Hill Walk Mourne Mtns. Meelmore Ldg./Donard

Route: Meelmore Lodge to Slieve Donard Hillwalk –

Grading: Difficult (duration and elevation)

Meeting Point/Walk Start Point: Meelmore Lodge car park at 10:00am (J 306 307); Cost £4.00, cards accepted.

Directions link: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=52%20Trassey%20Rd,%20Bryansford,%20Newcastle%20BT33%200QB,%20UK

Facilities: Food and toilets at Meelmore

Walk Start time: 10:00am

Distance/Duration: 15km / 5.5-6 hours approx including breaks depending on numbers/group/weather.

Height: Summits Slievenaglogh 586m, Sl Corragh 640m, Commedagh 767m, Donard 853m. Elevation gain  950m approx

Further Info: This hillwalk is considered difficult in duration and elevation.

Leader’s Note:
From the car park at Meelmore Lodge we cross a style to meet the Ulster Way and then take the Trassy Track. After the Spellack cliff face close to the ford on the Trassy River we take the “Green Road ” up towards Slievenaglough crossing over the Mourne Wall before the summit. From here the view to the south opens towards Ben Crom, Sl. Bennion and Sl. Bearnagh and the Brandy Pad track which we will take on our return leg.
From Slievenaglogh we follow along the wall past Slievecorragh till we reach the watchtower below Sl. Commedagh then on to the cairn marking the summit of Commedagh. The views from here open up along the northern coastline for the descent to the gap which marks our final ascent to  Slieve Donard itself where with a bit of luck there will be views from to the Isle of Man and Scotland.For our return journey we descend to the col just below Sl. Donard and follow the Brandy Pad back to the Hare’s Gap. This is a magnificent path which takes us through the heart of the high Mournes mountain range with The Castles cliff face to our right and magnificent views of the peaks and valleys on the other sides. From the Hare’s Gap we pick up the Trassey Track again joining part of the Ulster Way and back to well deserved coffee and cakes at Meelmore Lodge.

Please text leader Shea Kelly by Saturday 11th July if you intend to go on the walk.