This Sunday (7th February), our walk takes in 4Townlands on the North Eastern slopes of Slieve Gullion. It leaves one Landlord’s residence and shortly afterwards crosses into a neighbouring Landlord’s grounds where we’ll see a walled garden,”a castle”, tunnels and a boating pond, all of the opulence of this strata of society, in total contrast to the many abandoned tenant farmers’ houses that we will pass later on in the walk.The walk continues on an ancient winding pathway through a magical broad leaved forest before cutting out onto mountain loanans eventually onto the open mountain proper. Here we will have a look at the remnants of Booley sites, a long forgotten way of agricultural subsistence that followed the seasons. The faint remains of lazy beds can be seen high on these mountain slopes.
If the weather is kind, we’ll be having lunch with fantastic views overlooking the Northern end of the Ring of Gullion valley. We’ll eventually cut back crossing the bog by “a kesh” and home by the “march” wall that marks the boundary between mountain and cultivated land.
This will be a one Group walk, roughly 8 km in length with a height gain of around 375 m, expect to be out for around 4 hours. Conditions after all the recent rain will be very wet and guttery in places, leaving conditions difficult underfoot. Proper mountain walking boots with a deep tread sole will be insisted on.
Meet at the Gap O’ the North Pub, Jonesborough for registration and coffee at 10 am we will drive the short distance to our starting point.
Newcomers are very welcome, boots and a waterproof jacket are a must, bring a packed lunch.
