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Some of us decided to try and walk off a Christmas dinner with a walk in the mountains and a lovely stroll it turned out to be!

Julie Smyth and Jenny Long formed the vanguard as we scaled the icy slopes heading for the summit tower on Meelmore. They were followed by Adrian Bell and George Munroe with a few other good friends.

The ground underfoot was never totally dry but no rain or snow fell during the walk and with good visibility the views from the upper slopes were tremendous.

A great time was had by all, walking for around four hours, with a welcome hot cuppa at the Meelmore Lodge afterwards.

More photos in the Photos section.

George

Proposed route on Monday 28 December...

walk along the Ulster Way from Meelmore Lodge to valley between Meelmore and Meelbeg

up this valley and through gap swinging left towards Bearnagh

climb over the top of Bearnagh and down to Hares Gap

follow Brandy Pad back to Trassey Road and Meelmore Lodge

Suggestions

ready to walk at 09:00 if possible

estimated round trip time: 5-6 hours

can shorten route in bad weather by cutting out Bearnagh

good sturdy walking boots recommended

bring complete waterproofs

pack lunch and 1-2 litres drinking water or similar

Starting point

Meelmore Lodge

52 Trassey Road

NEWCASTLE

County Down

BT33 0QB

car parking charge of £4 per car (up to 10 hours)

confidence of some security for vehicles

facilities to hand

Google location maps

directions from Dundrum

latitude and longitude for sat nav: 54.218027, -5.973816