Blue Heart Traditional Cache

Blue Lough lies under the southern slope of Slieve Lamagan. Remote and sometimes difficult to find (in poor weather) it can display various moods, dependent on conditions. On a good day however, it lives up to its name with cobalt-blue water and an appealing seclusion, even when the hills are busy. The lake is said to resemble a human heart in shape - though to be honest, it has to be viewed from the high ground opposite (Blue Lough buttress) for this to be convincing.

The most sensible starting point is Carrick Little car park at N54 07.722 W005 56.588. From here, follow the obvious trail and continue north and west at N54 09.070 W005 57.537 - a significant trail junction in the Annalong Valley. Other routes are possible.

Please have the correct clothing and gear, and make all proper preparations for an upland walk. Remember that weather conditions can change without warning in the mountains

Geologically, Blue Lough is at the heart of the High Mournes.

It is a glacial lake, formed during the last ice age when the softer rocks in which it lies were preferentially eroded. This granite is still evident around the lough today, being bright white with marked graining.

Unlike its two companion lakes (Cove Lough and Binnian Lough) it does not lie in a cirque and was originally much larger. Traces of this former shoreline can still be seen on the side of Slieve Lamagan, above the cache site.