Walkers ready to take big step into Mournes for June festival

Walkers ready to take big step into Mournes for June festival

28 May 2014

PREPARATIONS are in full swing for next month’s Mourne international walking festival.

The event was formally launched last week in Newcastle by Down Council chairwoman Maria McCarthy and her Newry and Mourne counterpart, Michael Ruane.

The popular festival — which is now in its sixteenth year — takes place over the weekend of June 27 to 29 in Newcastle.

Councillor McCarthy described the popular event, centred around the Mourne area of outstanding natural beauty, as a well-established part of the walking festival calendar within Northern Ireland.

“Over the three days of the event there will be walks on offer to suit all levels of ability, experience and fitness, with lowland routes ranging from 10 to 40 km in length, making use of public rights of way, roads and tracks,” the chairwoman explained.

“For those who prefer to walk the higher Mournes, there will be a mountain hike and ramble available on both Saturday and Sunday of the festival, allowing walkers to see the full splendour of the Mountains of Mourne.”

Councillor Ruane said the Mournes are unique because their peaks are grouped together, stretching 24 kilometres from Newcastle to Rostrevor, throughout the two council areas.

“This annual event is a must for any keen walker or visitor to the area. Both Down and Newry and Mourne councils thoroughly enjoy working together to see this event continue to go from strength to strength, year after year,” he added.

Further information about the festival is available by contacting Down Council, telephone (028) 4461 0800, email info@mournewalking.co.uk or log on at www.mournewalking.co.uk.