ADVENTURE ACTIVITY ITINERARIES
We’re really looking forward to seeing many of you in the stunning Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion destination for the IAAT Conference next week, and in particular Day 1, the Activity Day – giving you the opportunity to get out and explore the destination through some awesome activities.
This email is simply to help you prepare for your chosen activity through advice on general organisation as well as the things that you need to do and what you need to bring.
If you would like to know more about the providers or have any questions relating to your activity, please feel free to visit the websites of the providers or contact them directly – details listed below. The adventure activities are kindly supplied by Bike Mourne, Life Adventure, Mountainways Ireland and Walk the Mournes.
SUP & Mountain Biking
YOUR ITINERARY:
1030 Registration
1040 Tea/Coffee/Scones
1050 Welcome/overview
1100 Coach departs Slieve Donard Hotel for Castlewellan Forest Park
1115 Welcome/brief
1130 Activity
1330 Lunch – provided by Scopers at the Life Adventure Centre
1400 Activity
1600 Coach departs Castlewellan Forest Park for Slieve Donard Hotel
YOUR ACTIVITIES:
Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Provided by Life Adventure
www.onegreatadventure.com / iwant@onegreatadventure.com
Contact John
Delivered from the Life Adventure Centre in Castlewellan Forest Park with the Paddle Boarding onsite on Castlewellan Lake.
A relaxing introduction to Sup Boarding or an opportunity to use existing experience to explore the stunning Castlewellan Lake. From the built heritage of an historic demesne and the Annesley family to the natural heritage of a protected landscape, it’s all about the balance!
Mountain Biking
Provided by Life Adventure
www.onegreatadventure.com / iwant@onegreatadventure.com
Contact John
Delivered from the Life Adventure Centre in Castlewellan Forest Park with the Mountain Biking onsite on the Castlewellan MTB Trails.
A fun introduction to Mountain Biking or an opportunity to push existing skills on the popular Castlewellan MTB Red Loop. Flowing trails throughout a spectacular parkland offering an exhilarating experience and hence why this trail centre is currently Northern Irelands most popular.
Please note that the order listed may change and which activity you will be experiencing AM/PM will be confirmed on the day.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The venue offers a range of facilities to include Toilets, Changing, Showering, Pay for Parking.
For the Paddle Boarding, you will be supplied with;
Guide*
Board & Leash
Paddle
Full Wetsuit
Buoyancy Aid
If you already own any of the above, you’re more than welcome to bring and use it – please note that a suitable Buoyancy Aid is compulsory.
In addition, you will need to bring;
Swimwear/Rash vest
Suitable footwear, boots or old trainers (inc neoprene socks in trainers)
Woolly Hat
Towel
For the Mountain Biking, you will be supplied with;
Guide*
Hardtail Mountain Bike
Helmet
Rucksack
If you already own any of the above, you’re more than welcome to bring and use it – please note that a suitable Helmet is compulsory.
In addition, you will need to bring;
Suitable warm/comfortable clothing
Wind/waterproof jacket/trousers
Gloves
Bottle of water
Towel
*THINGS WE NEED TO KNOW
These activity options are available guided or self-guided – we’d be grateful if you could let Brendan know by return if you wish to self-guide (minimum two in a group).
Hill Walking & E-Biking
ITINERARY:
1030 Registration at the Slieve Donard Hotel
1040 Tea/Coffee/Scones
1050 Welcome/overview
1100 Coach departs Slieve Donard Hotel for Donard Park
1115 Welcome/brief
1130 Activity
1330 Lunch – provided by Mourne Food Adventures at the Bike Mourne Outlet
1400 Activity
1600 Return stroll to Slieve Donard Hotel
ACTIVITIES:
Hillwalking | Provided by Walk The Mournes www.walkthemournes.com / peter@walkthemournes.com Contact Peter
Delivered from the Donard Park with the walk taking place on the adjacent Granite Trail, Donard Forest.
An invigorating hike from sea level up the Granite Trail and to lofty views over the Irish sea before descending back via the Glen River. Learn about the phenomenal story of Mourne Granite, the history of quarrying, the people behind it and the continuous journey of the stone.
Electric Biking | Provided by Bike Mourne www.bikemourne.com / hello@bikemourne.com Contact Vicky
Delivered from the Bike Mourne outlet in Newcastle with the Electric Biking in the nearby Tollymore Forest Park.
A relaxing tour of the spectacular Tollymore Forest Park from the vantage point that is the saddle of an E-Bike. Absorb the heritage of the Roden Estate and later the UK’s first Forest Park, not to mention the more contemporary attributes such as the many film locations for the Game of Thrones success.
Please note that the order listed may change and which activity you will be experiencing AM/PM will be confirmed on the day.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The venue offers a range of facilities to include Toilets, Parking.
For the Hillwalking, you will be supplied with;
Guide
In addition, you will need to bring;
Suitable sturdy walking shoes/boots
Suitable warm/comfortable clothing
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Woolly hat and gloves
Bottle of water
A small rucksack to carry spare items
For the Electric Biking, you will be supplied with;
Guide
Electric Bike
Helmet
Rucksack
If you already own any of the above, you’re more than welcome to bring and use it – please note that a suitable Helmet is compulsory.
In addition, you will need to bring;
Suitable sturdy walking shoes/boots
Suitable warm/comfortable clothing
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Gloves
Bottle of water
Foraging & Kayaking
This email is simply to help you prepare for your chosen activity through advice on general organisation as well as the things that you need to do and what you need to bring.
If you would like to know more about the providers or have any questions relating to your activity, please feel free to visit the websites of the providers or contact them directly – details listed below. The adventure activities are kindly supplied by Bike Mourne, Life Adventure, Mountainways Ireland and Walk the Mournes.
IMPORTANT: If you are unable to attend, please let me know immediately as there is a waiting list for each of the activity options.
ITINERARY:
1030 Registration at the Slieve Donard
1040 Tea/Coffee/Scones
1050 Welcome/overview
1100 Coach departs Slieve Donard Hotel for Castlewellan Forest Park
1115 Welcome/brief
1130 Activity
1330 Lunch – provided by Scopers at the Life Adventure Centre
1400 Activity
1600 Coach departs Castlewellan Forest Park for Slieve Donard Hotel
ACTIVITIES:
Foraging Walk
Provided by Mountain Ways Ireland www.mountainwaysireland.com / brian@mountainwaysireland.com
Contact Brian
Delivered from the Life Adventure Centre in Castlewellan Forest Park with the Foraging Walk onsite in Castlewellan Forest Park.
An insightful walk into the wonders of the wilds, and the absolute art of foraging. Experience a breath of knowledge indoors before taking newfound skills out into the forest and the joy of nature’s larder in the stunning surrounds of Castlewellan Forest Park.
Kayaking
Provided by Life Adventure www.onegreatadventure.com / iwant@onegreatadventure.com Contact John
Delivered from the Life Adventure Centre in Castlewellan Forest Park with the Paddle Boarding onsite on Castlewellan Lake.
A relaxing introduction to Kayaking or an opportunity to use existing experience to explore the stunning Castlewellan Lake. From the built heritage of an historic demesne and the Annesley family to the natural heritage of a protected landscape, sit back and take it in!
Please note that the order listed may change and which activity you will be experiencing AM/PM will be confirmed on the day.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The venue offers a range of facilities to include Toilets, Changing, Showering, Pay for Parking.
For the Foraging Walk, you will be supplied with;
Guide
In addition, you will need to bring;
Suitable sturdy walking shoes/boots
Suitable warm/comfortable clothing
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Woolly hat and gloves
Bottle of water
A small rucksack to carry spare items
For the Paddle Boarding, you will be supplied with;
Guide
Sit on op Kayak
Paddle
Full Wetsuit
Buoyancy Aid
If you already own any of the above, you’re more than welcome to bring and use it – please note that a suitable Buoyancy Aid is compulsory.
In addition, you will need to bring;
Swimwear/Rash vest
Suitable footwear, boots, or old trainers (inc neoprene socks in trainers)
Woolly Hat
Towel
Extreme E-Mountain Biking
ITINERARY:
1030 Registration at the Slieve Donard Hotel
1040 Tea/Coffee/Scones
1050 Welcome/overview
1100 Coach departs Slieve Donard Hotel for Rostrevor Forest Park
1130 Welcome/brief
1145 Activity
1230 Brunch – provided by Synge & Byrne onsite
1300 Activity
1600 Coach transport departs Rostrevor Forest Park for Slieve Donard Hotel
ACTIVITIES:
Mountain Biking | Provided by Bike Mourne Life
www.bikemourne.com / hello@bikemourne.com (contact Martin)
Delivered from the Bike Mourne Outlet in Rostrevor Forest Park with the Mountain Biking onsite on the Rostrevor MTB Trails.
Made for EMTB! An exciting intro or a chance to take existing experience that little bit further on the awesome Rostrevor MTB Trails. Learn the basics, build on past experience and enjoy the absolute buzz of riding a full suspension EMTB on the classic Rostrevor Red Loop.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The venue offers a range of facilities to include Toilets, Changing, Showering, Parking.
For the Mountain Biking, you will be supplied with;
Guide*
Electric Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Helmet
Rucsack
If you already own any of the above, you’re more than welcome to bring and use it – please note that a suitable Helmet is compulsory.
In addition, you will need to bring;
Suitable warm/comfortable clothing
Wind/waterproof jacket/trousers
Gloves
Bottle of water
Towel
*THINGS WE NEED TO KNOW:
This activity options is available guided or self-guided – we’d be grateful if you could let me know by return if you wish to self-guide (minimum two in a group).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The 2022 IAAT Adventure Tourism Conference is with thanks to our main sponsors Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, and supporting partners Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion, Tourism Northern Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.
Adventure activities are kindly supplied by Bike Mourne, Life Adventure, Mountainways Ireland and Walk the Mournes.
Coach transport supplied by EI Travel Group and Vagabond Tours.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE CONFERENCE:
https://conference.iaat.ie
See you on Wednesday morning!
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