The Silent Valley Nature Trail

The site of the old railway line that linked Annalong with the Silent Valley reservoir is now home to a new nature trail and was officially opened on 10 April 2006. The second half of the trail, making a complete circuit, was opened on 23rd October 2008 in conjunction with Mourne Heritage Trust

The former railway line was constructed in the 1920’s to enable supplies and materials to be transported to the dam during its construction and also to ‘Watertown’, the settlement for the workers on the project. At its peak Watertown had close to 700 inhabitants, a cinema, boxing club, hospital and even its own policeman called Constable Lawless!

The town and railway disappeared many years ago but wildlife in the area has flourished. The trail stretches for approximately three kilometres and has a surface path accessible for all including buggies and wheelchairs. It allows visitors to get close to wildlife and wild flowers with excellent places for bird watching along the route. It closely follows the Kilkeel River and includes a picnic area. There are numerous information boards to tell the story of Silent Valley and the surrounding area.