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Begin at Lower Square in Kilkeel. Head west onto Greencastle Street. When the road divides take the right fork and proceed to T-junction, turn right. At the next junction turn left, through the marshy flood plain of Whitewater River.
On reaching a staggered crossroads, turn left, then immediately right towards Greencastle, where there is a notable Anglo-Norman castle; the ruins of the old Norman Church and magnificent views of Mill Bay, the Eastern Mournes and Carlingford Lough. Return to crossroads and turn left to cross Whitewater River.
Further along the route you come to Mill Bay, an important migratory wild fowl wintering area. Follow Benagh Road along the shore. Your route turns right onto Millbay Road but you could also continue straight to Tamlaght Graveyard. If you visited Tamlaght, return to Millbay Road, then turn left. Continue to T-junction and turn left onto Newry Road, then right onto Glenloughan Road. This road has wonderful views of the mountains ahead and of Knockchree on your right.
Continue until reaching T-junction, then turn left. The Whitewater Brewery, whose artisan beer comes highly recommended, is immediately on your left. Further up this road, cross the Whitewater River again. Carry on to Attical village and at the chapel turn left onto Attical Road. At the end of this road turn right onto Moyadd Road and then left onto Head Road, with more panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. After a mile turn onto Leitrim Road. After 1.2km (0.75 miles) you cross straight over a crossroads but within 50.3m (55yd) you will turn left onto Aughnaloopy Road. This road takes you downhill to the Ballinran crossroads where you go straight across again.
Hanna’s Close, a small enclave of 17th century cottages, is signposted to your left. If you visit, return to the road and turn left down Aughnahoory Road, taking you back into Kilkeel and at T-junction turn left onto Mill Road. Down the hill to another T-junction, turn right onto Newcastle Street, passing the ancient ruined church on your right which gives the town its name - Kilkeel (Church of the Narrow Place). This takes you back to the lower square.
Distance: 29km (18 Miles)
Grade: Strenuous
Advice: Steep ascent
Points of Interest: Cranfield Beach, Greencastle Castle,Millbay, Tamlaght Graveyard, Hanna's Close, Church of the Narrow Place, The Nautilus Centre.
