Mournes Challenge 18th April
2 New routes for 2010!!!
Do you want to go the extra mile for Northern Ireland Hospice this year? Did you take on our challenge last year? Why not take on one of our 2 new challenge walks this year? Places are limited to 150 and registration closes on Wednesday 14th April 2010. Register now and get training!
Building on the success of our Challenge Trek last year, we are delighted to be able to offer 2 new challenge walks in the Mourne Mountains again this year.
We are sure that this walk, led by a team of experienced and trained guides, will prove very popular with experienced walkers.
We recommend you register early for this particular walk as places will be limited to 150 walkers. (Please note that all walkers taking part in this Challenge are required to pay a registration fee to Northern Ireland Hospice of £25 before the 14th April.)
The Mournes Challenge walks will take participants to one of the wildest and most scenic mountain ranges in the country. Designated as an area of Outstanding Beauty the Mourne Mountains are a stunning range of mountains with varied scenery. There are rocky tors, heather clad valleys, glistening reservoirs and views across the waters of Carlingford Lough. The mountains are steep and rugged, topped by the imposing Mourne Wall. It is these same Mountains that were said to be C.S Lewis' inspiration for the magical world of Narnia.
Route A: For experienced and fit walkers
Total Distance of Walk: 18 Kilometers
Total Climb: 1,600 meters
Estimated Walking Time: 7-9 hours
Start time: 08.30 at Tollymore Forest Park
Start from the Donard Car Park in Newcastle and follow the Glen River track, passing the old ice house and up to the Mourne Wall. Continue along the Brandy Pad, which was once a traditional smuggling route from the coast into the towns of Co Down and beyond, to Hare's Gap, enjoying the views of the Annalong Valley and the Ben Crom catchment valley. Ascend Sieve Bernagh while taking in the panoramic views over the inner Mournes and descend into Pollaphuca and head towards the Trassey Track. Here great examples of some old Mourne Granite Quarries can be seen. Cross over the Trassey River and ascend Slievenaglogh. Follow the Mourne Wall to the top of Slieve Commedagh, where there are great views of all of Ulster. Continue to follow the Mourne Wall to the top of Slieve Donard. This is the highest Mountain in Ulster with panoramic views in every direction, including the Isle of Man, Galloway Hills, Slieve Mish and Lough Neagh. Descend off Slieve Donard onto the Millstone Mountain and follow the old quarry track from Drinneevar back through the forest, with glimpses of the sea through the trees, to the Donard Car Park.
Route B: Slightly easier walk than Route A but still demanding
Total Distance of Walk: 10 Kilometers
Total Climb: 850 meters
Estimated Walking Time: 6 hours
Start time: 08.30 at Tollymore Forest Park
Start at Donard Car Park in Newcastle and follow the forest track to Drinneevar, through the old Millstone Granite Quarry and ascend Millstone, taking time to take in the views over the Irish Sea. Ascend Slieve Donard frojoy the panom the East and enramic views. This is the highest Mountain in Ulster with panoramic views in every direction, including the Isle of Man, Galloway Hills, Slieve Mish and Lough Neagh. Descend along the Mourne Wall to the coll with Commedagh and take the track down along the Glen River to Donard Car Park. There are great views of Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle and the Co Down Coast while descending on this route.
Registration fee for the Mournes Challenge is £25 (Registration fee to be received by hospice before 14th April 2010 and can be paid on-line or sent in by post with a cheque payable to Northern Ireland Hospice, or paid over the phone).
Target to raise? Please aim to raise a minimum of £75. This money will help to support the care services provided by Northern Ireland Hospice and Children’s Hospice for children, young people and adults diagnosed with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions as well as support for their families.
Both these routes are challenging mountain walks, which require participants to have a high level of mountain walking fitness. Essential walking gear, including boots, wet weather clothes and extra clothes are required for this walk. Remember the top of Slieve Donard can be 10 degrees colders than sea level temperature's. Walkers are also reminded to bring enough food and drinks along for the entire day.
Please note: All walkers must be over 16 years of age for this particular walk and must consent to completing a medical questionnaire. In the event of extreme weather conditions we reserve the right to make changes to the routes, in order to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
Upon registration all Mournes Walkers will be sent a comprehensive walk information pack detailing all you will need to know plus a hospice t-shirt.
Mournes Challenge Directions
Tollymore Forest Park, 76 Tollybrannigan Road, Newcastle, BT33 0PWLarne Walk Route : Mourne Mountains: 17k
Directions: From Belfast, take the A24 south to Clough Village, then join the A2 Newcastle Road. Before entering Newcastle on the A2, turn right at the roundabout on to the A50, signed Castlewellan. After approximately two miles turn left onto the B180 signed Tollymore Forest Park and follow signs to the park and caravan site
For further details on start points go to http://maps.google.com and enter the postcode shown.
