13th April

Proposing a brand new route which is a favourite of mine with glorious views and an optional fitness improving section. The optional routes should suit all club members. Spa Lake, Dromara, Kinallen, Gall Bog Road then across B25 at onto entirely new country lanes with good surfaces and scenery. Circling round and between 18 and 24 miles there are options for those wishing for a leisurely finish to turn left down A50 or B25 past Katesbridge and straight down to Castlewellan and Hillyard (32 to 35 miles) Those looking to build up the stamina follow me for a challenging 12 miles across country lanes and up a series of lumps including a leg stinging 18%er which is not, I think, on any of the normal sportives and up past Deehommed mountain for some great sights to the Mournes. Up Derryneill Hill to Dolly Brae Inn and then along to Dolly Brae up the difficult 18% eastern approach, and down to Hillyard. About 37 miles . Total Brennans to Brennans about 47 miles and between 3000 and 3500 feet climbing for tougher route. For those wanting even more leisurely route, because even the easier options have quite a few moderate hills to get to split points and need to maintain a steady pace as distance is a little longer than normal, there is option of making your own way to hillyard for some time after 12 to meet for coffee. I will assume the normal turnout of around 25 for advising coffee, so let me know if there are any other groups planning a different route. Weather looks ok at present and will only do this on a good day.
connect.garmin.com/course/6173727