Newcastle to Spelga: Sea Level to the Mournes
Down, Ireland
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Spelga Climber
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400
XP
1 day
Newcastle to Spelga: Sea Level to the Mournes
400 XP
You start with your wheels on Newcastle beach at sea level and you climb, on one of the toughest rides in the north — a circuit of about 75km through the Mournes, taking in Spelga Dam, a reservoir sitting over 370m up in the middle of the range. The Trassey Road climbs towards Hare's Gap, the pass between Slievenaglogh and Slieve Bearnagh. From the top of the climb you look back west over the Deers Meadow and the Bann valley, with the sea coming into view again on the drop into Newcastle, having gone from the tide line to the top of the range under your own power.
Required Activities
1
of 4
Start at sea level on Newcastle beach and climb toward Spelga Dam, a reservoir sitting over 370m above sea level in the heart of the Mournes
2
of 4
Complete the roughly 75km circuit through the Mourne Mountains, one of the toughest rides in Northern Ireland
3
of 4
Climb the Trassey Road toward Hare's Gap, the mountain pass between Slievenaglogh and Slieve Bearnagh
4
of 4
Look back west over the Deers Meadow from the top of the climb, with the sea returning on the drop into Newcastle
Start at sea level on Newcastle beach and climb toward Spelga Dam, a reservoir sitting over 370m above sea level in the heart of the Mournes
Complete the roughly 75km circuit through the Mourne Mountains, one of the toughest rides in Northern Ireland
Climb the Trassey Road toward Hare's Gap, the mountain pass between Slievenaglogh and Slieve Bearnagh
Look back west over the Deers Meadow from the top of the climb, with the sea returning on the drop into Newcastle
Before you go
A long, hard day in the saddle on exposed roads. Carry tools, spares and food, and check the forecast — these routes have long stretches with no shops and no shelter.
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Challenge Location
XP Breakdown
Challenge XP
400 XP
Potential total
400 XP
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