aliwalks

Monday, August 11, 2025

Railway walk - north then east.

Wednesday 30th April 2025

A fine morning and washing on the picturesque line.

Brief walk along the railway track, to the right from the house road. A bout 1 mile.

Quite a few butterflies on the dandelions in the sheltered hollow - three or four peacocks, looking slightly paler than the ones at home, and orange tips and whites. Another orangey patterned flutter further along. Cuckoos were calling again.

Then back for coffee and a bit of a laze.

After a late lunch, at 2.45 I went out for another walk along the old railway track.

Very warm today, and not a lot of shade.

Walked just over 3 miles, with two stops for water.

One of the places I sought shade for a swig of water..

Back as the church clock was striking 4.

Met several cars on one stretch of road near the last lough(an), plus one woman walking and one man cycling along the track. A few butterflies, though it was hot.

A lovely sunset - reminded me of La Serena - wide horizon, the red ball of the sun slowly sinking.

And now a beautiful crescent moon.

Yesterday’s crossword by Philistine was fairly straightforward, with some clever clues.

And that’s pretty well a wrap for April!

A visit to Árainn Mhor

Part of the ‘Round the Island’ walk. 10 miles (16 km) with 1100 feet (335 m) of ascent.

the full walk

Our route, with elevation profile - always exaggerated, but looks impressive!

We caught the ferry over to Arranmore Island, from Burtonport. The weather was hot.

Some highlights - the views as we climbed out of the main village;

the walk down to the lighthouse and back,

with skylarks, cuckoo and choughs; the man in a car taking his dog for a walk; the “bog road”;

the Beaver island connection;

the few other people - a couple of blokes drinking ? tea? in front of a house; the runner near the lighthouse; the couple taking a walk near the chough cliffs; a group of German walkers; the lack of cars;

the cafe ‘An Bolgam Beag’ (the Little Cup of Tea - named by a boy from the island); the very friendly young lady serving , who was born on the island and spent a lot of time there;