The Brandy Pad

Friday 28th July: Bus @ 9:30 am 

The Brandy Pad:
Started in 2018, this was the first walk the Fiddler’s Green Festival had done in the High Mournes. Starting beside the sea in Bloody Bridge near Newcastle, this is the route taken by brandy smugglers over the centuries to avoid the excise man. It takes a steep climb up to the Mourne Wall at the Bog of Donard and then levels out to a wonderful soft meandering path just below many of the Mourne High Peaks, past the Castles with great views of Ben Crom reservoir and the Devil’s Coachroad. We cross the Wall again at the Hare’s Gap and then continue down along the Trassey Track to finish up at Meelmore Lodge where we will catch a bus home. Definitely bring a camera.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 11km
Highest Point: 550m.
Level: Moderate to Difficult
Charge: £5.00

Fiddler’s Green Walking Festival 2023

All of these walks will be in the moderate to difficult category. There will be many steep climbs and ascents and many sections are over rough ground so good walking boots or trail runners are highly recommended. If you are not an experienced walker then walking poles would be very useful.

You should also wear waterproof clothing and carry a good waterproof jacket. Please check the forecast in advance to find out conditions for each day.

It is extremely important that you also carry some drinking water, a packed lunch and some high energy snacks.

As we will often be crossing private land with livestock on them, dogs are not allowed, except on the wind up/ wind down walk. We operate a strictly “leave no trace” policy.

All walks are guided and there will only be a small charge to cover the cost of buses as required.

Buses will be from the Square in the centre of the village. Please note times of each walk.