Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
Information => Outdoor News and Events => Topic started by: admin on May 21, 2012
-
About the Event
The Mourne Mountains and surrounding area offers some of the best walking in Ireland set within stunning scenery. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), there is not only a huge diversity of flora and fauna but also a wealth of heritage, myths and legends.
Newcastle, the base for this year's festival, is situated on the shores of the Irish Sea and is a lively seaside resort ideally situated only 30 miles south of Belfast and approximately 2.5 hours from Dublin. The Festival Centre is located at the Mourne Golf Club, Links Road, Newcastle.
THE WALKS
Walk 1, 2 and 3
These are lowland walks which include roads and tracks. These walks are pre-marked and self-guided. Distances range between 10-40km so please pick the walk most suited to your level of fitness. Limited refreshments will be available on these routes. For further information on these routes please go to our web site.
Walk 4 Saturday Ramble (strenuous)
Talking in a less well known part of the Mournes, starting at Rourke’s Park, then following the Mourne Wall to the base of Slieve Donard (NI’s highest peak with option to climb) to reach the Brandy Pad and the Glen River Track to the finish in Donard Car Park, Newcastle.
Walk 5 Saturday Hike (Very Strenuous)
A very strenuous route starting from Carricklittle track to follow the Mourne Wall to the summits of Slieve Binnian, Slievelamagan, Cove Mountain and Slieve Beg, then joining the Brandy Pad and the Glen River track to finish at Donard Car Park, Newcastle.
Walk 4 Sunday Ramble (strenuous)
A strenuous valley walk from Game Keepers Lodge to Doan with spectacular views out over Silent Valley, contouring the bigger peaks to Trassey Track and the Ulster Way to the finish at Happy Valley Car Park.
Walk 5 Sunday Hike (very strenuous)
A strenuous ridge walk from Game Keepers Lodge to the summit of Slieve Muck, following the Mourne wall to the summits of Cain Mountain, Slieve Loughshannagh, Slieve Meelbeg and Slieve Meelmore to the Happy Valley Car Park.
General Information
All walkers should carry day sacks containing waterproofs, spare clothing, whistle, food and drink. It is strongly recommended that walking boots are worn for all walks. Please do not wear jeans for any of the walks. Dogs are not permitted on any of the routes.
The highlight of the weekend is the ‘Blister Ball’ on Saturday night, 23 June 2012. The Blister Ball is a casual event with a hot buffet supper and music by a local band. Entry to the ‘Blister Ball’ is £15/€20. Please note: a limited number of tickets are available.Pre-booking is advisable
If you pre-book, Walking Festival fees are as follows: £6/€10 for 1 day, £12/€15 for 2 days, £15/€20 for 3 days.
If you are registering on the day the following prices apply: £12/€15 for 1 day, £20/€25 for 2 days, £25/€30 for 3 days.
Please note: no Euro coins can be accepted and no refunds will be given. Group discounts for groups of 10 or more (apply for details). The fees for each individual walk includes an administration charge, costs for staffing/leaders, equipment and transport where provided. You will receive a gift on completion of your walk.
http://www.mournewalking.co.uk/