Slieve Donard on the eastern edge of the Mournes is a peaty mound topped off by a rocky crest. The 35k Mourne Wall passes over the summit. Fine views in most directions incl. the Coolies, Sperrins and Antrim Hills. In very clear conditions the Galloway Hills, Isle of Man and the Wicklow Mts are visible.

NE. From Donard Park J37499 30597 A head SW through Donard Wood up the Glen River track, then out across open ground and a steep climb up to the Mourne Wall J35021 27934 B. Go left steeply up stone steps to the top. Alternatively, once on open ground J36405 29590 C go S down across the river and then up the Black Stairs, a short steep rocky climb alongside a stream which soon gives way to a gentler slope of grass/heather. At J36501 28591 D swing SW and continue up over steeper rocky ground to the Lesser Cairn and walk up and across to the Great Cairn and the top. Either route should have you at the top in 2.5 hrs.

E. Start at Bloody Bridge Car Park J38886 27108 E. Go S along the road for 150m and turn right on to a track following the Bloody Bridge River up to the Mourne Wall and turn right to follow the wall to the summit. [less than 2hrs to summit]

S. Longer approaches are possible from the carpark at J34497 21914 F by first taking in Rocky Mt. and/or Chimney Rock.

Donard is also part of the Mournes’ Sevens which takes in the 7 highest peaks in the range over 29km.

Notable tracks include the linear track/3350 and track/3379 and the long track/3423. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/19/comment/4779/

My very first trip to the Mournes was in March’07. Not only was I intending to climb Donard but I really wanted to see the infamous Mourne Wall too. I left Dublin early and eventually found my way to Donard Park carpark in Newcastle at approx J 376 307 G.
I followed the track from the carpark up along the Glen River. It was a nice walk which got me warmed up on that very cold day. Following the track brought me to a useful information board at approx J366 297 H, which described a curious Ice House situated further along the track across the river. The track then led past this Ice House and into the valley below Donard and Commedagh. Being my first trip to the Mournes I was surprised at how easy this navigation was-far different from staring across featureless bog in deepest Wicklow! Just following this clear track was going to bring me from the carpark right up to the col below Donard!
The stone track brought me to the top of the valley, across a stream and headed up to the col in a series of steps. It had been getting progressively colder and extra layers were needed. Also snow lay on the valley slopes. I discovered that the track up to the col was covered in ice in many places and impossible to walk on. I scrambled up beside it but it was difficult and I needed my wits about me. I had seen the Mourne Wall from below but it disappeared from view as I climbed. I was thrilled when I eventually reached it. To seasoned Mourne walkers the Wall is an everyday thing that is probably invisible to them, but to me it was the Thing of Legend. I admired the breathtaking views from the Wall across the Mournes. A fantastic stile allowed an easy climb over the Wall. I couldn’t name any of the unfamiliar summits. It was too cold to take out the map and snow lay all across the hills.
I then turned left to begin the trek up along the Wall to the summit of Donard. I had never seen such a steep climb, and snow lay in deep drifts to further test my will.
The details of that tortuous and soul-sapping climb would require a book in itself but suffice to say I made it. The accompanying photo shows the majesty of the snow-covered view from Donard that day. I was really getting a baptism of fire!
My plan to retrace my steps was out of the question due to the lethal ice-covered track below the col so I headed South along the Wall to find the route to Bloody Bridge. The snow was 3 feet deep in places on this side and another survival adventure ensued. I followed the Wall to approx J 353 268 I and turned left. Eventually I reached the Bloody Bridge and a Bloody Long Walk back to Newcastle and my car. An excellent day and an excellent introduction to the Mournes! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/19/comment/3244/

For anyone looking for a different approach to Slieve Donard I would recommend a route starting at the Harbour in Newcastle J381296 J which initially follows the waymarked Granite Trail steeply up the line of a former funicular railway known locally as the Bogey Line. After crossing the stile at the top end of the trail the track turns right to cross another stile and then the high point of the Granite Trail. From J371293 K climb up around the right side of the quarry near by making sure to stay well away from the edge on your left hand side. Gradually work your way round by heading SW and then SE across a sream and up to the top of Millstone Mountain at J373285 L. Walk SW across a boggy coll before starting to climb up the eastern slopes of Slieve Donard. Initially the terrain is soft and peat covered but soon changes to rockey ground leading up to the Lesser Cairn at J3595027900 M. From here it is a short gentle walk up to the the highest point in Ulster. Descend W with a touch of N along the Mourne Wall to pick up a paved stoney track down to the coll J2495027950 N and then NE down the Glen River Track ( the most frequently used route up and down the mountain ). On the way down the restored Ice House on the other bank of the river is worth a look at approximately J364295 O. Continue to follow the river track down to Donard Bridge J372302 P. Do not go across but rather turn right and follow the forest track out to the public road and then left to the main Newcastle to Kilkeel road. Turn right and walk along to the Harbour car park. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/19/comment/4157/

Slieve Donard being the highest peak in the Mournes offers some fantastic views in reward for walking to the summit. Gaze south over the Carlingford Mountains and beyond Dundalk Bay towards the Wicklow Mountains shimmering seductively on southern horizon. The Isle of Man and a glimpse of Scotland attract the eye eastward with Belfast City easily visible to the north. Lough Neagh completes the cardinal tour to the west.

The Mourne Peaks and Tors dominate the immediate view from south to north laid out below as a 3 dimensional map, tempting further walking and exploration. Indeed, many a day I’ve spent walking here, choosing routes and peaks almost at random.

From the summit delight in the birds eyes view of the local drumlin countryside. Study the low lying land that melds into Dundrum Bay encircled with what looks like end moraine formations. Trace the tree lined rivers that tumble toward the sea. Are they remnants of once torrential glacial outflows? Try and picture in your minds eye the great glacial ice sheets spilling from the mountain valleys sculpting and moulding the terrain laid out below.

There are many and varied accent / descent routes available to the walker each one presenting it's own unique and pleasing characteristics. The tourist route, starting in Donard car park takes you up the Glen River path were it’s fascinating to examine the transition from Silurian bedrock to the younger granite. Follow the path which will lead you all the way to the Mourne wall. On the way stop and study the varied glacial features. The most notable is the Corrie that’s been carved out from the Northern face of Donard. Look out for this as you drive towards Newcastle from Castlewellan, it’s a most prominent feature toward evening. There’s also the glacial spur of Eagle Rock and the Pot of Pulgarve. I always find it awe inspiring to think of the energy required to gouge these formations from the mountains. Anyway, proceeding up the path stop just above the tree line and look left to the rippled surfaces of Thomas’s Mountain. You can still see the layering folds formed in the molten magma as it cooled after being injected into the long gone Silurian overcoat. When you reach the wall swing left and follow it to make your accent to the summit. There’s a stone path leading up the flank of the summit which follows the wall. It’s a bit dicey in places so watch your step if its wet. Just one other thing. For anyone who has regularly walked in the Mournes have you noticed a thin band of red subsoil that is exposed at the riverbanks. Its really noticeable up the Tracey track, does anyone know what this is. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/19/comment/1984/

I just thought I would share an interesting story with you. My self and my son Tiernan are keen Hikers and have spent many happy weekends rambling the hills of the mournes. Every weekend Tiernan packs his backpack and checks his kit before we set off. For the last year and a half we have spent most of our time on the route to Slieve Donard from Donard car park. Every weekend Tiernan gets a little bit further than the last time before stopping for his lunch and heading back to the car. On Saturday the 16th February Tiernan made it for the first time to the summit of Slieve Donard. This story might not seem out of the ordinary except for the fact that Tiernan was born on the 17th May 2004 which makes him nearly four years old. Tiernans day was made when some hikers greeted him at the top by shacking his hand and congratulating him. This is a respectful achievement for people of all ages but for Tiernan it was nothing short of incredible. I always bring my camera so I can take loads of pictures and put them on the net for our friends and family. Naturally I have loads of pictures of this particular event which I would be delighted to share with you if you are interested. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/19/comment/2972/