[
  {
    "id": "slieve-donard",
    "name": "Slieve Donard via Glen River",
    "type": "mountain",
    "difficulty": "Strenuous",
    "distanceKm": 9.3,
    "duration": null,
    "ascentM": null,
    "summary": "Climb from Newcastle's woodland to the Mourne Wall and an exposed mountain summit.",
    "description": "Climb from Donard Park beside the Glen River, through woodland and open valley to the saddle with Commedagh. The final ascent follows the Mourne Wall to the summit. Return the same way; this is a very strenuous mountain day.",
    "terrain": "Forest paths become rough mountain paths with a steep final climb. River crossings and exposed ground require care; avoid the Eagle Rocks cliffs. Mountain navigation and suitable equipment are essential.",
    "start": "Donard Park car park, Newcastle. Source grid reference J375305.",
    "access": "Approach Donard Park at the southern end of Newcastle's main street. For parking and toilets, check the route information and local signs before leaving. Keep dogs on leads.",
    "sourceUrl": "https://walkni.com/walks/slieve-donard-via-glen-river/",
    "sourceName": "WalkNI — Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland",
    "verifiedOn": "2026-10-08",
    "image": "/assets/mournes.jpg",
    "imageCaption": "The wider Mourne landscape seen from Slieve Donard.",
    "sourceGrade": "Very strenuous",
    "distanceNote": "Approx. return"
  },
  {
    "id": "slieve-binnian",
    "name": "Slieve Binnian circuit",
    "type": "mountain",
    "difficulty": "Strenuous",
    "distanceKm": 9.8,
    "duration": null,
    "ascentM": null,
    "summary": "A demanding ridge circuit with granite tors and views into the Annalong Valley.",
    "description": "This circular route links the Mourne Wall, Binnian’s ridge, the Back Castles and Blue Lough. The summit rocks need particular care, with hands needed to reach the top. Expect a very strenuous mountain walk.",
    "terrain": "Stony tracks, steep rugged slopes, rocky summit ground and exposed mountain paths. Navigation skills, fitness and mountain equipment are needed.",
    "start": "Carrick Little car park near Annalong. Source grid reference J345219.",
    "access": "Start at the junction of Head Road and Oldtown Road. Respect farm access, use stiles and keep dogs on leads. Access across private land depends on landowners' goodwill; check local signs.",
    "sourceUrl": "https://walkni.com/walks/slieve-binnian/",
    "sourceName": "WalkNI — Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland",
    "verifiedOn": "2026-10-08",
    "image": "/assets/binnian.jpg",
    "imageCaption": "Slieve Binnian seen from near the Carrick Little Track mountain gate.",
    "sourceGrade": "Very strenuous",
    "distanceNote": "Approx. circuit"
  },
  {
    "id": "hares-gap",
    "name": "Hare's Gap via Trassey Track",
    "type": "mountain",
    "difficulty": "Strenuous",
    "distanceKm": 6.8,
    "duration": null,
    "ascentM": null,
    "summary": "Follow the Trassey valley into a dramatic pass beneath granite crags.",
    "description": "Walk from the Trassey Road car park to Hare’s Gap, then return the same way. The distance covers this out-and-back walk; summit extensions and the Brandy Pad add to the day.",
    "terrain": "Unsurfaced paths, stiles, river fords, bare rock and a boulder field on the climb to the pass. Water levels and exposed weather can change the difficulty. Bring mountain navigation equipment.",
    "start": "Trassey Road council car park. Source grid reference J311314.",
    "access": "Use the designated car park and the stiles; leave gates closed and keep dogs on leads. Much of the route crosses private land with access by landowner goodwill. Check the route’s access information and local signs.",
    "sourceUrl": "https://walkni.com/walks/hares-gap/",
    "sourceName": "WalkNI — Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland",
    "verifiedOn": "2026-10-08",
    "image": "/assets/hares-gap.jpg",
    "imageCaption": "Hare’s Gap and the Mourne Wall.",
    "sourceGrade": "Strenuous",
    "distanceNote": "Approx. return"
  },
  {
    "id": "tollymore-river",
    "name": "Tollymore River Trail",
    "type": "forest",
    "difficulty": "Moderate",
    "distanceKm": 5.3,
    "duration": null,
    "ascentM": null,
    "summary": "A woodland circuit beside the Shimna and Spinkwee rivers, with old stone bridges.",
    "description": "Follow the red waymarkers through Tollymore’s riverside woodland, past the Hermitage and back through the forest. An optional spur visits the White Fort; follow the signs for your chosen trail.",
    "terrain": "Forest paths with steps, roots, gullies and uneven surfaces. Some slopes are moderately steep. Wear sturdy footwear and take care beside the water.",
    "start": "Tollymore Forest Park main car park, near Bryansford. Source grid reference J343325.",
    "access": "The park entrance is signposted from the Newcastle–Bryansford road. Vehicle entry charges apply. Check Forest Service information and on-site signs for diversions in this working forest.",
    "sourceUrl": "https://walkni.com/walks/tollymore-forest-park-river-trail/",
    "sourceName": "WalkNI — Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland",
    "verifiedOn": "2026-10-08",
    "image": "/assets/tollymore.jpg",
    "imageCaption": "The Shimna River in Tollymore Forest Park.",
    "sourceGrade": "Moderate",
    "distanceNote": "Approx. circuit"
  },
  {
    "id": "tollymore-arboretum",
    "name": "Tollymore Arboretum Path",
    "type": "forest",
    "difficulty": "Easy",
    "distanceKm": 0.6,
    "duration": null,
    "ascentM": null,
    "summary": "A short waymarked loop among trees from around the world.",
    "description": "The blue-marked arboretum path is a short introduction to Tollymore’s tree collection. A gentle gradient makes it a different outing from the park’s longer hillside trails.",
    "terrain": "Firm paths with some loose material and gentle slopes. Ask the park about current suitability for your mobility needs.",
    "start": "Tollymore Forest Park main car park, near Bryansford. Source grid reference J343325.",
    "access": "Follow blue waymarkers from the car park. Vehicle entry charges apply. Check current Forest Service information and on-site signs before setting out.",
    "sourceUrl": "https://walkni.com/walks/tollymore-forest-park-arboretum-path/",
    "sourceName": "WalkNI — Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland",
    "verifiedOn": "2026-10-08",
    "image": "/assets/tollymore.jpg",
    "imageCaption": "The Shimna River elsewhere in Tollymore, away from the arboretum path.",
    "sourceGrade": "Easy",
    "distanceNote": "Approx. circuit"
  },
  {
    "id": "tollymore-mountain-drinns",
    "name": "Tollymore Mountain & Drinns Trail",
    "type": "forest",
    "difficulty": "Strenuous",
    "distanceKm": 14.3,
    "duration": null,
    "ascentM": null,
    "summary": "A longer forest outing with steep climbs, river crossings and the Curraghard viewpoint.",
    "description": "Explore Tollymore’s hillside on the full Mountain and Drinns circuit. This walk includes the longer extension around the Drinns hills; choose the shorter Mountain Trail if you want a smaller outing.",
    "terrain": "Forest paths with broken surfaces, steep gradients, steps, streams, roots and boulders. This is a demanding forest walk; allow for the full distance and carry suitable equipment.",
    "start": "Tollymore Forest Park main car park, near Bryansford. Source grid reference J343325.",
    "access": "Use the park trail board to identify the Mountain Trail and Drinns extension. Vehicle entry charges apply. Check current Forest Service information and signs for diversions in the working forest.",
    "sourceUrl": "https://walkni.com/walks/tollymore-forest-park-mountain-drinns-trail/",
    "sourceName": "WalkNI — Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland",
    "verifiedOn": "2026-10-08",
    "image": "/assets/tollymore.jpg",
    "imageCaption": "The Shimna River in Tollymore; the Drinns viewpoint is on a different part of the trail.",
    "sourceGrade": "Strenuous",
    "distanceNote": "Approx. circuit"
  },
  {
    "id": "castlewellan-lake",
    "name": "Castlewellan Lakeside Walk",
    "type": "gentle",
    "difficulty": "Easy",
    "distanceKm": 3.9,
    "duration": null,
    "ascentM": null,
    "summary": "Circle the lake on a relatively flat trail with castle and woodland views.",
    "description": "Follow the green waymarkers around Castlewellan Lake, passing near the Ice House with views of the castle. The trail is shared with the easy mountain-bike route, so watch for other users.",
    "terrain": "Relatively flat, even and consistent surfaces. For buggies or mobility needs, check the park’s current accessibility advice.",
    "start": "Castlewellan Forest Park Lakeside car park. Source grid reference J335364.",
    "access": "The forest park is signposted from Castlewellan Main Street. Parking charges apply. Follow green waymarkers and check the park's current access information and signs for diversions.",
    "sourceUrl": "https://walkni.com/walks/castlewellan-forest-park-lakeside-walk/",
    "sourceName": "WalkNI — Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland",
    "verifiedOn": "2026-10-08",
    "image": "/assets/castlewellan.jpg",
    "imageCaption": "Castlewellan Lake in autumn.",
    "sourceGrade": "Easy",
    "distanceNote": "Approx. circuit"
  },
  {
    "id": "silent-valley-reservoir",
    "name": "Silent Valley Reservoir Trail",
    "type": "gentle",
    "difficulty": "Moderate",
    "distanceKm": 1.7,
    "duration": null,
    "ascentM": null,
    "summary": "A short return walk exploring the reservoir's engineering setting.",
    "description": "Explore the reservoir setting and look at the dam’s engineering against a mountain backdrop. This short return walk is a way to get to know Silent Valley without adding the longer trip to Ben Crom.",
    "terrain": "Expect paths, gravel and steep steps. Check the trail board for the route and current access.",
    "start": "Silent Valley Mountain Park, Head Road, Kilkeel, BT34 4HU.",
    "access": "Enter through the main Head Road gates. Admission charges and seasonal hours apply. Check NI Water's latest trail notices and follow signs and barriers.",
    "sourceUrl": "https://www.niwater.com/education-and-the-community/silent-valley/the-silent-valley-trails",
    "sourceName": "NI Water — Silent Valley Trails",
    "verifiedOn": "2026-10-08",
    "image": "/assets/silent-valley.jpg",
    "imageCaption": "Silent Valley Reservoir.",
    "sourceGrade": "Level two",
    "distanceNote": "Return walk"
  },
  {
    "id": "silent-valley-ben-crom",
    "name": "Silent Valley to Ben Crom Dam",
    "type": "gentle",
    "difficulty": "Easy",
    "distanceKm": 10,
    "duration": null,
    "ascentM": null,
    "summary": "A long return walk on the reservoir road through the heart of the mountains.",
    "description": "Follow the reservoir road from Silent Valley towards Ben Crom, then return the same way. The 10 km outing needs stamina even though it follows the road.",
    "terrain": "The walk follows a tarmac road. Allow for the full return distance; the route stays below the mountain summits.",
    "start": "Silent Valley Mountain Park, Head Road, Kilkeel, BT34 4HU.",
    "access": "Use the main Head Road gates. Check NI Water's admission, hours and access notices before travelling. Follow current signs and barriers.",
    "sourceUrl": "https://www.niwater.com/education-and-the-community/silent-valley/the-silent-valley-trails",
    "sourceName": "NI Water — Silent Valley Trails",
    "verifiedOn": "2026-10-08",
    "image": "/assets/silent-valley.jpg",
    "imageCaption": "Silent Valley Reservoir near the start of the Ben Crom walk.",
    "sourceGrade": "Level one",
    "distanceNote": "Return walk"
  }
]