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Led by an experienced guide Peter, take on the challenge of conquering Slieve Donard to raise vital funds for Cats Protection.
If you are planning to fundraise for your challenge then
We understand the commitment, courage and thought that goes into participating in a challenge event on behalf of Cats Protection and promise we will do our very best to give you all the help and support you need to have a successful challenge and raise lots of much-needed funds to help us care for cats and kittens. You are able to nominate to support a local branch or centre with your fundraising.
We will also provide you with a dedicated trekkers’ Facebook group to network with fellow cat-loving trekkers and a branded yellow Cats Protection technical tee-shirt to train and walk in – plus ideas, resources and support to help you fundraise.
**This trek is part of our brand new Four Peaks Challenge**
Meet at Donard car park Newcastle Co.Down at 9am with a view to returning to the start point by 4pm at the latest. The car park postcode is BT33 0HL, this is a free car park.
We start our climb from Donard car park and ascend Slieve Donard via the Glen River route; we will descend by the same route to return to our start location.
The route will take between 2.5-3.5 hours to ascend, and roughly 3 hours to descend. The hike is a 6-mile round trip but because we are starting at sea level, it is a climb the whole way. It is physically demanding, so you will need to have a reasonable level of fitness and be suitably equipped.
Each participant must complete a booking form/kit list in advance; this will be emailed to you one month before the trek.
We will be led by guide Peter Rafferty owner of Walkthemournes who is a qualified Mountain Leader and a Level 2 Tour Guide.
Download Walk the Mournes COVID-19 'Good to go' certificate here
Download the full itinerary and kit list here
Please read our Event Covid-19 Participant Guidelines before taking part in the event.
Click here to view the FAQs
What is the minimum age I can take part?
Minimum age to take part is 14+. Please get in touch if you are under 18.
What if the weather is poor?
The event will only be cancelled/postponed if severe or dangerous weather is forecast, it is likely that the weather will be cold and there is always a high probability of rain in the mountains, everyone will need to have the required kit as described in the booking form/kit list.
Is accommodation included?
No, accommodation is not covered; you will need to ensure you can arrive at Donard car park Newcastle Co.Down at 9am on the date of your challenge
Are there toilets?
Yes, there are toilets at the car park before we set off However, none along the route so you will need to be prepared to go out in the wild. Please do bring biodegradable bags to put any toilet paper into.
Is there a café?
There is a café adjacent to the carpark but we cannot be sure it will be open, there is no café or shop along the route so make sure you have a packed lunch and sufficient water as it is not recommended to drink from the mountain
How many miles will we be walking?
You will be covering 6 miles in total.
Please read our Event Covid-19 Participant Guidelines before taking part in the event.
Download Walk the Mournes COVID-19 'Good to go' certificate here
Where can I fill up my bottle of water?
You will need to make sure you have sufficient water at the start (at least 3 ltrs) as it is not recommended to drink from the mountain streams.
Do I need to bring food and how much?
Please bring a packed lunch, snacks, energy bars and sweets to keep you going.
What kit do I need to bring?
A recommended kit list is under 'itinerary' above
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately as much as we love dogs, they are not allowed to take part in this particular challenge.
Is there anything else I need to know?
On all of our treks we adhere to the countryside code
What you think matters and we’d love your opinions to shape our 2022 cat neutering strategy.
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