Breathtaking trek to summit of Bessy Bell in aid of organ donation

A curious cairn of stones, amidst broad purple heather, moorlands of green grass, and spectacular views of Tyrone’s beautiful glory await those who take part in an annual charity walk to the summit of Bessy Bell Mountain on New Year’s Day.

The walk, launched by Friends of the Glens in aid of organ donation, will begin in earnest and interest on Saturday, January 1, 2022 from the Mellon Country Inn, and it is something of a hallowed tradition for local folks, ramblers and the adventurers of the country.

The trail, which is seven miles there-and-back, is laden with tarmac, gravel, heritage and nostalgia, and trekkers can expect to pass a holy well which was used and loved by local people of the past.

Towering more than 1,300ft above sea level, the walk follows the Ulster Way and concludes at the Trig point at breathtaking Bessy Bell summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding areas under the meek January sun.

Speaking to the Tyrone Herald, Sean Harpur of Friends of the Glens, has encouraged anyone with an outdoor heart to come along.

“Join us on our Annual New Year’s Day Walk 2022 to the top of Bessy Bell Mountain,” he said. “The trail to the summit is a popular walk for locals and visitors to the area in search of spectacular views.”

Written in folklore

“Folklore says that the mountains, Bessy Bell and Mary Gray were originally called Slieve Troim, which translates to ‘Mountain of the Elder Tree’, and Slieve Caraveagh, respectively,” Sean continued. “But they were renamed by Scottish settlers, who recognised the similarities in the landscape to their native home.

“The names were inspired by a well-known ballad about two young Scottish girls, Bessie and Mary, who fled during the outbreak of the plague in Perth, Scotland in 1666.

“To protect the girls, a retreat was built.

“However, a young man visiting brought the disease, and all three tragically perished,” he said. “Similarly, in Staunton, Virginia, USA, and Auckland, New Zealand, twin hills were also named after Bessy and Mary by Scottish immigrants.”

Friends of the Glens’ ‘Annual New Year’s Day Walk’ in aid of an organ donation charity, and to help raise awareness of the importance of organ donation, takes place on January 1 at the Mellon Country Inn, beginning at 10am.

Everyone is welcome, including dogs, who must be kept on a lead. A £5 donation to take part will be gratefully received.