Twenty-four walkers assembled just outside Moneyneany for the Mid-Ulster Walking Club’s final excursion of 2007, a Sperrins trek with a festive flavour.

The walk began with a very long and progressively steeper climb following first a quiet road and then a track as the group moved out onto open hillside. Disappointingly it was not a morning for fine views, with the landscape beyond the immediate hills quickly disappearing into a hazy greyness. But it was still a good, dry day and very pleasant for walking. Having gained over 350 metres’ height the ground finally levelled off as the walkers reached the top of Crockmore (478 m).

After continuing to nearby Crockbrack (526 m) an early lunch was called for and the group sat down to the main business of the day. Some exceptionally fine homemade mulled wine, courtesy of Ronnie Irvine, was produced and from various sources chocolates, mince pies and chocolate cake appeared and began to circulate.

Eventually, well fortified, the walkers gathered themselves up and moved on, descending briefly before climbing again to a spur above the Drumderg River. This offered a way down for those wishing for a shorter walk. But the majority continued north, making the tough pull to the tops of Oughtmore and Spelhoagh at 569 and 568 metres. Altbritain Forest lay directly below them with Mullaghneany and Meenard Mountain to the west, leading the way to the main Sperrins peaks.

Finally the main group began their descent, negotiating some steep and awkward terrain as they dropped steadily down. A final burst of road walking brought them back through Moneyneany to their cars, before the day came to an enjoyable and relaxed conclusion with soup and sandwiches in The Shepherd’s Rest.