Slieve Donard — Bloody Bridge Trailhead and Mourne Wall Summit Approach

Bloody Bridge car park on the A2 south of Newcastle gives you direct access up the Donard ridge via the river valley and the famous Mourne Wall — a 35km dry-stone boundary that runs straight over every summit in the range. It’s a harder, longer pull than the Glen River route from Newcastle but far less crowded. The trail is well-worn granite and peat, views open onto the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough on a clear day. This is proper mountain terrain — weather turns fast and the upper ridge is exposed. Dress for it.

The car park is tight, unsigned off the A2, and fills early on summer weekends. No toilets on site — use Newcastle beforehand. The river crossing in the lower valley can be knee-deep after heavy rain. No camping in the car park or on the approach track. Newcastle town four miles north has fuel, food, and accommodation.

Granite wall, sea views, Ulster's roof.