Sperrins Walking Festival 2010

SPERRINS WALKING FESTIVAL 2010

 

It is that time of year again when walkers flock to the Sperrin Mountains to take part in the annual Sperrins Walking Festival. Now in it’s 14th year, this festival has something for everyone and provides an unrivalled opportunity for walkers to join like-minded groups and together explore the beauty of this unique landscape.

___________________________________________

From Friday 6th to Sunday 8th August there will be walks to suit all ages and abilities from family trails to moderate treks, challenging hikes and even an overnight adventure. All of the walks are led by professional walking guides, providing detailed interpretation of the many features of interest and habitats encountered en-route. 

Festival goers can enjoy a range of social events and activities taking place all weekend from live music, dance and BBQ’s to model aircraft flying demonstrations, archery and other fun family activities.

Below is a list of all the walks available in The Sperrins this weekend.

Opening Walk

Suitbale for all abilities, including families

Date: Friday 6th August 2010

Registration & Meeting Point: Church steps, Newtownstewart

Time: 7pm

Distance: 3km

Duration: 1 - 1.5hrs

Description: Town walk of Newtownstewart for everyone to enjoy. Start the journey with a visit to Harry Avery O’Neill Castle, Stewart Castle and ending at Pigeon Hill Castle. Meet some costumed pipers along the way.

Cost: Voluntary donation in aid of Ulster Cancer Foundation and Cancer Research

Walk 2

Suitbale for all abilities, including families

Walk: Family walks and activities at Gortin Glen Forest Park

Date: Friday 6th, Saturday 7th, & Sunday 8th August 2010

Time: Friday - 12 noon-3pm | Saturday and Sunday - 11am - 4pm - walks and activities all day

Location: Gortin Glen Forest Park

Cost: Free

Enjoy a family fun day in the forest. Learn about the plants and animals in the woodland ecosystem.

Take Part in: Hands-on Forest Crafts. Self Guided Quiz Trail. Orienteering/Scavanger Hunts/Quizzes. Short walks led by forest guides each day. Start from the forest classroom at 12pm & 2pm (Saturday & Sunday only)

Walk 3

Level/Grade: Family

Walk: Family Treasure Hunt Trail, Plumbridge

Date: Sunday 8th August 2010

Registration & Meeting Point: St. Patrick’s Hall, Plumbridge

Time: 11am - 4pm (Join at any time between 11am & 4pm)

Duration: 1 - 1.5hrs

Description: Quiz about the village, follow the clues and win a prize.

Cost: £2.00 (proceeds to local Jack & Jill Playgroup)

Walk 4

Level/Grade: Moderate

Walk: Beltany, Bessy Bell and Ballyrenan

Date: Saturday 7th August 2010

Registration & Meeting Point: 9.30am & 10.00am Newtownstewart Centre 2000

Bus Departs: 10.00am & 10.30am

Walk Starts: 10.15am & 10.45am

Elevation: 420m

Distance: 7km / 4 miles

Duration: 3/4 hours

Description: Moderate walk through the prehistoric and modern landscapes of Bessy Bell. Linear walk.

Walk 5

Level/Grade: Moderate

Walk: Doorat, Butterlope and Crocknacree

Date: Sunday 8th August 2010

Registration & Meeting Point: 9.30am & 10.00am, St Patrick’s Hall, Plumbridge

Bus Departs: 10.00am & 10.30am

Walk Starts: 10.15am & 10.45am

Elevation: 294m

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles

Duration: 4/5 hours

Description: Exploration of the archaeology, landscapes and bogs to the north of Plumbridge. Linear walk.

Walk 6

Level/Grade: Challenging

Walk: Glengarrow to Eden

Date: Saturday 7th August 2010

Registration & Meeting Point: 9.00am & 9.30am Newtownstewart Centre 2000

Bus Departs: 9.30am & 10.00am

Walk Starts: 10.30am & 11.00am

Elevation: 670m

Distance: 15km / 9 miles

Duration: 5 1/2 hours

Description: New walk over some of the high mountains on the Northern Sperrins. Good start on mountain path but then all over open mountain. Linear walk.

Walk 7

Level/Grade: Challenging

Walk: Oughtvabeg to Goles

Date: Sunday 8th August 2010

Registration & Meeting Point: 9.30am, St. Patrick’s Hall, Plumbridge

Bus Departs: 10.00am

Walk Starts: 10.30am

Elevation: 500m

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles

Duration: 5 hours

Description: An exceptional circular route on good ground, prolonged ascent over Oughtvabeg, Meenard and Mullaghaneany, dropping down onto Glenelly Valley. With views as far as Errigal in Donegal and Lough Neagh.

Download a copy of the

Sperrins 14th Walking Festival Brochure

For more information, visit www.sperrinswalkingfestival.com.