Mourne Sevens 2011

MOURNE SEVEN SEVENS CHALLENGE 

Saturday 6th August 2011 

Objective: To climb all seven peaks in the Mourne Mountains that are 700m+ above sea level.

Distance.......18 miles (29km)

Ascent/Descent.......8,100 feet (2,495m)

Typical Duration.......10-12 hours

Starting Time............7.00-9.00am

Entrance Fee............£10.00 stg.

Mourne Seven Sevens                                                                                                                                      

Slieve Donard............850m

Slieve Commedagh....765m

Slieve Lamagan.........704m

Slieve Binnian............747m

Slieve Meelmore........704m

Slieve Bearnagh........727m

Slieve Meelbeg..........708m

N.B. All heights are taken from the 1990 edition of the OS 1:25000 scale map. Previous editions of the Mourne Country map show only 6 peaks of over 700m (Slieve Meelmore seems to have grown!).

Route: The start and finish will be in Donard Car Park (grid ref 374306). The only rule is that each of the seven peaks and Ben Crom Dam must be visited once, in whatever order is chosen by the participant. Navigational skills will be required, particularly if weather conditions are poor. Participants must have the ability and experience to use both map and compass.

Cut-off time: There is a firm cut-off time of 2:30pm at Ben Crom dam. This is to ensure walkers complete the route before dark. Walkers missing the cut-off will be retired from the walk. Equipment, food and water: Participants must have the following: hill walking boots or fell shoes; whistle; waterproof coat with attached hood or waterproof coat & hood/hat; 1:25,000 map of the Mourne Mountains; compass. Food and water are the responsibility of the individual participant but some refreshments will be available at the finishing point.

Organisation: For safety reasons the walk is only open to those over 18 years of age on the day of the walk. It is intended that all peaks except Meelmore will have manned checkpoints. Should it prove to be impossible to man a particular summit then walkers will be advised of this at check-in on the day of the walk.

Accommodation: Details of accommodation available in the Newcastle area is available at www.discovernorthernireland.com and from Down District Council’s Tourist Information Office in Newcastle, tel 028 4372 2222, email newcastle.tic@downdc.gov.uk. Transport: This is a "circular" walk and therefore walkers may leave their cars in Donard Car Park. The car park is open to the public at all times. Ulsterbus run a “Mourne Rambler” bus during July and August.

The route circles the Mournes and may be useful for walkers who have to retire from the walk far from the finish. The timetable is available at http://www.translink.co.uk/ or phone 028 4372 2296.

Safety Notes: Please do not bring dogs on the walk, since large sections of it cross land grazed by sheep. WALKERS MUST NOT RETIRE FROM THE WALK WITHOUT TELLING THE ORGANISERS. Disclaimer: Neither the Spartan Red Sox, nor any of its individual members, can be held responsible for any injury, loss or damage howsoever sustained by any participants in the Mourne Seven Sevens Challenge Walk. The club reserves the right to refuse entry to the walk. Entrance Forms: These will be available on the organizers website and on the day at the check-in point at Donard Car Park, Newcastle.

Full and Further Information @

http://www.spartanredsox.org.uk/

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