Scouting Ireland

Ulster MPC 2004

Mourne Mountains, 8/9/10 October 2004

Introduction

We have run a number of MPCs in the Mournes but have never “bagged” the summit of Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Ulster at 849 metres. Subject to weather and fitness levels, our aim is to “top out” on Donard for the Ulster MPC 2004.

About your Map

We’ll be using the brand new edition of the Mournes 1:25000 map. Please note the large scale – 4 centimetres equals 1 Kilometre rather than 2 centimetres on a 1:50000 map. The map is printed on water-resistant paper but its not water-proof! So use a map case as normal.

The Start

Check-In is at the Car Park at 312 315.

Please don’t arrive before 8pm; if you do, you’ll have to wait for staff to arrive to check you in. The Check-In will close at 10.30pm: if you arrive later, make your way to Base Camp and check in next morning.

If you’re going to be late or if you can’t make it at all, please send a text message with your Troop name to 087 2440118 (if calling from the South) or +3531872440118 (if calling from the North).

Getting to Start

(a) From the South

Leave Newry on the B8 and travel to Hilltown. Just beyond Hilltown turn right onto the B27 Kilkeel Road. Follow this for about 1 mile and turn left onto the B180 heading towards Brynsford. Continue for almost 6 miles and take a sharp right turn at 318 323 to Car Park.

(b) From the North

Leave the A1 at Banbridge and take the A50 passing through Castlewellan. About 1.5 miles after Castlewellan, turn right onto the B180. Continue along this road for 3 miles and then turn left at 318 323 to Car Park.

PLEASE NOTE: The following is an outline of the proposed route. Staff reserve the right to vary the route due to weather conditions, ability of teams, daylight etc.

FRIDAY

Car Park (312 315) to Basecamp (318 292)

Turn left out of the car park and after a short distance, pass through a gate at 311 313. Follow the track until you meet another gate at 313 303. Passing through, follow the Trassey Track to the track junction at 318 292. Base camp is between the track junction and the river junction at 317 292.

SATURDAY

Base Camp to Hares Gap (323 287)

Follow the track to the Gap and cross the stile over the Mourne Wall.

Hares Gap to Slievenaglogh (328 291)

Follow the Wall steeply up to Slievenaglogh at 586 metres.

Slievenaglogh to near Slieve Commedagh (344 285)

Continue along the southern side of the Wall towards Commedagh – there are steep drops on the northern side – to the obvious bend in the Wall at 344 285.

Slieve Commedagh to Col at 350 279

Drop to the Col which might be a good spot for lunch!

Col to Slieve Donard (357 277)

This is a tough climb so take your time. If the weather is fine, the views from the summit are superb. See the reverse side of your map for details.

Slieve Donard to Stile at 354 268

Follow the Wall down to the Stile. The ground is steep and broken so take it slowly especially if it has rained.

Stile to High Camp (341 258)

Follow the Brandy Pad (path) in a NW direction for about 350 metres and turn left onto another track at 351 271. Follow this track to the track junction at 349 263. Take the right (westerly) fork and continue till the track crosses the 430m contour. Descend into the river valley on your right (westwards). Take care crossing the river, especially if its in flood. High Camp awaits you at 341 258.

SUNDAY

High Camp to Brandy Pad at 343 279

Join the track just above High Camp and follow it as it skirts below Lower Cove, Cove Mountain and Slieve Beg before a final steep climb to join the Brandy Pad.

Brandy Pad to Hares Gap (323 287)

Turn left and follow the path in a NW direction back to the Hares Gap.

Hares Gap to Car Park (312 315)

Retrace your steps from here back to the Car Park. Be sure to Check Out with staff. Hope you enjoyed it. Safe Home!