Write a commentWalkers from around the world will meet again in Warrenpoint this year for the 2011 Mourne International Walking Festival 24 – 26 June. Pre-registration is now open for the festival and local walkers have even more incentive to take part as they can now walk for local charity
Southern Area Hospice Services. Southern Area Hospice Services, based at the foot of the Mourne Mountains is committed to providing specialist Palliative Care Services to terminal illnesses. Services extend beyond the hospice in Newry, into the community across Co. Down, Armagh and South Tyrone.
The charity’s 2011’s fundraising target is a whopping £2.1million. It costs £251 every hour to help those affected by terminal illness. By walking for The Southern Area Hospice you can help enhance the quality of life of patients and family to live every day as fully as possible.
This is an excellent opportunity to explore the Mournes, choose from a range of both guided and self-guided walks to suit various levels of fitness and experience so that families, strollers and serious walkers alike can take part*. The lowland routes are pre-marked allowing you to walk at your own pace and are perfect for those wishing to take kids along, with control points with refreshments at intervals along the route.
There are ten guided walks over the weekend of 24th – 26th June, from a 10km guided track walks around Warrenpoint and Burren to the moderate 20km Mountain Ramble around Leitrim lodge, Rocky Mountain, Pierces Castle, Yellow Water River and the Fairy Glen. One day tickets cost just £6 with under 16’s half price and group discounts available.
Mayor Charlie Casey explains: “This is one of Ireland’s leading tourism products but the festival highlights the beauty of the region that many local people have yet to experience. The area is also steeped in history with a wealth of heritage and a whole host of myths and legends.”
The annual Blister Ball which is held this year in The Duke, Duke Street Warrenpoint, is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a good nights craic with the many friends you will make over the festival weekend.
Full details of the walks are on the website www.mournewalking.co.uk or contact Warrenpoint Tourist Office - tel 028 4175 2256 or email: info@mournewalking.co.uk for more details on registration.
To find out more about The Southern Area Hospice Services and register to fundraise contact the fundraising office on (028) 302 51333 or Visit www.southernareahospiceservices.org and join us on facebook.com/SouthernAreaHospice. *under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
