Start/finish from Newcastle or Rostrevor.
The Mournes contain many epic rides. Any of Tollymore Forest, Donard Wood or Rostrevor Forest are perfect locations to start / finish an epic in the Mournes.

The Mournes contains many epic rides. Any of Tollymore Forest, Donard Wood or Rostrevor Forest are perfect locations to start / finish an epic in the Mournes.

For further details (particularly of the Rostrevor end), contact the guys at Not The Sunday Run, or contact TrailBadger. A few suggested routes from the Not The Sunday Run guys are here:

Rostrevor Forest Epic trail map 1 (Jpg, 742K) - marked

Rostrevor Forest Epic trail map 2 (Jpg, 655K) - marked

Rostrevor starting point Epic trail map 3 (Jpg, 270K) - marked

Lots more Route Maps and Photographs from Not the Sunday Run.

Meelmore Lodge, Ott, Loughshannagh, Trassey Track

There are lots of options off this one, but it is a great start. Thanks to Rowan from Not the Sunday Run for the marked map and narrative.

Meelmore Epic Route Map (Jpg, 700k) - marked

Park at Meelmore Lodge

Cycle / walk up the trail at the back of the lodge onto the Ulster Way and turn left onto the trail that leads up to Fofanny Dam.

Up along the side of Fofanny and out onto the road.

Up the main road and turn into the track that leads up to OTT. There is a car park on the RHS and a metal gate on the LHS – go through this.

Onto the OTT track – take the first Right – it is easy to miss – you don’t want to miss it!

Follow the track up the stony technical ascent and after a small walk at the top of the hill you will come to the stile.

Cross the stile and follow the path that leads out in front of you and veers to the left.

Follow this path round Slieve Loughshannagh and Slieve Meelbeg finally coming to the stile between Slieve Meelmore and Slieve Bernagh. There are quite a few drops, rocky sections and deep pools of bog mud along this trail – you have been warned.

Cross the stile and go down the trail at Pollaphuca following it all the way down to the Trassey Track.

From here you have three options depending on how fresh you are feeling

a)      Continue down Trassey to the back entrance of Tollymore and do a loop of Tollymore

b)      Turn left before going through the first gate you meet on the Trassey Track and head back to Meelmore Lodge for Coffee and buns

c)      Go and do it all again!!

Keep a lookout for the trail going down Pollaphuca - you can go off course easily but if you keep an eye on the trail there should be no problems.

The area may be heavily populated by walkers at weekends so it would be best done on a weekday or set out early in the morning.

The Mournes' "Seven Sevens"

A popular challenge on foot in August time, not too many have topped the 7 mountains over 700 metres in the Mournes wielding a bicycle. A long, tough day, with plenty of carrying, but some great descents and very technical riding. Get yourself a map of the Mournes (OSNI Discoverer Map 29), and throw in a new set of legs as well.

Suggested route: Seven Sevens Bike Route Map (Jpg, 300k) - marked Park at Carrick Little (South of Binnian), cycle round the road to the Ott track (Ott Mountain), and head for Meelbeg and Meelmore, then to Bearnagh, Hare's Gap, Brandy Pad, Commedagh, Donard, back under The Castles, over Cove to Lamagan, then Binnian, and back to the car. Tango and Cash complete the Seven Sevens with bikes.

Some Photos

Overlooking Newcastle from Donard

From Bearnagh to Hare's Gap

Hare's Gap

The Brandy Pad

The descent off Binnian

Rider Reviews

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Average Rider Rating : 3.60/5.00

Rate this trails location

Reviewed By:Sparky

Carrying on certain sections is all part of the fun! Some areas can only be described as being akin to off-piste skiing as you can go where you like through the heather and never know if there are rocks...what a rush! The track from Lough Shannagh down to the Gamekeeper's Lodge is a fantastic top speed hammer where you've gotta go fast or be overcome by the sheer boulderiness of it all. After this you have a number of options, road between Pigeon and Slievemuck being the easiest way to gain height again. All these routes are for those who love a slog and a bit of a carry but revel in the isolation, technicality and surprised/shocked walkers' faces! Brill but make sure you're in good shape!

Reviewed By:David youngs

Meelmore Lodge Epic. I am not having a dig just passing on relevant information to save any one a journey down if you are not local. Me and a small group set off along the Mourne way. At the momment due to the winter and water running down from the surronding hill side most of the route is un rideable. Most of your journey would be walking. Best left alone until the summer. I have been riding and racing for the last 15 years so i know a good route from a bad one. I intend to get round most of your routes over the next 2 months. I think what you are doing is great for the scene over here.

regards

Dave

Reviewed By:Ciaran

Best to hook up with someone who knows the area as it is simply vast. A rugged location with ,on a good day, breathtaking views.

The tracks are varied including fireroads, singletrack, and sheeps trials to no discernible track whatsoever.

The kind of mountainbiking where you're not sure if you do it for training or train to do it!

Reviewed By:evan

what a great place. and pushing the bike is all part of the crack. the mournes ROCKS.

Reviewed By:Barry Kellett

The Best Scenery.
Wild Untamed riding(!)
Long tough climbs.
Thrilling Descents over some hairy terrain.

1 mark down from a perfect score as I detest pushing a bike, and there will likely be carrying and/or pushing no matter what route you take.