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/