Bloody Bridge River Walk
Bloody Bridge River Walk
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Bloody Bridge River Walk
Hiking
5.0
(67)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
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Tips
May 1, 2023
Hiking
July 31, 2019
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Bloody Bridge River Walk
4.8
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9.74km
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800m
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Embark on a moderate hike up Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak, covering 6.1 miles (9.7 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2619 feet (798 metres). This route, typically completed in about 3 hours and 55 minutes, offers a varied ascent. You begin alongside the Bloody Bridge River, where you'll find charming rock pools and small waterfalls. As you climb higher, the path leads you past an old granite quarry, transitioning to more rugged terrain. The reward for your effort is the expansive vista from the summit, providing clear views across the Mourne Mountains and even to the Isle of Man on a good day.
To start this adventure, head to the Bloody Bridge car park, which serves as the trailhead. Be prepared for the demanding nature of the path, as it includes rocky sections, areas of loose peat, and can become boggy, especially after rainfall. The weather in the Mournes is known for its sudden changes, so always pack for strong winds, rain, or even snow, particularly at higher elevations. It's wise to check the forecast and plan an early start to allow ample time for the ascent and descent.
This trail offers a unique perspective on the Mourne Wall, an impressive dry-stone wall that stretches for 22 miles across the peaks of the Mourne Mountains. You will encounter this historic structure during the latter part of your climb, serving as a constant companion and a testament to early 20th-century engineering. The route provides a deep immersion into the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, showcasing its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems.
5.0
(6)
31
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17.2km
06:20
1,110m
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Embark on a challenging 10.7-mile (17.2 km) hike that takes you from Bloody Bridge, along a rocky river path, through an old quarry, and up to the summit of Slieve Donard. This difficult route, typically taking 6 hours and 20 minutes, involves a significant 3634 feet (1108 metres) of elevation gain. You will experience varied terrain, from marshy sections requiring waterproof footwear to steep climbs and descents, especially as you approach Northern Ireland's highest peak. On a clear day, the panorama from Slieve Donard is superb, extending to the Isle of Man and Scotland. The trail also guides you through Hare's Gap, a dramatic mountain pass offering unique views of the surrounding landscape. You will follow sections of the historic Mourne Wall, which weaves naturally through the mountains. This journey promises spectacular scenery and a deep immersion in the Mourne Mountains. If you are looking for a strenuous adventure with rewarding vistas, this route is for you. You will need a high level of fitness and experience for this demanding journey. The path from Bloody Bridge is initially rocky, then joins a gravel road through a quarry before becoming a dirt trail. The ascent to Slieve Donard is particularly steep after reaching the Mourne Wall, requiring careful footwork. Hare's Gap, while having a well-maintained path when accessed via Trassey's Track, is still fairly steep and rocky. This combined route is notable for several key features, including the ascent of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest mountain, offering unparalleled summit views. A significant portion of the hike follows the historic Mourne Wall, a 31-kilometer (19-mile) dry-stone wall built between 1904 and 1922 to enclose the Silent Valley Reservoir catchment area. Hare's Gap is a historically significant point, once serving as an exit for smuggled goods carried through the mountains along the Brandy Pad. The trail transitions from coastal beginnings at Bloody Bridge, alongside a river, through old quarry areas, and onto exposed mountain slopes, showcasing the diverse beauty of the Mournes. Completing this rigorous combination of routes is a significant achievement, rewarding hikers with a deep immersion in the raw beauty and history of the Mourne Mountains.
4.8
(4)
34
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11.0km
03:49
620m
620m
Hike the Brandy Pad and Chimney Rock Mountain Loop, a moderate 6.8-mile trail with panoramic views in the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural
Details
Informations
Distance 2.59 km
Uphill 360 m
Weather
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Saturday 9 May
12°C
2°C
9 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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