The Original Mourne Seven Sevens Walk

31 years of excellence. Come and celebrate with us! 12th August 2023.

Starting from the seaside town of Newcastle in County Down, you’ll hike the 7 highest peaks in the Mountains of Mourne.  Your clockwise circuit means you finish your day right back where you started, at sea level.

This is a long, tough and exhilarating day in the hills.  You’ll cover 18 miles, with 2,500m of vertical ascent.  With the right training behind you, you’ll be able to confidently navigate through the very heart of our stunning Mourne Mountains.

Electronic timing and radio-linked tech will track you over each summit and col throughout the day.  The hills are steep, but the craic is ninety, and the encouragement of our volunteer marshals is legendary.

The Original Mourne Seven Sevens promises a warm welcome, unrivalled care and the chance to be part of something truly special.  We are so proud of our Event Team, all volunteers, who love the outdoors and are looking forward to delivering a fabulous 31st event this summer.

Join us on 12th August 2023 to earn your Finishers Certificate, much coveted 7x7s badge, and your place in history.

Our History

Back in 1992 the Spartan Red Sox hosted the very first “Seven Sevens”, with just 15 participants. At the time it was popularly believed that there were 7 mountains over 700m in height and whilst that was corrected in later years by Ordnance Survey, the name had stuck. Popularity in in the walk soared over the next 25 years with the Spartans, and in 2019 Lagan Valley Orienteers proudly took on stewardship of this iconic challenge walk.

Click here to see the finishers of the first Seven Sevens and here for the archive of finishers.

Entries

Click here for more information and to enter.

The Route

If you want to do the mountain race which is run as a separate event then you should consult the Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association (NIMRA) website http://www.nimra.org.uk/.

Participants must have the skills, fitness and experience to complete a walk of this length in the high mountains. Navigation skills are essential in poor weather.

Details
Distance 18 miles (29km)
Ascent/Descent 8,100 ft (2,495m)
Typical Duration 10-12 hours
Starting Time 6.30am – 8:00am
Entry Fee £40
Summits (order for 2023)Height*
Slieve Donard 853m
Slieve Commedagh 765m
Slieve Lamagan704m
Slieve Binnian747m
Slieve Meelbeg708m
Slieve Meelmore687m
Slieve Bearnagh739m

* Heights are taken from the 2020 OSNI 1:25,000 Mournes activity map. The Bearnagh to Lamagan section alternates direction each year.