The Mournes enjoyed glorious sunshine this week-end. As a general principle, I always climb at least one of the seven sevens on such days. Starting from Donard Park I walked through the forest to pick up the Glen river track to the saddle Donard shares with Commedagh. Upon reaching the saddle I followed the course of the Mourne wall to Donard's summit. If a mountain's popularity is measured by the numbers of walkers, Donard would easily claim top prize. There were dozens of other walkers doing the same walk. I reached the summit 1 hour 50 minutes after leaving the car park. After a short lunch break I descended back to the saddle to begin my ascent of Slieve Commedagh, the second highest mountain in the Mournes. Slieve Commedagh is a natural extension and offers a good alternative to descending the glen river track. After admiring the views I descended the ridge Commedagh shares with Shanslieve and Slievenamaddy. This is my favourite descent in the Mournes. I veered eastwards back through the forest to Donard park. Total distance was 11.67km taking 4.5 hours.
Slieve donard:
Glen river track:
Commedagh and Bernagh from near Donard's summit:
Binnian, Chimney and Rocky from Donard:
Bernagh and Commedagh from Donard:
Newcastle and St John's point from Donard:
The eastern and central Mournes from Donard descent:
Annalong valley and Rocky from Commedagh:
Beg, Cove, Lamagan, Binnian, Ben Crom from Commedagh:
Bernagh from Commedagh:
Binnian:
Bernagh to Slieve Corragh:
Slievenamaddy from Shanslieve:
Tullymore:
Castlewellan and Slieve Croob:
Newcastle from Slievenamaddy:
Slieve Donard from Slievenamaddy:
The saddle: