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Event Guide

 

HIKE SLIEVE DONARD the highest peak in the Mourne Mountains.

Next Date for Slieve Donard Hike Sunday 3rd October 2010

"A big thank you for giving me an informative and friendly guide up Slieve Donard. I really enjoyed the whole experience, views and company. It will linger in the memory for a long time." Paul Matthews, NZ

"If you are looking for an experience and not just a destination, spend a day in the Mournes with Loretto." Jenn Dodds, USA

 

BBC NI "Off the Beaten Track" see Loretto guiding up Slieve Bearnagh

"Our day spent with you in the Mountains of Mourne was one of the highlights of our holiday. You were a very attentive and informative guide, ascents somewhat steep but magnificent panoramic views which were well worth the effort." Dave & Eileen, England

 

We all thoroughly enjoyed the walk and meeting both yourself and David. Having you both as our guides for the day made such a huge difference when we were unfamiliar with the area. Francesca, Ireland


A note to thank you for the most enjoyable weekend we just spent with you. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Mourne mountains with you. Such fantastic landscape and all the more enjoyable for having it all explained by yourself.
Mairead, Ireland

 

Mountain walks

I take private bookings for guided hikes and walks from individuals, couples and groups.

I offer occasional open hikes in the Mourne Mountains for a minimum of 4 people booking.

Shorter walks and occasional Family walks are included during the summer months.

The Mourne mountain range has a large number of access points offering a wide variety of routes. Slieve Donard can be hiked from different starting points providing an interesting round trip. If you enjoy craggy tops, I recommend Slieve Binnian or Slieve Bearnagh.

Bookings must be made in advance of the walk date

Participants should bring a packed lunch, including fluid to drink, and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for mountain hikes.

Weather can change rapidly in mountain environments and may influence the choice of route particularly in winter conditions.

Walks are graded according to height gain, distance and pace. Many of my walks are at a relaxed pace giving you time to enjoy the scenery.

Family walks are always at an easy pace. Walks will be ajusted if necessary to suit the children. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Contact Loretto for further information.

Loretto has guided for the BBC Off the Beaten Track series

"From the windswept wilderness on Fermanagh’s Cuilcagh Way to the Devil’s Coachroad in the Mourne Mountains and on to the rough and dynamic coastline of the north coast"

 

19 August

Afternoon Walk

Dundrum Castle and Murlough Nature Reserve Easy Pace

12 Arches Car Park

2.00pm

3 hours

Sunday

12 September

Slieve Binnian /

Blue Lough

Moderate

Carrick Little

Car Park 11.00am

4 Hours

Sunday

3 0ctober

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge Challenging Bloody Bridge Car Park 11.00am 4-5 Hours
  • If you do not know where the meeting point is just ask Loretto for directions
  • Other dates available for individuals or small independent group bookings.

    For further information Contact Loretto

The mountain hikes below are a few examples of day hikes and multi day trips.

Hike Slieve Donard

The highest peak in Northern Ireland with wonderful views from the summit. A variety of routes lead to the top of this peak.

 

Slieve Binnian & Blue lough

One of the craggy tops in the Mournes overlooking the Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs

 

GRANITE & SMUGGLERS ROUTE

Discover the human history of the Mourne Mountains by following the Brandy Pad through the mountains.

Slieve Bearnagh

There are many attractive routes to this magnificent craggy peak. You are rewarded with great views from the summit tor.

Meelmore & Meelbeg

The Mourne wall runs along the top of these two peaks. The Mourne wall took 18 years to build and is 22 miles long. Worth seeing

Slieve Commedagh

The watchful mountain and Slieve Donards' neighbour. Great views of the Inner Mournes from the summit.

 

MOURNE & COOLEY MOUNTAINS

Hike in two contrasting areas with wonderful sea views on at least two of the walks.

For group bookings, minimum 6

 

3 DAY MIDWEEK BREAKS

A mixture of hiking and cycling in Mourne country and County Down.

For group bookings, minimum 6

 

Learn to navigate in the hills

Learn to Navigate using map and compass and gain knowledge, skills and confidence to plan simple walks.

 

 

 

A Family Hike

A FAMILY FUN HIKE

Children enjoying a hike at their level.

Family walks are at an easy pace.

 

 

Family walks

Take your family on a guided hike

There are small hills in the Mournes suitable for children to hike

Make it a fun day in the hills

Pace of the walk will be suited to the level of children

Discount available for groups of 8+

+44 (0)79 7340 8056

 

Cycling Trips  

CYCLE THROUGH ST PATRICK’S COUNTRY

Explore the small rural roads of County Down by bicycle and visit some of the local sites associated with St Patrick.

 

 

 

CYCLING IN MOURNE COUNTRY

SMALL GROUP DAY TOURS

BOOK for ANY DAY

 

 

 

   

Winter Days in the Mourne Mountains

Mourne Mountains in WinterMourne Mountain view in Winter
If you require a special group package for hiking, walking or cycling please contact Loretto on 079 7340 8056

All day hikes can be tailored to suit group bookings.

Please check with Loretto for available dates.

email loretto@outdoorirelandnorth.co.uk

Guided tours of the Kingdom of Down, Causeway Coast and Glens, Ards Peninsula, Belfast City, Ring of Gullion or a customised route of your choice.

You arrange the transport.

Enjoy the countryside at a pace that suits you and your group

Tours can include visits to sites such as the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Silent Valley.

Each tour can allow opportunity for short walks.

Personalised itineraries provided on request

 

 
Outdoor Ireland North, 14 Shimnavale, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0EF, Northern Ireland.
T: +44 (0)28 4372 5191 ~ M: +44 (0) 79 7340 8056 ~ E: loretto@outdoorirelandnorth.co.uk
 
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