Friday 19 July 2013

How Much? - The Wee Binnian Walking Festival in Newry, Northen Ireland

Across the Irish Sea for us and of to the Wee Binnian Walking Festival for the weekend of Friday the 6th of September.

This looks like a great programme with 9 walks throughout the weekend and lots of evening entertainment. The walks are all graded with 3 levels of walking to enjoy. 

They run a walk pass system running from 1 day for £10 to 3 days for £25 - we'll be there for the full 3.

The accommodation we are going to use is Lismore House in Newry, for 3 nights.

The itinerary:-

Friday 6th September


Check into Lismore House.

Festival opening and registration: 12.00pm.
Bus departs 12.30pm.

Grade II- Tain walk in the Cooley Mountains.
Approx 10km.
Fitzpatrick’s pub/restaurant >Annaloughan >Slievenaglogh > Ballymakellett > Round Mountain > Lumpars pub Ravensdale.
Wonderful historic and scenic walk overlooking Dundalk Bay, the East coast and on a clear day the Dublin Mountains and Isle of Man.


Opening social gathering, Bridge Bar, Newry from 9:00pm
Saturday 7th September

Registration: 8.45am
Bus departs: 9.30am for 3 main walks.
Grade I- Mournes

Approx 14km. Height gain: 1300m
Meelmore Lodge > Slieve Bernagh > Slievenaglogh > Slieve Curragh > SlieveCommedagh > Slieve Donard > Newcastle.
This is a strenuous Grade 1 walk in the high Mournes covering 3 of the highest peaks in the North of Ireland. Beautiful views into all of the Mournes plus Newcastle and Dundrum bays.

Blister Ball in Killeavy Social Club, Newry (Registration Centre). Mealstarts at 8:00pm sharp. Admission by ticket only. Tickets are available at registration.
Sunday 8th September 

Registration : 8.45am
Bus Departs: 9.30am, for 3 main walks

Grade II Cooleys Mountains- Slieve Foye Ridge
Approx 13km. Height gain 600m
Windy Gap (Longwoman’s Grave) > Foxes Rock > Ravens rock > Splitrock >Eaglesrock > SlieveFoye >Barnavave > Deserted village > Carlingford.

Cuchulainn territory – starting at the famous folklore landmark “Longwoman’s Grave”, thistrack takes us over the spectacular Foye ridge, visiting the “Deserted Famine Village” before finishing in the medieval village of Carlingford.

Closure with tea, coffee,sandwiches, cakes and sponsored draw at registration centre after walks.
Monday 9th September

Checkout of Lismore House


How Much? 
For 2 people:-
Accommodation 3 nights bed and breakfast for 2 people = £180
Walks = £50

Total = £230

For 1 Person:-
Accommodation 3 nights bed and breakfast for 1 person = £105
Walks =£25

Total = £130

Conclusion:-

An excellent packed itinerary and looks like a really good social event. A great way to make new acquaintances and do some beautiful guided walks in the Mourne and Cooley mountains. For as little as £115 per person for a long weekend walking holiday this is a must - I might be tempted myself.

Next How Much? - Heading South from here and to Ireland and the Enniscrone Walking Festival on the 14/09

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