May 7th Errigal / An Earagail

 Wednesday7th May 2025.  3.4 miles and 1650 feet of ascent (and descent).

We had seen the distinctive pyramid shape of Donegal’s highest peak from a distance. From closer as we drove past on a bank holiday Sunday it looked less tempting. Ver stony, almost like my memories of coal slag heaps of the 1950s and 60s.

However, we decided, since it was there, it should be climbed.

It was 3pm when we set off from the nearby car park and began the relentless upward trek.

Fewer people around on a Wednesday, but it’s a popular route with a very clear well marked path, complete with rocky steps -

hard work both up and down, but the views repaid the effort.

A very worthwhile afternoon out!  We were down by about 6.15 - we hadn’t rushed this one!

Sliabh Liag

Saturday 3rd May 2025

A longish drive through magnificent scenery in Glengesh area.

We had lunch in the pub in Carrick. good food, but very weak tea! Chatted briefly to a group of young Spaniards, who live in Ireland

We continued to Sliabh Liag - spectacular cliff views and a strenuous short walk, though we didn’t have time to reach the summit. A fine, but very windy day. Probably about 2 miles and around 600 feet of climbing on rugged terrain.

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We drove up to the Sliabh Liag Tourist Centre

where we caught the shuttle bus to the viewing point.

That boat is a long way down

We walked for a couple of pretty tough miles part way along towards the summit,

but as we were pushed for time we decided to return.  This was partly because the wind added to the effort, and it was almost harder walking downhill than uphill. 

We caught the bus back down, and indulged in a coffee and muffin before returning to the car.

Tea is good for you, you’ll die with it and you’ll die without it.

Donegal - preliminary exploration of old railway walk

 Sunday 27th April 2025

After a late lunch I took a short wander down to the old railway line, as far as Thomas the Tank Engine. Harry went later.

Clearly marked - maybe used for park run?

Looking back to the house.

Lots of these ‘gateposts’

Memorial bench

The hills…

marsh marigolds

Warning about ‘busy’ road.

At this point I turned and retraced my steps..

Evening view from the house!

Local fauna

Bluebell time at Rutland Water

 Monday 21st April

With Harry, Kate and Norma.  We parked at Whitwell, and strolled gently through Barnsdale Wood,

admiring the bluebells ..

…and red campion

and someone’s wild-ish garden

We walked as far as the bottom of the lane at Barnsdale, had a brief pause to admire the lake, then returned. 

The weather was grey, mainly drizzly, then a bit heavier, but still light rain.

We finished with coffee and tea cakes at the Harbour Bar, which was quite full - as expected on a damp Easter Monday.

Around 4 miles.

11/12/2023 From Sykes Lane to Normanton car parks

 Monday 11 Dec

We’re still looking for places with little or no mud!

Walked 4.7 miles at Rutland Water with Kate and Norma. Coffee at Normanton cafe.

To the Welland and back via path over the railway

 Tuesday 7th November

After  lunch we walked down to the river by the road and along to mill stream bridge, returning via field path over the railway and behind the church. The water level has gone down almost to normal.  Fields pretty wet, and the ones on the way back were muddy. I am a big fan of wellies now!   Beautiful afternoon

05/11/23 Burghley House to Stamford

 Sunday 5th November

In the afternoon we went to Burghley Park, and walked into Stamford. The wind had dropped completely, and the walk was pleasant.  We had coffee at Café Black, sitting outside, next to a dog called ¨Harry Potter¨ apparently. Does he sleep in a cupboard under the stairs

Three and a half miles - ish.

31/10/23 East Carlton Park

 Tuesday 31st October

Met Marta at ECP, where we did a short wander of about one and a half miles before going for a coffee and long chat, re politics and Halloween. We sat outside, but Marta got a bit cold. I think I was as ever too well wrapped up! 

Walked in wellies today.