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bring lunch as there was no pub grub at the top

I was lucky to see them at their best today, beautiful 😍

The small, historic port provides a charming setting with views of the Mourne Mountains and the sea. The promenade is well maintained and is great for a relaxing cruise along the coast. However, it can get quite busy in good weather and at weekends, which can slow down the journey. A highlight is the proximity to Murlough National Nature Reserve, which is just a few kilometers away and is ideal for further exploration. Note, however, that some sections of the promenade can be slippery when wet, so care must be taken.

If you fancy a dip after all those hills, this is a very safe spot for swimming. The slipway at the side of the harbour wall is the preferred entry point. If you look back along the side of Slieve Donard, you will see some cottages known as “Widows Row”. These were built for the widows of fishermen who died at sea. They would be able to live out their days in one of the cottages looking out to sea.

A lovely run but be sure to turn around every once in a while and enjoy the view behind you!

This is a tough, gritty, but incredibly scenic and rewarding run all at the same time. You can take the path as fast or slow as you like, but a relatively good fitness level is recommended. The ground can get rocky underfoot, so bring a decent pair of shoes with you, as well as water, perhaps a little refuel bar to enjoy at the top, and some wet weather gear in case the heavens open. Enjoy, and good luck!

The Brandy Pad follows the Bloody Bridge River uphill from east to west through a lovely riverside setting. This is quite a strenuous uphill jog, so a little bit of fitness is required, and some decent footwear too, as the ground can get a little rocky underneath. If you'd prefer to skip a section of the riverside park and jog along a smoother surface, you can take a left turn here and follow a road along the other side of the river which reconnects to the path a few a mile or so up.

Congratulations, you've made it up the mighty Slieve Donard. Being the highest of the Mourne Mountain peaks, this is an incredible achievement. Take a well-earned rest and enjoy the phenomenal views across the stunning Mournes and out to the Irish Sea.