The Mournes path repair project

2022

A new section is completed and new funding received

Helicopter lift

150 tonnes of stone were taken to the site by helilift during March. Stone from Drinnevar and Thomas quarries was transported using this helicopter lift method. Rangers were on site to organise the lift and the delivery of the stone in the area of the path requiring works.

Winter work

Over the winter the mountain rangers completed a new 75 metre long stone pitched and aggregate path on the Donard Commedagh saddle. The small team were supported by external contactors and Mournes volunteers. This area had become heavily eroded by the huge increase in footfall over the last two years. 

The new path links the top of the stone pitched steps with the start of the summit ascent to Donard mountain. This section is where walkers had previously picked their own routes across the delicate dry heath. Completing the path will reduce the impact on the surrounding vegetation and the wildlife that use the area.

Additional funding

We discover that DAERA’s Environment Fund will provide additional support which will extend the project to 2023.

2021

Recycled stone

Recycled stone has been sourced from three disused quarries in the Mournes. A helicopter is often used to lift stones onto the mountain in one tonne bags. So far 350 tonnes has been delivered in this way. Each tonne bag of stone will enable the rangers to create 1 linear metre of new path.

Manual work 

Working in all weather conditions, the rangers and a team of volunteers have been manually repairing the popular paths. Tracks have been re-landscaped around the upland paths to ensure protection of the surrounding environment.

2020 

Path repairs progressing

Path repairs are completed at sections 1 and 2 which are the lower sections of path just above the tree line. The team returns through the 300m stretch to carry out final touches and complete the landscaping in January. The rest of the sections require some light touch finishing work but also include the ones at the highest parts of the mountain which are some of the worst affected.

One tonne bags of rock 

In February and March the rangers and volunteers worked at the quarry to bag over 160 tonnes of material ready for planned helicopter lifts. The majority of the stone is collected from Drinnevar quarry. The stone ranged in size from hand-sized to giant slabs of granite. It was placed in one tonne bags which will be lifted to higher ground on the mountain for the rangers to continue repairs.

Bridge path and river path repaired

The rangers and a reduced team of volunteers work on final repairs to the path at Bloody Bridge in August. Nearly 1.5km of path along the Bloody Bridge and the Glen River has now been restored.

2019

Project launches

The search for two mountain rangers finished in January. Two successful candidates are now employed with the launch of the £250,000 two-year project to repair sections of the Mourne path.

Best practice ideas

The mountain rangers begin their training and visit sites where similar work has previously taken place. The team visited colleagues in the North Lakes National Trust team to see similar path repair work in February. They also meet with the Upland Path Advisory Group and Arran Ranger Service on the Isle of Arran in west Scotland. The aim is to learn best practice techniques and styles to use in the Mournes.

Repair work begins 

Path repairs begin in the open area of the Saddle which were some of the worst affected areas with braiding. A team of volunteers are recruited to support the team in March. 

Work to drainage, stone-pitching, path-surfacing and landscaping are completed. This area covers the path from the tree line to just before the Saddle. 

Quarry assessment 

The team will soon need more stone material to repair the paths. A survey of the rock across the quarries on Trust land took place at Thomas, Millstone and Drinnevar quarries with the aim to provide materials for the work. Drinnevar has become the main source of stone for the path providing 130 tonnes of stone. Thomas quarry is providing an additional 120 tonnes of stone.

A funding boost

October saw the team start work on the lowest sections of the path. The Mourne Heritage Trust provide additional labour throughout the colder winter months. The Department for agriculture, environment and rural affairs (DAERA) awards the project an additional sum of £40,000 from the Challenge Fund. This will support the work of the lower areas which were particularly affected by braiding and are a main priority for the project.