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CROWN COPYRIGHT The Knowledge Total Distance: 21.97 miles (35.35km) Elevation Gain: 4,030ft (1,228m) Maps Mournes 1:25,000 in various guises. Getting There If you’re based in Scotland, Wales or the North of England, the ferry is a viable option with various routes into Belfast (30 miles), Dublin (85 miles) or even Rosslare (197 miles) if you want to explore Ireland from the south up. If not, fly and hire is easy, to either of the Belfast airports or Dublin just down the motorway. The roads are quiet as soon as you leave the main population centres and driving is stress free. Eating and Drinking This route deliberately drops as low as Donard Park for Niki’s Kitchen Café or McCann’s bar, which has a beer garden, both of which are basically within the car park and allow you to keep bikes in sight and close at hand. This area gets extremely busy on any sunny day during the summer holidays or at weekends. There are plenty of other cafés, restaurants and bars in the town if you’re staying over. www.hughmccanns.com www.nikiskitchencafe.co.uk Bike Shops Mourne Cycles on the Castlewellan Road about half a mile outside Newcastle town have anything you’ll need including a well-stocked workshop. Closed Thursdays and Sundays. T: 028 4372 7272 A: Unit 7 63A, Castlewellan Road, Newcastle, BT33 0JX Accommodation Newcastle has plenty, as do other towns on the far side of the Mournes. Thanks to the popular trail centre, nearby Rostrevor has several bike friendly/specific options. All budgets can easily be suited. Finding Trails and Bike Hire These are working forests and the trail layout changes along with storm damage and felling work. Local guiding services can help you maximise your visit by leading you to the best trails for your ability level while coaching you to improve. Bike hire is available on request. www.rockandrideoutdoors.com Other Info Make a proper holiday of it. Visit Belfast and Dublin, head to the stunning North Coast, see the Ring of Kerry, Connemara, Galway, Wicklow Mountains, Donegal… the list goes on and on. Ireland is a superb place with so much to see and do. I loved it so much I moved here! The incredible riding has just been the icing on the cake. 76