Sperrin Trek for Walking Club
Lovely view of the Sperrins on the way down after a long day's walk
The Sperrins were the setting for the Mid-Ulster Walking Club’s latest walk.
A choice of routes was available to the seventeen walkers who turned out, but all would opt for the same one, taking in Meenard Mountain, Mullaghaneany, Crockbrack and Crockmore.
From their starting point on the Sperrin Road the walkers climbed quickly to the large boulder known as the ‘County Rock’, thought to mark the one-time boundary between the counties of Tyrone and, as it then was, Coleraine.
It was a very warm morning, but a strong cooling breeze made conditions pleasant for walking. Underfoot the ground was unusually dry and firm.
Nevertheless, the almost continual climbing of the first couple of miles of the walk was taxing and the walkers were glad of easier going as they drew near the summit of Meenard Mountain. From here they progressed to Mullaghaneany, 627 metres, rising high above Altbritain Forest.
It was proving an ideal day for the Sperrins, the fine weather revealing the beautiful and extensive views for which these hills are celebrated, with the far horizons only a little hazy in the heat.
Having had some lunch the walkers descended Mullaghaneany and then proceeded some distance south and east, eventually arriving at Crockbrack, which provided one final stiff climb. From the top they continued over the adjoining Crockmore and then steadily downhill, admiring the spread of countryside laid out before them.
By track and then road the group made their way slowly off the hills. Ten miles after leaving the County Rock, the walk reached its conclusion at Mulligan’s on the edge of Moneyneany.
This Sunday the Club travels to the Mournes, where the planned choice of walks will be from Slieve Muck to Slieve Donard or Slieve Loughshannagh to the Hare’s Gap and Meelmore Lodge. A bus will leave ASDA Cookstown at 7:30am and the South Tyrone Hospital at 7:45am.
June finds the Thursday Walkers at the North Coast, with a visit to Binevenagh, led by Iris Johnston, on the 14th and a Ballycastle to Fairhead walk, led by Keith and Margaret Hamilton, on the 28th.
New Club members are always welcome, If interested please contact John (8774 7733) or George (8778 4081). For Thursday walks specifically please contact Ronnie (8676 5142) or Jim (8676 3576). Alternatively simply visit www.midulsterwalkingclub.org.uk for photos, videos and full details of the Club and its activities.
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Weather for Dungannon
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North
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Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
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