Braveheart pioneers

Bravehearts of the Mournes

 

On the 22 November 2009, the 10th Braveheart Challenge walk will take place. The route from Newcastle to Rostrevor over 13 peaks in the Mournes. The walk over the years has raised over £20,000 in aid of the Children’s Hospice.  

 

The walkers are all members and friends of the Wee Binnian’s Walking Club. This year in honour of the 10th anniversary, a second walk the Tartan Trek has been organised to coincide with braveheart, and it will follow the Mourne Way Trail.

 

The Braveheart Walk took its name from a chance remark from a hospice worker, when he was told about the planned walk, he replied “You’d need a braveheart for that” hence the Scottish theme took hold, with many of the walkers wearing kilts.

 

 Last year the walk took place on the 14 December.  A cold icy day with snow on the peaks, 19 intrepid walkers started at Donard Park at 5.00am. The route followed the Glen River, everyone was in great form which culminated in a rousing rendition of “Donald where is your Trousers?”

 

 Slieve Commedagh was our 1st climb, snow and ice made the going tough, next Slieve Corragh and Slievenglough as we made our way to Bearnagh the first signs of dawn on the horizon.

 

From the Hares Gap we climbed Slieve Bearnagh trapped in a frozen spell, and then Meelmore, Meelbeg, Slieve Loughshannagh, Carn and Slieve Muck. The thoughts of soup and sandwiches at Deer Meadow spurred us on.

 

After much needed refreshments we left for the final sweep, Pidgeon Rock, Slieve Moughanmore and finally Eagle and Shanlieve before the long haul into Rostrevor, after 12 hours we reached the Kilbroney Inn for a heroes welcome and much deserved pint. A great finish to a special day.

 

The success of the walk over the years has been due to the enthusiasm and endeavour of the Bravehearts, and the kindness and support of the Wee Binninan Club, which makes the whole event possible.

 

The 10th Braveheart walk will take place on the 22 November 2009 , and in honour of the 10th anniversary a second walk The Tartan Trek will coincide with Braveheart.   It will follow the Mourne  Way Trail and anyone interested in taking part please contact Thomas Mc Kenna or Roger Connolly or any Bravehearts.

 

 

                        Occh Aye Thee Noo                                

   

 

The Group of Bravehearts at Deer Meadows

 

Sunrise Hare’s Gap

Click on the link to see the 2006 adventure of the Bravehearts.

http://homepage.eircom.net/~weebinnians/webpages/Braveheart.htm