Alnadue Quarry

Leave Castlewellan on the A25 Dublin Road. Approximately 2km after the Bann Road roundabout turn right (the first right turn) onto Altnadua Road. The quarry is on the right about 1km down this road between the foot of a prominent hill on the right and Altnadua Lough on the left.

If coming from Kilcoo towards Castlewellan on the A25 pass Lough Island Reavy on the left and take the 2nd turn left onto Altnadua Road. There is no advance warning for this turn.

The rock in the back and right-hand side of the quarry (routes 11 to 18)is part of the Newry granodiorite formation. The area to the left (routes 1 to 10a)is a marine sedimentary rock.

Trad routes

1 Running Down: 20m VS. Highest wall on the left as you enter the quarry. Very little protection near the top. Four bolts on the large ledge at the top for setting up anchors. There were more but some have been chopped, and those remaining have been bent almost flat. Good for abseiling practice.

2 Corner 12m VD. Climb the crack in the corner of the right wall. This is also Sport route 11

3 Crack 12m S. The vertical crack about 2m right from the corner. Takes same line as sport route number 12.

4 Traverse 14m VD. Traverse the crack going left and then right

5 Common Arete 12m M. On Right wall at Castlewellan Quarry

6 HS 15m HS. On Right wall at Castlewellan Quarry

7 VS 15m VS. On Right wall at Castlewellan Quarry

8 Shaft Climb 15m M. On Right wall at Castlewellan Quarry

Sports Routes

1 4b 2 5a 3 5c 4 6a+ 5 5c 6 6a 7 5a

8a 6a 8b 6a+ 9 6a+ 10 6b

11 5b 12 5c 13 5b 14 5c

15 5a 16 4c 17 4b 18 3c