Recommended Mournes Trails

[zootnanook]

What would you all recommend for a first timer going up Slieve Donard, leaving from Donard Park carpark or leaving from the Bloody Bridge route?

[Mourneman]

Firstly do you intend to walk alone or with company,remember to bring a coat,wear boots for ankle support  bring yourself food & water .the main route is pretty easy,but the saddle is tough enough.more over check the weather ,take your time & enjoy your day

[LandyLiam]

I've always wondered which is easier, the route from Donard park would be more sheltered on a windy day.

Here's a couple of useful links

http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=344  Glen River route

http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=464  Bloody Bridge route

[suspectmonkey]

Currently there are trail repairs be carried out on the Glen River trail from the Ice House onwards.  Bit of a temporary eyesore, but I walked the new path a couple of weeks ago and was impressed!

The section above the Ice House has always been badly eroded and involved a bit of tumbling around over boulders (unless you are Liam, then you just skip over them ).  The new trail is much better.  They've cleared many of the rocks and blocked off the badly eroded impromptu trails that had sprung up.  Best of all the trails are hard packed earth rather than the granite 'crazy paving' you see further up that I'm definitely not a fan of!

Anyway, so far so good with the new trail repairs.  If you don't mind the minor disruption of the work carried out, or the associated equipment, its worth checking out!

[BrianT]

I would agree with your obsevations on the path above the Ice House.It seems to be turning out a lot less intrusive than most of the past attemp ;)ts-it looks like they are learning as they go along.

[zootnanook]

Had a really great day today, decided on the Bloody Bridge route after reading all the replies and checking out all the links. Everyone seems so friendly and always ready to help with advice and hints on the way up. Fantastic sence of achievement when you get to the top, can't wait to do it again !