Shop and donate

Epilepsy Action is a working name of British Epilepsy Association.

British Epilepsy Association is a Registered Charity (Registered in England No. 234343) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (Registered in England No. 797997).

© Epilepsy Action 2008

The Sperrins Progressive Challenge, Ireland

19-22 September 2008

A three day progressive challenge in the Sperrin mountain range including some of Northern Ireland’s greatest hidden treasures. From glens and forest parks to mountain tracks in high open country, to ridge walking on the Mullaghs, the highest mountains in the Sperrins, you are assured of a wide, varied and challenging experience.

The challenge begins in the small village of Gortin nestled in the glens and next to the forest park. The route follows the Central Sperrins Way on a mountain track. Turf cutting for fuel on the open moorland can be seen here. It drops into Barnes Gap, a deep gorge cutting through the Central Sperrins, which is a glacial melt water channel formed as torrents of water eroded this deep gorge at the end of the Ice Age. The route continues around a deserted valley where some of the old dwellings now long deserted lay forgotten. A short walk on a country road to the pick up at a quiet bridge ends the day’s walk.

Path in the Sperrins The second day’s walk starts at Moneynenagh and follows the Ulster Way for the first leg, rising up a mountain track to 526m. Wildlife in these high areas includes buzzards, larks, golden plovers, kestrels and the Irish hare.

This is high open country with no signs or trails and the going can be tough. However, magnificent views of the low lands across to Lough Neagh can be seen on clear days. The route continues west along the high Sperrins to Oughtmore before dropping into a lovely desolate valley called Goles Glen. Here a track winds its way to the road and Goles forest, where our pick-up will be waiting.

The Five Mullaghs walk is a ridge on open moorland and is the plan for day three. It starts high and stays high. The Mullaghs are some of the highest mountains in the Sperrins and the walk moves westwards taking in all the high and low points along the way. The walk ends with a small forest walk.

Training plan

To view any file in Portable Document Format (PDF) downloaded from this site, you need the latest version of the Adobe Reader program. If you don't already have it, it can be downloaded free from www.adobe.com.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be in guest houses or hotels of a high standard.

Food and drink

Breakfast, packed lunches and dinner will be provided each day.
Guides

All of our guides are highly motivated, experienced mountaineers, and also qualified first aiders. They offer both experience and encouragement, as well as sharing their great sense of humour.

Transport

Transport will be provided throughout the duration of the event, including pick-up and drop off at Belfast International airport, or at a centralised pick-up point in Belfast City Centre. Please note, return flights to and from Belfast International Airport are not included.

Cost

Participants are asked to pledge to raise £510 sponsorship money in order to cover all costs and ensure Epilepsy Action benefits significantly. Obviously, if you can raise more than the minimum amount it would be greatly appreciated. We ask that £170 of the sponsorship is sent at least three weeks before the event, and the remaining £340 is sent in 28 days after the event. An additional £50 non-refundable deposit is required with each application.