Meeting in the morning at Donard Car Park, we first of all collect registration forms and ensure everyone has all the kit they need for the day. If you need the loo, this is also the best time to go, there are public facilities in the car park and also in the nearby O'hares Bar - just as long as there's no pints just yet!
After, we set off steeply up the hill, passing through Donard Forest in a beautiful beech and oak wood, with multiple waterfalls and pools from the Glen river flowing along the way.
After 30 minutes or so, the forest clears and the mountains open up in front of us, the steep scree fields on the side of Slieve Commedagh to the right and the imposing cliffs of Eagle Rocks on the slopes of Slieve Donard to the left.
We walk on a firm surfaced mountain track, passing the 19th century ice house which takes us up to the base of granite steps, eventually leading onto the col between Donard and Commedagh before the steep ascent on looser gravel to the 768 m summit, hadnrailing the famous Mourne Wall along the way.
From the top, you can see views towards Belfast, Dublin and even the Isle of Man on a clear day. The mjaestic Mourne Wall passes over the summit, and the huge summit cairn also rests here, the perfect place for a few snaps for social media.
The descent is off the shoulder of the mountain, with spectacular situations, then into the forest before returning back to the car park.
