SLIEVE DONARD, SHARING STORIES
SLIEVE DONARD
NEW YEAR, NEW ADVENTURES, NEW FRIENDS
2020 got off to a great start, meeting up with a few like-minded people for a hike up Slieve Donard - Northern Ireland’s tallest mountain.
Meeting at Bloody Bridge car park, our group of social media ‘strangers’ from all corners of Northern Ireland, were quickly sharing stories through a love of the outdoors… and dogs, obviously.
And in true Northern Irish style…some even realised they were from the same town; others having many friends in common.
** Thanks to Jonny Collins, Stephen Reid and Connor McCullough
for their words, pics and vid on this adventure. Full gallery at the end **
The walk began at 9:30am, aiming to be at top of the Donard for midday. The start was relatively easy walking beside the Glen River with its beautiful mini waterfalls and pools – a few quick pics as we went.
The trails are easy to follow, but bear in mind that you should have good hill walking equipment given the natural paths, rocks, rivers, mud and other terrain you’ll face on the way up.
Stopping for a drink at the picturesque wooden bridge, we were quickly on our way again, crossing the river via the natural, magical steppingstones.
As the walking path got steeper, Jonny Collins – normally used to hill walking and outdoors – gave in to the early signs of flu and had to leave the walk.
Stephen Reid – the gent (and hill runner) – was on hand to help Jonny back to the car park before running back up to meet the group at the Superman-Planet-Krypton-like old stone quarry (watch the video at the end).
A few sandwiches and stories later, we followed the muddy path up to the Mourne Wall, gathering a breath before tackling the tough, 300 metres final ascent to the top.
At 700 metres the weather really closed in, with high gusts of around 50-60mph, poor visibility and the temperature dropping to around 0°C.
After a thigh-burning final ascent, we reached the top.
Taking shelter behind the Mourne Wall for a second intake of food fuel, the group embraced the elements for a few snaps before making the slow and careful descent again.
New stories, new friendships, new adventures..
Here’s to more of that throughout 2020 👍👍👍
FULL PICS & VIDEO OF THE DAY 👇
Pics first… (you can click and scroll through)
Now go grab a cuppa and watch the video…
LATEST 👇
