With weathermen predicting dry and sunny conditions on boxing day I decided to take in Northern Ireland's highest summit, Slieve donard. I followed the traditional route of ascent starting from Donard car park. The route goes through the forest before following the Glen river to the saddle Donard shares with Commedagh. From the saddle it is merely a case of following the wall to the summit at 853 metres. It is a very popular walk in the Mournes where one is always guaranteed to meet other walkers. On a clear day it is possible to count 23 mountains from here. I was treated to a cloud inversion of central Mourne summits on the descent. The eastern Mournes where largely could free whilst the western summits of the Eagle range were clagged in.
Beg, Bernagh, Meelmore:
Zoom-in Bernagh:
Beg, Bernagh, Meelmore:
Chimney:
East/west divide:
View to Dromara hills:
Binnian getting clagged in:
Chimney/Rocky:
Wildlife shot:
Binnian/Lamagan:
Binnian to Beg:
Commedagh/Bernagh:
Zoom-in Slieveloughshannagh:
Beg, Doan, Muck:
Newcastle from Donard summit:
Beg, Cove, Lamagan:
Bernagh/Meelmore: