Singletrack

A short descent east and a left fork led to Curraghard
viewpoint, where jagged stone chairs provided us with a seated
view over Newcastle town to the coast beyond. At this point
you can observe the rest of the route stretching round the
coastline with a first decent view of the rounded summit of
Slieve Donard, at 853m, Northern Ireland’s most elevated
point, high up on the right.
The drop from here has bite, a steep entry line funnelling
into numerous rock drops and tight twists, spiky bushes
and trees on hand to punish wayward lines. The other lads
afforded it little respect, but I was extremely careful – pain
of pride far overridden by real twinges as I watched them
tear out of sight. Briefly revisiting the main track, we then
ducked into a hole on the right where a change in foliage
type and a needle-floored delight took us to the crossing
point of the figure of eight route. Following the Mourne Way
signposts down a grassy section, we ultimately joined the road
at Tullybrannigan – clearly the very affluent end of town.
Spinning down through Tipperary Wood towards Donard car
park, food was at the forefront of our minds and coffee and
scones were hoovered as we awaited Chris’ arrival from the
comfort of Niki’s cafe.
In his defence, I had warned him to be brightly attired
for the cameras but we were shocked and amused by the giant
jelly baby that emerged from the van. None too subtle ribbing
completed, we ascended again into Donard Forest, opting
for a tricky short cut alongside the Glen River, rather than
the winding forestry access track. This next section was cause
for genuine trepidation as the grassed trail up to Drinneevar
quarry has gained infamy as the site of several recent buzzard
attacks resulting in hospitalisations, temporary closures and
even the rerouting of a well-established fell race. A warning
sign and a pile of pigeon feathers served as a stark reminder
that the danger is very real and a comedy of style commenced.
Steep trails of this ilk are hard enough on which to maintain
traction and forward motion, but doing so while craning your
head backwards and scanning the sky is a near impossibility.
We all eventually succumbed to the inevitable and pushed the
last 50m, gathered together for safety in numbers and hoping
our loud conversation wouldn’t pique the interest of the
lurking raptor.
Raptor-free.
Departing the quarry trail and heading over the shoulder,
we were treated to another expansive view of mountain and
coast. I can think of few places where such pronounced hills
are in this proximity to the sea; it really is a sight to behold,
even through the increasing late-afternoon haze. Remarking
that the gorse has really grown up since last at this spot, we
were treated to a demonstration of instant karma befalling
Eddie. This open mountain trail is almost trials-like in
nature, allowing slow speed proximity riding and the luxury
of conversation. Eddie was regaling us with the tale of his
girlfriend falling into a gorse bush while he just stood and
laughed when the rightful inevitability occurred.
Hunting down that sweet bluebell trail.
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