It seems most of our number respectfully adhered to the protocol of Mothers Day last weekend and for this I would like to extend my apologies to my own mother. IT was a two hour drive to Newcastle which in all reality isn’t an overly extended jaunt but just extended enough for my to reconsider little Simbas inclusion in our hike. However all things considered I decided to take him along considering he missed out on his normal Saturday sojourn. So Simba, I and our two companions set off from the Car Park in Newcastle (the one with the sports grounds attached) at about 12.20. The first thing to strike me was the forested area we encountered immediately where we followed the Glen River Trail. It is probably an obvious thing, but I was slightly taken back by the aspect of our walk from early on and it does take me a second wind to really get going. The sun shone and it was beautiful though. When the forest opened out somewhat the arms of the Mournes welcomed us, drawing us closer. I’m always amazed at how I feel like some kind of an extra from Lord of the Rings on these walks. In fact I was pretty sure I caught a glimpse of Sméagol as the rain started to fall on top of us. Simba is also making progress. My little sheltie navigated the few streams all on his own this time around. There was a steep climb to the saddle which I found tough enough but lunch was waiting by the wall and the summit didn’t look too far away. The rain had stopped and fed and watered, we started for the summit. At this point I would like to say that for any thirtysomething novice like myself attempting a climb like this for the first time, you should do so in the knowledge that there are quite a number of ‘little people’ who seem to be able to take on this task in their stride. I found it was a motivation of sorts not to turn back. I had seen signs for the Newry City Marathon on my way through to Newcastle earlier this day and after a short while on the way to the top I felt like I was hitting the wall. In fact I WAS hitting the wall! Poor Simba got stuck across the way in a rocky area and after a short rescue attempt we pushed (hard) for the summit. It is somewhat disconcerting the way the ‘steps’ lean down to you as you ascend on this stretch almost willing you to slip back off – at least that’s what I, with my weary limbs felt. When we eventually reached the summit, the view was spectacular! The way back was not without its moments and high concentration levels are required to descend from back to the saddle. This was a relatively dry day, but I’d wait for some more experience before I would attempt it on a wet day. For me anyway, the sense of achievement in ‘conquering’ Slieve Donard was very satisfying. We reached the carpark at 16.45, got changed and headed home. A good day when I can still feel the mountains in my legs on a Monday morning! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/19/comment/2986/

climbed slieve donard for the third time today but first time with my two sons aged 13 and 15. Started at the boody bridge and descended to Donard Park. Just a £4 taxi ride to get back to the bloody bridge car park. Stunning views and good weather. Amazed to meet so many people carelessly dressed in just t shirt and shorts (fine for weather at sea level). My sons delighted in being the highes people in Ulster. It took us just over 5 hours but fish and chips never tasted so good when we got down. There is now a bus service which does a lap around the perimeter of the Mournes which makes good linear walks possible with just one car. You can find details on translink northern ireland website, just look for time of Mourne Rambler. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/19/comment/18236/

Leaving Slievenaglogh it was a steep drop down to Hare’s Gap. The ground here is heavily eroded in sections but stones have been laid to stop further degradation and to make the track easier to negotiate. It’s unfortunate that some sections now have that step like appearance but in fairness it has been done in the best way possible to blend with the hillside environment.
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Hare’s Gap, marked by its large cairn and gate in the wall, provided great views down the Trassey Track towards Meelmore and gave an impressive feel to the climb up to Slieve Bearnagh. I’m not used to these towering peaks in Donegal and it certainly created a sense of awe. The large grassy area was a popular resting spot and destination for a couple of families having a picnic. Having had a very enjoyably lonely day so far I moved on quickly to get away from the unwelcome noise.
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The Brandy Pad contours across the side of the ridge that I’d just come along so I was effectively walking back on myself. The path is clear and distinct as you would expect for a trail with such historic significance. It’s easy walking with the river on the right dropping down into the valley towards Ben Crom and multiple little streams flowing down from the hillside on the left. Ample opportunities to top up my water but I’d managed to leave my filter at home!
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Eventually the path starts to rise up towards the base of Slieve Beg. I was tempted to head across but I already had a big day planned, still had to summit Slieve Donard and wasn’t sure how much extra time it would add on to the day. Just over this little ridge I had the best of views of the craggy cliffs below Commedagh known as The Castles.
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Down into the head of the Annalong Valley with the river left to snake naturally along the valley floor I left the main path along a faint track that curves around the base of Commedagh to bring me back to the Wall and the col between Donard and Commedagh. Approaching the stile I could hear a hum of voices on the other side and realised that the unexpected Bank Holiday (The Queen’s funeral) and the good weather had drawn people out to climb Donard.
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. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/19/comment/23678/

Slieve Donard - Sat 08 April 06 - There are comments aplenty on MV re Slieve Donard. Our ascent on Saturday would not yield anything out of the ordinary: glorious sunny spells, frequent showers, some of hail and much snow at the summit.
What was different about this day however was the sad news of the body of a fellow walker found at the summit. We witnessed the Irish Coast Guard Sykorsky made a landing in very tricky conditions to retrieve the body and return him to his loved ones.
Cannot be sure of the cause of death at this stage, there is talk of a lightning strike. This sad episode was a stark reminder of how dangerous both the terrain and the elements can be to all those who take to the mountains.
For the man who didn't make it home, may he rest in peace. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/19/comment/2265/