With some forecasters predicting a cloudy day yesterday, I decided my walk was going to be a low level linear walk through Tullymore and Donard Forest. Leaving Newcastle bus station at 10am, I boarded the Mourne rambler bus, travelling to Tullymore mountain centre. The route was mostly on forest tracks. Leaving Tullymore mountain centre, I followed the Shimna river to a small lake in the forest which offered reflections of nearby trees. After leaving the lake I followed the track towards the Curraghhard viewpoint; pleasant views were offered of Slievenamaddy ridge. After leaving Tullymore I headed towards Donard forest noticing quite extensive deforestation en route. Upon entering Donard forest a short walk took me to Donard park. After lunch, I returned to the car park via the main street in Newcastle. Total distance was just over 11km, taking around 3 hours.
Tullymore river:
Shimna river:
Shimna river:
Shimna river:
Shimna river:
Tullymore river:
Lake reflections:
Tullymore lake reflections:
View towards Slievenamaddy:
Tullymore forest:
View towards Slievenaglogh ridge from Tullymore:
View towards Newcastle after leaving Tullymore forest:
Shimna River going out to Irish Sea:
View towards Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak:
Newcastle beach/Irish Sea: