Pair complete mammoth trek to raise vital funds for mission

REV Peter Munce and Boys’ Brigade Captain Timothy Wilson from Mullabrack and Kilcluney Parish Group have just completed a mammoth 89-mile trek to raise funds for a misson to Uganda.

Over four days, the pair followed the historic St. Patrick’s Way from Armagh to Downpatrick – a journey not just of endurance and determination, but of faith, purpose, and service.

Their walk raised vital funds for the Mullabrack and Kilcluney Uganda Mission 2025 in partnership with Christian charity Abaana, which works to transform the lives of vulnerable children.

This summer, a 34-strong team from the parish group will travel to Uganda, where funds raised through the Pilgrim’s Walk will support the building of a nursery school, contribute to Street Reach (a program offering shelter and education for street boys in Kampala), and help deliver Zuri Girl Classes, which provide menstrual hygiene and sexual health education to keep young girls in school.

Speaking after the final steps into Downpatrick, Uganda Mission group leader Linda Gilmore said: “What an incredible journey. Rev Peter and Timothy have shown such strength and faith every step of the way.

“This Pilgrim’s Walk was a moving reflection of the daily challenges faced by many children in Uganda, and we are so proud of their achievement.

“The support we've received from our community – the prayers, donations, waves and words of encouragement – have meant the world to us.”

Reflecting on the journey, Rev Peter Munce shared: “Sore feet, a few blisters, and a touch of sunburn – but what an achievement!

“This walk has been one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done. Every step was taken with the children of Uganda in mind, and I’m so thankful for the support, prayers, and encouragement we received along the way.

“We did this not just for the sake of the challenge, but to help advance God’s Kingdom – not only here at home, but also in Uganda.

“Through it all, we were reminded that we don’t walk alone – we walk with God, strengthened by His presence every step of the way. We walked in faith, and we arrived filled with gratitude.”

Along the way, the walkers were joined by members of the Uganda Mission team, tackling full days or stages in solidarity.

The group was cheered on by locals, friends, and parishioners, with smiles, waves, and even the occasional toot of a car horn lifting their spirits through every mile.

Their four-day journey took them through Armagh, Poyntzpass, Newry, the Mourne Mountains, and Newcastle, before finishing with a moving welcome at Down Cathedral from the Very Reverend Henry Blair.

This effort has not only raised much-needed funds but also strengthened the bond between the local community and the mission they support. Mullabrack and Kilcluney Parish Group would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who walked, donated, encouraged, or prayed along the way.

The journey begans at 8am sharp On Saturday, 5th April, moving off from the Navan Centre/Fort in Armagh, weaving through the historic streets of Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital.

Along the way, the pair paused for reflection with The Dean of Armagh The Very Reverend Shane Forster at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, where St. Patrick founded a seat of Christianity, and where Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland, is buried.

Leaving the city, they passed through Palace Demesne, collecting their Pilgrim’s Stamp, and headed into the countryside, passing Lowry Lakes, Gosford Forest, and Mullabrack Church before reaching the Scarva-to-Poyntzpass Canal Towpath.

They were welcomed at Hollie Berries Café, before finishing at Poyntzpass train station.

On Day 2 they depared at 8am from Poyntzpass, taking a route along the scenic Newry Canal Towpath, passing Gambles Bridge, Jerretzpass, and Sugar Island before arriving in Newry town.

From there, the terrain became more demanding, climbing through the Burren region before descending into Rostrevor.

After a well-earned rest at the Fairy Glen in Kilbroney Forest Park, they took on the final off-road stretch, following the forest’s edge to the BB Hut at Rocky Mountain.

Day 3 saw them take on the Mourne Mountain Challenge.

This was the toughest stage yet, with an early start from Rocky Mountain near Leitrim Lodge Car Park. The pair ascended Hen Mountain, navigating the Spelga Pass, and climbing to Spaltha (479m) before descending over Butter Mountain and Slievenamuck.

After a short break, they rejoined the Mourne Way, passing Fofanny Dam, Trassey Bridge, and Tollymore Forest Park before following the Shimna River to Newcastle. Here, a well-deserved seaweed bath helped soothe aching muscles!

Day 4 brought the final stretch beginning along Newcastle beach, passing the Slieve Donard Resort and through the Murlough National Nature Reserve.

The route continued along the Lecale Way, following the shoreline past Dundrum, Ballykinler, and Tyrella Beach before reaching the final climb to Schollogs Hill.

The journey concluded with a descent into Downpatrick, where they were greeted at Down Cathedral by the Very Reverend Henry Blair and Helen Blair for a well-earned celebration of their achievement.