Hill Walk Mourne Mtns. Slieve Donard

Route: Slieve Donard, MOURNES HILLWALK

Meeting Point/s: Skerries Point Eurospar @ 8.20am, Depart 8.30am (If you are not leaving from Skerries let leader know)

Time:  8.30am Skerries

Walk Starting Point:  TO BE DECIDED – Donard Car Park Newcastle Co Down OR Bloody Bridge Car Park on the A2, Newcastle to Annalong Road.

Note: You must be in the Whatsapp group by Sat as we may vary the route or even the walk depending on weather conditions – see below.

Walk Starting Time: 10.30 am

Route: Donard Wood, Glen River track, Mourne Wall, Sl Donard and return via Bloody Ridge Valley to Bloody Ridge Car Park or reverse. Direction of travel will be decided on the day depending on transport and weather conditions.

Distance: About 10 km

Duration: 5.00-5.30 hours

Height: Summit 850mtrs

Grading: Strenuous

Leader:  Shea Kelly.  You must text Shea Kelly by FRIDAY 6^th March, if you are interested in going along, with your name, your phone number and an emergency contact. Shea will then set up a Whatsapp group to keep you posted on any updates re weather etc. If you haven’t got a Whatsapp message by Saturday evening check in with leader that your name is included. If you are not on WhatsApp please ensure you contact the leader separately and confirm arrangements.

Leader’s Note: 

A very good level of fitness is required for this HILLWALK as it is quite strenuous in parts and hiking poles are recommended if you generally use them.

 We may vary the route or possibly cancel the walk, depending on weather forecast, so please keep an eye out for Whatsapp messages on Saturday. If you haven’t get a Whatapp message by Saturday evening check in with leader that your name is included.

 Conditions are likely to be very cold and possibly windy, especially on the exposed parts so extra layers and a warm drink are essential as well as all usual wet gear, food and water requirements.

 We will meet at Skerries Point Eurospar to share cars and take the M1 to Newry and then to Newcastle.

1) Minimum requirements: hiking boots, multiple layers including a warm fleece, hat and gloves, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a flask with a hot drink, sandwiches/snacks, and water. If you are unsure about your gear check with leader a few days beforehand as anyone turning up with inadequate gear will not be permitted to walk.

2) The club is a supporter of the ‘Leave No Trace’ campaign so please ensure that you leave no litter (of any sort) on the hike route ie take a bag with you for your rubbish to bring it home.