Trocaire taking giant steps for fundraising

Trocaire is inviting local people to follow in the footsteps of ancient Irish pilgrims to the top of Slieve Donard, Newcastle on July 28.

To mark Trocaire’s 40th anniversary, the charity will retrace an ancient pilgrimage route to the top of the highest peak in Northern Ireland to raise funds for, and awareness of, its work with the world’s poor.

There will be two pilgrimage routes for different levels of hikers. The traditional pilgrimage route travels from the ‘Bloody Bridge’ just outside Newcastle, up Slieve Donard and then descends to Donard Park. The distance over land will be approximately 8km, rising to a height of 850 metres with a duration of approximately six hours. A booking fee of £20 per person applies to this route.

The more gentle ‘Pilgrim’s Trail’ route, which is suitable for families, starts at Donard Park and winds to the foot of Slieve Donard taking in scenic forest track and trail. The distance over land will be approximately 5km with a maximum height of 250 metres and a duration of approximately two hours. The booking fee for this route is £10 per person.

To register for either of the routes and set up your sponsorship page visit trocaire.org/pilgrimage or call 0800 912 1200.