Since we didn't reach Donard the last time, we had to go back to conquer it. We decided to do it in a day trip, travelling early in the morning and driving home afterwards (with a few stop offs in Banbridge and Sainsburys). Knowing how steep it looked the last time we were in the Mournes, I was a little nervous. Given the steepness of the climb to the summit, we were sensible this time, deciding only to Donard on this day. We would do the Bloody Bridge route, parking in the car park across the road (Located on the left hand side about2.5km outside Newcastle). We arrived about 10.30am and made our way to the start of the route (See picture).
From the very beginning, the trail begins to climb. You will walk uphill along the right hand side of the Bloody Bridge River. The river runs over stone, downhill and on the way down people were swimming in it. I'd recommend bringing a towel and hiding it in the bushes so that you can have a swim on your way back to the car (obviously I'm referring to the summer time). You will be so hot and sticky after climbing to the top that you will really want to jump in on your way back. While walking along the river, you will cross it twice; once over a bridge and once over boulders, conveniently located to aid your crossing. 
Shortly after crossing the river for the second time, you will see a wooden stile on your right. Don't take this. Just continue following the road around and you will see signs for the mourne wall. This is where you are aiming to get to before making your ascent to the summit. For some reason, on this day, I was finding the hike tough. My legs were tired (I don't know why) and the constant changing of sun to rain to lashing rain was wearing me out. I contemplated turning back a few times but knew Johnny really wanted to get to the top and didn't want to ruin this on him.
After walking up through a quarry and following the track across some bogland, we met the Mourne wall. It was a blessing as it was still raining and the wall shielded us from the worst of the rain and wind. The view over the wall was spectacular, with mountains shooting up all over the place. When we met this view, it reminded us why we loved the mountains so much the last time. It is very different than Wicklow. Wicklow has rolling hills. The Mournes are very individual mountains that shoot up high into the sky.
There is a good and bad bit to reaching the Mourne wall. The good is the shelter and the fact that it runs the whole way to the summit. The bad is that it is one hell of a climb to the summit. Its rocky, boggy, grassy, very steep and approximately 1km long. Definitely one for hiking poles. We gradually began our ascent, stopping every now and again for a minutes rest before continuing uphill. I suppose its hills like these that lend themselves to the sense of accomplishment once you reach the top and give you a goal the next time you come (to get up it without stopping).
And did we know it when we reached the top. It was so wild. Sheltered by the wall, the only impacting force was the cold. However once I walked past the wall to get a picture at the Cairn, I couldn't believe the wind that hit me. The reason I'm sitting in the picture opposite is because I couldn't stand with the force of the wind. Welcome to Ireland in July. I know we were nearly 3,000ft high but I thought it might be slightly calmer given that it was the summer. Luckily our views weren't obscured. They were amazing. We could see the route following the wall over to Commedagh where we had hiked the last time. We only stayed a few minutes because of the cold and headed back down after a quick sandwich.
On the way back down, we had lovely views of the sea. It struck us that we climbed 849m from practically sea level. Although Lugnaquilla is higher (925m), you start at about 175m. That makes Donard a higher climb even though the mountain is not as high as Lug. After what seemed like a long trek back, we finally got to the car. Including breaks, the hike took us 4hrs 50 mins. That's only to cover 10kms!!!!!!!!. I know I slowed down the pace because I was tired but we have done double that distance in the same time on the Wicklow Way. I couldn't believe it. 
Upon reflection, what makes Donard difficult is the fact that it is 100% uphill from the beginning. There is no levelling off at any time. The only time you are not going uphill is on the way down. I have seen other posts saying that it is a good hike for people at all levels. I really don't agree with this. Maybe I found it tougher because I was tired but my experience on that day is that a beginner would find this hike extremely difficult. Its tough going from the start and doesn't let up. Hiking boots and warm clothes for the summit are a must. I 'd also recommend plenty of energy food. 
No comments:
Post a Comment