Im completely blind myself I have both my eyes removed and I’m not fit at all lol so thank god that my friend is such an experienced guide, A real worthwhile challenge and a beautiful experience it’s some feeling of satisfaction and achievement when you make it up and back down, the walk starts out as a very steep hill up true the forest, by the waterfall then it levels out a little bit for a while, then the fun and games begin the climb up to the ridge is tougher than anything else on the mountain yet, I did say yet didn’t I? Then when you get to the ridge and when you taught the worst was over you come to the wall that goes to the summit now I’m not going to lie this was torture I was was sweating pure salt water and I was really close to giving up but then I was so so close to the top so I couldn’t lol, at the top there is fabulous views of the sea and other mountains around Ireland my friend described it all to me, the breeze at the top is lovely, then you have to clime all the way back down which was very tricky but really good crack because after making it to the top you feel that you can do anything in the world, on the way back down a little dip in the stream is so so refreshing! I really loved this Mountain The day was an experience I will never forget! This is something to do to stick on...
Read morethe highest point of northern ireland. not a very strenuous hike if you pace yourself well. a very simple route in both directions as well: follow the respective river until you get to the mourne wall, and then follow the wall to the top. very windy and quite chilly on the final ascent as the saddle formation is open all the way down, creating a wind funnel of sorts. can shorten it from the donard car park direction if you drive part way up, but we didn't. also quite uneven on the final stretch, as part of the historic wall has crumbled a bit. watch out for sheep poo - you won't really find a clean spot to rest your butt on the final ascent, until you get to the top! amazing views at the top, as it's right by the sea, on clear days you can see as far as the isle of man and even Scotland! if you cross the wall, you have the rest of the mourne mountains spread around you. the other route (bloody bridge) is longer and easier, and that's how we descended. both routes are quite popular and you'll have plenty of company (both human and sheep!) remember to pick up a rock on the way up and add it to the heap at the top... it's a...
Read moreUnless you have been here before or are with someone who knows the area, it is easy to lose your way before reaching the signs that guide you along your route. You DEFINITELY need appropriate footwear, climbing poles and jackets if your are taking on the challenge of climbing Slieve Donard and reaching the summit. Reviews say that the walk is about 2km, this is false. I walked near 4.5km and still had not reached the summit. It takes about 7.5 hours to walk to the summit and back at a good pace and you definitely need to be an experienced hiker or need to be fit if reaching the summit or the wall are your intentions. There are steep places in areas, especially at the top that you do need to be careful of. The weather is changeable so you do need to be prepared for the worst (fog and rain) at the summit of the mountain. The walk up to the summit from the start of the wall would take about 30 minutes at a good pace and is definitely pretty difficult if you aren't an experienced hiker, or even if you are. Though after all that, the view is definitely worth...
Read more