The Mourne Mountain range
is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
and is proposed as the first National Park in Northern
Ireland. The area will not disappoint visitors interested
in the natural environment, built heritage and wonderful
scenery. Dry stone walls are a common feature and Slieve
Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland, stands prominent,
towering over Newcastle Bay. A popular walking trail to
the top of Slieve Donard is
via the glen river or via Slieve Commedagh, the watchful
mountain. After the hike it is always pleasant to relax
in one of the cafes or bars in Newcastle.
There are
many routes in the Mourne Mountains and surrounding countryside.
One trail known as the Smugglers'
trail or Brandy Pad begins at the coast and goes through
the mountains passing the Ben Crom reservoir and crossing
through the Hares Gap. Watch
BBC ONE NI to see some of my favourite walking areas.
**BBC
ONE NI on Wednesday nights at 10.40pm starting on April
2
High level hikes over
the craggy tops of Slieve Binnian or Slieve Bearnagh provide
opportunities for wonderful views. Other routes explore
the interaction of the granite men with the Mourne
mountains. The Granite Trail from Newcastle
harbour has been established to illustrate where and how
the Granite men worked. It is a popular walk for families.
If you prefer a lowland
ramble then the Murlough Nature Reserve and Dundrum Bay
trail offers gentle undulating terrain and opportunity
to do some bird watching.
Close by the Cooley Mountains
also offer great views and a feeling of remoteness. If
you have time and energy after your walk the medieval
town of Carlingford is worth exploring.
The Causeway walk along
the North coast of Ireland to the world heritage site
at the Giant's Causeway provides a mixture of superb cliff
scenery and unusual geological features. Hear about the
myths and legends of the area during your walk. This route
is organised for group bookings.
Go to
the event guide for information
on specific dates.
All routes can be tailor
made to suit group bookings. Contact Loretto,
your Blue Badge Guide for further information.
The Blue Badge is the
UK's highest tourist guiding qualification
Advice for walkers.
Walks and hikes are offered
at a variety of grades and you are advised to check if
the route suits your fitness level.
You will need to wear hill
walking boots with good ankle support and suitable socks
for mountain hikes. A waterproof jacket which can also
act as a windproof is essential. A small rucksack is required
to carry your lunch and spare clothing.
*** Programme Series
to Watch on BBC ONE NI featuring the Mournes and walking
in Northern Ireland
On Wednesday
nights at 10.40pm starting on April 2
"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"
