you are wearing walking boots as as chances of falling are very high. The Path will then take you down past an open clearing known as Fiddlers green with a bench to sit and admire the natural beauty. During Rostrevor’s Annual Summer Fiddlers Green Festival people gather in this spot as musicians perform here. This area makes the descent as much as a treat as the stone itself.
Cloughmore overall is such a nice place to visit and reveal in one of Rostrevor’s loveliest spots.
The Heart of Rostrevor 