Whilst the pandemic has, and continues to, take its toll on our mental health, the ability to reconnect through World Mental Health Day 2022 will provide us with an opportunity to re-kindle our efforts to protect and improve mental health.

If you would like an opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues and would like to challenge yourself while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Mournes then this is for you.

On Saturday 5th November Christopher Madden, Peripatetic Outdoor Instructor at the Hammer Youth Centre and Jim Weir one of EAs Mental Health First Aiders will lead a hike for staff to Slieve Doan in the Mournes.

The hiking group will meet at 10.00am in the Ott car park located at the bottom of the Ott and Doan mountains.

To register - Register on the right hand side of this page

Please note if you have registered to take part in the hike and are unable to attend can you notify the Health and Wellbeing team on healthandwellbeing@eani.org.uk, so that your place can be allocated to the next person on the waiting list.

You will need a reasonable level of walking fitness to take part.

Please ensure you bring appropriate waterproof clothing and plenty of layers.

We are delighted to be supporting the Christmas Family Appeal in partnership with St Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army, we would kindly ask that if you are registering to take part in the hike that you might make a donation to the EA Christmas Family Appeal – link below:-

https://www.justgiving.com/page/education-authority-2022

Slieve Doan is one of the lesser-known peaks in the Mourne Mountains but is definitely one of the most manageable and worthwhile hikes you can do. Due to its location at the centre of the range, the Slieve Doan walk offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Mournes from all directions. From the summit, you can enjoy views of various peaks, including Donard, Bearnagh, and Commedagh to the north; Slieve Loughshannagh, Carn, and Slieve Muck to the west; Slievenaglough and Slieve Binnian to the south; and Lamagan, Cove, and Beg to the east.

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Height: 562 m (1843.83 ft)
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles) return
• Start / End Point: Ott Car Park.
• Parking: There is a small car park at the bottom of Doan and Ott Mountains to accommodate 12 cars. If it is particularly busy, you can park at the side of the road.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: Four to five hours.
• As mentioned above, weather conditions on the Slieve Doan hike can be very changeable, and thus, it is advised to pack light layers that you can take off and put on as you choose.
• It is also a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket/coat and wear a pair of waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy grip to keep your feet dry and allow you to pass over the rocky and boggy terrain with ease.

If you are unable to take part in the hike to Slieve Doan please see the link below for other Autumn walks in a range of locations and settings across NI:-https://walkni.com/walk-listings/