The Mournes were bathed in sunshine yesterday. I decided to climb the two highest peaks in the range: Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh. Starting from Donard park I climbed through the forest to the saddle Donard shares with Commedagh. Turning left I summited Donard two hours after starting. The summit was very popular with other walkers. I didn't want to descend the way I ascended so I decided to include Commedagh. Commedagh is a round, grassy dome with great views of the Annalong valley mountains. I decided to take in Shanslieve on my descent to Donard park. This is my favorite descent in the entire range. Total distance was just over 14.5km.
Commedagh and Shanslieve from the car park:
Donard forest and ascent track:
Newcastle from Donard:
Slieve Croob:
Central Mournes and Sleive GUllion:
Bernagh, Meelmore, Meelbeg and Sleiveloughshannagh:
Central Mournes from Donard:
Beg, Cove and Lamagan:
Donard and Chimney:
Rocky, Annalong valley and Binnian from Commedagh:
Bernagh and Hares Gap from Commedagh:
Descent to Shanslieve:
Tullymore:
Bernagh and Meelmore:
The central Mournes from Shanslieve:
Newcastle, Tullymore and Castlewellan from Shanslieve:
Newcastle and St John's point from Shanslieve:
Donard from Shanslieve: