Walks30-03-08 & 20-04-08

Chimney Rock/Rocky Mtn 30-03-08



A Fine Day’s Walking in the Mournes Some new faces contributed to an excellent turnout of thirty-one walkers when the Mid-Ulster Walking Club met in late March for a trek in the eastern Mournes. The day’s main goal was an ascent of Chimney Rock Mountain, but, given the varying needs of a large group, additional climbs of Rocky Mountain and, if desired, Slieve Donard were also on offer. Setting off together from Rourke’s Park the walkers headed up the gorse and bracken-covered slopes of Round Seefin, enjoying the early views out across the neat fields of the Kingdom of Mourne to the sea. Following the Mourne Wall they continued over Long Seefin, grateful for a cool breeze as they warmed to their task. It was an exceptional morning with just a few friendly cumulus clouds in a clear blue sky. Rocky Mountain drew near and, while some bypassed it to continue directly to Chimney Rock, most made the brief but perhaps deceptively easy-looking climb to the top at 524 metres. The eleven-strong Donard group now pressed on apace. Chimney Rock Mountain (656 m) lay almost directly opposite Rocky, to the east, a slightly sprawling mountain with a long crest punctuated by granite outcrops. A spur running northwest from the summit offered a reasonably gentle ascent. Throughout the day the views had been magnificent and the top of Chimney provided a wonderful prospect out over the coast and into the heart of the Mournes, the rugged brown and grey peaks revealed in great detail. Donard towered to the north with Slieves Binnian, Lamagan, Cove and Beg just across the Annalong Valley. Beyond them other High Mournes peaks visible included Muck, Meelbeg and Bearnagh. Last to climb Chimney were the Donard walkers. They had made a very enjoyable ascent of Donard (850 m) by walking the top of the Mourne Wall. The broad ‘cam’ stones had provided a sure grip and initial progress was brisk before inevitably slowing as the sharp gradient of Donard’s domed summit slopes took hold. For all the walkers, whatever the route taken, it had been an exhilarating and rewarding day to be in the Mournes. Co.Rock to Mullaghaneany and back( 20-04-08).


Approximately forty walkers assembled when the Mid-Ulster Walking Club met in the Sperrins in late April, a huge turnout that included some very welcome guests and newcomers. Unlike some previous Club ‘Sperrin Tops’ marathons a reasonably relaxed day was planned, though still featuring two of the higher Sperrins peaks on the northern side of the beautiful Glenelly Valley. The slightly elongated Meenard Mountain would be climbed first, followed by the more rounded Mullaghaneany, both around 620 metres, before the walkers made their way home along the skyline. All the walkers set off together from the road near the large boulder known as the County Rock. The name is thought to have originated in the sixteenth century with the rock highlighting the border between the counties of Tyrone and, as it was then, Coleraine. Having gained the high ground above the Rock the walkers formed two groups. Those preferring a slightly easier day would stick to the high ridges while the majority, perhaps with an eye to the rigors of the forthcoming Snowdonia weekend, would seek out some harder climbing. The long haul up Mullaghaneny in particular would provide a good test in this regard. Fortunately for all it was a fine day to be in the Sperrins. Although breezy and overcast the day was dry and the sun broke through at regular intervals. Underfoot, while inevitably soft and boggy in places, the going was cleaner and dryer than perhaps expected.Moreover, visibility was good. To the north the view stretched many miles over countryside, town and village. Benbradagh rose high, presenting a bold profile. The south offered a beautiful but more lonely prospect with a wide expanse of empty rolling hills. Immediately below, the Goles River cut an attractive glen to the valley floor. By mid to late afternoon all the walkers were finally heading off the hill, pleasantly tired after a good day on which these often reclusive hills had proven very welcoming.