Hen Mountain is situated in the western Mournes and peaks at approximately 350 m above sea level. The Three Birds (Hen, Cock and Pigeon Rock) form a popular day walk, with a total distance of around six miles. On this hike, we decided to approach Hen Mountain from a photographic point of view and headed up the steep Rocky Mountain, through to Tornamrock, then back down to the river via Windy Gap. We definitely made it difficult for ourselves.
I was shooting with my trusty Fujifilm X100T (as it goes everywhere). The 35 mm focal length offers enough of the landscape to provide a good balance between detail and scale. I decided to capture everything using a reasonably shallow depth of field of f/4 and an ISO of 400.
Fixing these variables meant I was able to focus on the clouds and use the exposure compensation dial to make adjustments, ensuring I was happy with the balance and contrast in the sky.
Hen Mountain
The photograph above was taken as we climbed the steep side of Rocky Mountain. You can just make out the river and the main path running along the centre of the image. Hen Mountain is also popular with climbers who favour the single-pitch crags, and the whole area offers a vast array of natural colour, from rich yellows and deep greens to the bright purples of the various heathers.
Personally, I think the best vistas and photographic opportunities are on the way back down along the river from Pigeon Rock. As we walked beside the Rocky River, the sun offered a warm balance of colour and shade that made up for the challenges we faced along the way.
Fujifilm X100T Panorama Photographs
A word of warning: there is very little in the way of established paths in this area. Always take proper precautions when out in the mountains and make sure you are equipped for all weathers. It is wise to let someone know your route before you head out. Please note that location recommendations are followed at your own risk.
About the Mourne Mountains
The Mourne Mountains rise dramatically from the County Down coast in Northern Ireland, forming one of the island’s most distinctive landscapes. Granite peaks, sweeping valleys, and ancient stone walls create a rugged yet serene environment that changes constantly with light and weather.
Slieve Donard, the highest peak, offers expansive views across land and sea. The Mournes inspire walkers, climbers, artists, and photographers alike, blending natural beauty with quiet solitude. Heather-clad slopes, clear rivers, and hidden paths reward exploration, while the sense of space and history gives the range a timeless, almost mythical character, rooted in folklore, tradition, and enduring wonder.
Links:
100 Photos captured with the Fujifilm X100
The Mourne Mountain Photo Gallery
The Ultimate Fujifilm X100T Review
Five Essential Accessories for the Fujifilm X100VI
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