Author Topic: Donard and Commedagh: epic day on Northern Ireland's highest summits  (Read 3277 times)

henryb

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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:
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Glen river track:
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Commedagh and Bernagh from near Donard's summit:
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Binnian, Chimney and Rocky from Donard:
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Bernagh and Commedagh from Donard:
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Newcastle and St John's point from Donard:
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The eastern and central Mournes from Donard descent:
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Annalong valley and Rocky from Commedagh:
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Beg, Cove, Lamagan, Binnian, Ben Crom from Commedagh:
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Bernagh from Commedagh:
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Binnian:
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Bernagh to Slieve Corragh:
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Slievenamaddy from Shanslieve:
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Tullymore:
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Castlewellan and Slieve Croob:
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Newcastle from Slievenamaddy:
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Slieve Donard from Slievenamaddy:
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The saddle:
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April

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Great shots henry, you got great weather  O0 It has been rather good in the Lake District this weekend too  :)
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henryb

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Thanks April, it was the best weather we've had all year :)  Hope the weather is good in the lakes second week-end in June :D  Helvellyn is the blue sky option but knowing my luck will probably change to Arnison crag ;D

Ridge

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Lovely photos Henry  O0


Is that a little building by the wall in the Binnian pic?

henryb

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Thanks Ridge, yes, it is a little building. There are only three in the Mournes: Donard, Commedagh and Meelmore and they are really useful on windy days for a lunch stop :)

April

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Hope the weather is good in the lakes second week-end in June :D  Helvellyn is the blue sky option but knowing my luck will probably change to Arnison crag ;D

I will order in some good weather for you henry  ;)

Arnison Crag is a fine little fell so no hardship doing that one  :)
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beefy

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Lovely pics Henry  O0
April were going on holiday  ;D
Leave only footprints, take only photographs, kill only time ...

 

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