Location: Northern Ireland , UK.
Distance: 15.5 kms.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Estimated Time: 1 day.
Best for: Countryside, forest,Trail paths, Mountains.
Start / Finish: Donard Park /Donard Park, Pub.
Introduction
In 2024, while spending time in Manchester, I found myself reflecting on a simple goal I had been working towards over several years.
I had already climbed the highest mountains on mainland UK, but there was still one left — Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland.
Not long after, I booked an early morning flight from Manchester to Belfast. After arriving, I spent the morning exploring the city before catching a bus later that afternoon to Newcastle, nestled beneath the Mourne Mountains.
Sitting there looking towards Slieve Donard, I knew the next day would be special.
Sometimes the best adventures start with a simple thought: what’s next?
Exploring Newcastle and Preparing
I had booked a room at Mountain View Lodge in Newcastle for three nights, giving myself time to prepare properly.
The day before the climb was spent exploring the town and getting everything ready. I picked up an updated 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey map for the Mourne Mountains, something I always prefer alongside digital navigation.
Newcastle is a beautiful coastal town. The weather was perfect and warm but not too hot, ideal for a relaxed walk along the beach. The shoreline was quiet, and the views towards the mountains were impressive.
It felt like a calm pause before the challenge ahead.
Later, I enjoyed fish and chips by the sea. The portion was huge, and I could only manage half.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only one interested in my food.
The seagulls soon joined in, dive-bombing myself and others along the sea wall. In the end, I gave up most of my chips just to avoid becoming part of their game!
Afterwards, I returned to the lodge to prepare my backpack, check the map, and plan the route for the next day.
Climbing Slieve Donard
Mountain day had arrived, and I was excited as always.
I like to start early on mountain days. It gives me quiet trails, cooler temperatures, and time to enjoy the walk without rushing. It also means I can return early enough to rest properly afterwards.
Over the years I’ve learned that starting late often causes problems. If something slows you down like weather, navigation, or simple fatigue it can push everything into the evening, leaving you tired, hungry, and still on the move.
Starting early avoids all of that.
There is also something special about early mornings in the mountains. On this walk, I had the trail almost completely to myself. The only sounds were birdsong, running water, and my footsteps through the woodland.
The route starts from Donard Park and climbs steadily through forested paths. In places it is steep, but nothing too difficult.
I also prefer circular routes where possible rather than returning the same way. Part of the adventure is seeing new ground.
As I climbed higher, the woodland opened up and views began to stretch back towards Newcastle and the coastline. A stream ran alongside parts of the path, adding to the atmosphere.
The higher I went, the cooler it became.
I always carry a down jacket and full waterproofs in the mountains. A key tip from experience: make sure your waterproof jacket is sized correctly so you can wear insulating layers underneath. If everything is too tight, you lose movement and moisture builds up inside your clothing, which quickly becomes a problem in cold or wet conditions.
Eventually, the famous Mourne Wall appeared.
It was an incredible sight stretching across the mountainside. For a moment I thought, “just follow this and I’m there.”
Then the weather changed.
Mist rolled in, visibility dropped, and sleet and light snow began to fall. After a quick snack, drink, and map check, I began my descent along the opposite side of the wall.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is to trust your instincts in the mountains. If something doesn’t feel right, or you feel it’s time to move, it’s usually worth listening to that feeling.
I also learned another important lesson: people often get cold not just from the weather, but from sweat. If your clothing holds moisture, you cool down quickly once conditions change.
The Summit
WOW.
Standing on the summit of Slieve Donard, I was standing on the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, and I was genuinely excited.
At that point I was fully layered down jacket with waterproof jacket over the top. Conditions had clearly changed.
After sending a few messages to friends to say where I was, the feeling shifted slightly. The temperature was dropping and it was clear it was time to head down.
The Descent
Going down was more challenging than going up.
The ground was wet, boggy and uneven, with sheep and cattle in some areas adding extra obstacles. I used my walking poles constantly to help with balance and stability, especially on the steeper and slippery sections.
At times, the conditions were so boggy that I carefully followed the top of sections of the Mourne Wall for safer footing. This is not something I would recommend without experience, balance, and confidence in mountain terrain.
Eventually I reached the bottom of the wall.
Navigation and Detours
From here, I checked the map again. At first it looked simple, but as I’ve learned many times it’s always better to finish the descent before calling anything “easy”.
The path initially followed down towards a quarry where I met a fell runner coming uphill. He mentioned that part of the route ahead was under maintenance and a detour might be required.
I always try to stay flexible with navigation. Conditions change, and routes are not always straightforward.
Following the map, I eventually came across signage showing diversions and sections affected by livestock and temporary closures.
At that point I could see the road I needed, but the direct path was unclear.
I followed the marked public right of way shown on the map, staying calm, respectful, and aware of my surroundings.
The Final Stretch Back to Newcastle
Once I reached the road, the final challenge began.
Due to diversions, I had come out much more distance than planned at around 15.5 km total for the route and still had to walk back into Newcastle along the A2.
This was one of the most uncomfortable parts of the day.
The road was busy with fast traffic, lorries, and very little space for walkers. On several occasions I had to step quickly into the verge for safety. I remember thinking, “this should be the easy part.”
Eventually I reached Newcastle just as the pubs were opening.
There was only one thing on my mind a well-earned pint of Guinness, followed by a cheeky whisky, and I was lucky a pub called O’Hares by Donard Park was open and I was a happy man.
Later, I showered, rested, and even enjoyed a meal at the pub after being kindly invited by the owner I had met earlier.
It was a perfect end to a long day in the mountains.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, it was an incredible experience, spending time in the beautiful Moune mountains and scenery.
I may have completed all the highest mountains in mainland UK and Northern Ireland, but the biggest lesson remains simple:
Safety always comes first.
And sometimes the toughest part of a mountain day isn’t the summit — it’s getting safely back down.
Chris (Clogs)
PositiveOutdoor365 – Escape, Discover, Grow
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Post June 2026