We will meet at Donard Park in Newcastle at 11:45 to walk the Granite Trail which takes around two hours. Look out for our Northern Ireland Humanists pop up banner in Donard Car Park at the start of the way-marked Granite Trail.

The Granite Trail covers a relatively short distance from coast to open moorland. It offers the opportunity to see artifacts from the once thriving granite industry of Mourne. At its busiest in the late 1800s, tens of thousands of tonnes of granite were produced here every year. By the end of the Second World War, however, the line had fallen into disuse and was dismantled. All the metal, including the trucks (bogies) used to transport the granite, was taken to Belfast for the war effort.

Natural habitats can be enjoyed as you walk through coniferous forest and mature woodland beside mountain streams and rivers. There are also some spectacular views. Dave and Gwen will lead us on this walk and explain the history and ecology.

It requires moderate fitness as there are steep steps at some points. Please keep any dogs on leads at all times and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather.