A late start meant that there was no chance of finding time
for a walk, we set out late on a Tuesday morning, a foggy one at that! We had
originally planned to leave a lot earlier in the day, but bad weather kept us
at bay.
We Crossed the Northern Ireland border and targeted in on the town of
Newcastle, in which we would be staying. A short stop in Asda set us up with
food for the following two days.
We arrived at our accommodation at about four thirty, after fully inspecting
our room we unpacked, one drawer for food, one for clothes and one for bits and
bobs!
Soon we felt the need for dinner, after wandering the town for a good thirty
minutes we decided to go to a fancy restaurant known as KFC! Which truly filled
us up.
We then headed back to the car, deciding to take the scenic route by the
coastline, although it was pitch black. The smell of the salt in the air
definitely brightened us up.
The next morning we rambled down to the breakfast room both like zombies. After
enjoying our oversized breakfasts we went back to the room to get our gear.
As
we pulled the car out of the car park our spirits were dampened when we saw the
diabolical weather. But nothing could stop us now.
Today we would climb Slieve Binnian, we arrived at Silent Valley car park at
nine o'clock. We left shortly after and headed towards Binnian!
The
daunting climb ahead gave me a bit of a fright, thinking to myself what had I
gotten myself
into!
But as usual I just put my head down and did what I do best!
After a steep pull up to Wee Binnian (typical for Northern Ireland) I finally
faced the real climb! Some 1000ft above me was the summit of Binnian.
I
thought to myself 'oh shite!' This was a common occurrence in the mountains,
but it's always worth it at the top!
After what seemed like years we made it up to the top! I looked around, my
exact words were "typical" there was nothing to see but bleach white
cloud!
After searching for a nice spot to eat we ripped open our packs for lunch!
After tucking into my roll a man appeared, a friendly bloke we chatted to him
for a while...
As always I got the usual looks, "what's he doing up here" I always
get that because of my youth! 'But sure look' as I say, I've gotten used to it
at this stage!
After
packing away our rubbish we made a route down to the car! We descended through
the giant Tors of Binnian(Giant Granite Rock Formations). As we turned the
corner we spotted Ben Crom Reservoir! It was a rescuing sight! We hadn't had
any views all day!
After
the steep decent to the dam we strolled along the huge structure known as Ben
Crom Dam, it was massive the water to my right and a whooping one way ticket to
my left. It amazes me that such a structure was built in the 50's.
We
walked down a well-kept road to silent valley car park, while there my walking
partner otherwise known as my grandfather gazed like a child at the ducks!
Now, if I was given one word to describe my granddad it would be
"quackers!" Mainly because he has an obsession with ducks! Even the
way he says ducks is said with passion. Pronounced D-U-CCC-K-SSS!
We stumbled back to the car; we got out of our filthy cloths and boots! It is
such a luxury to get into clean clothes and takes off your boots at the end of
a walk.
We drove back to our b&b, upon arrival our host gave us a friendly welcome,
it's always nice when you go to a b&b and they owners and staff are
welcoming and kind.
We
went back to our room, I called the first shower, after we had both scrubbed
ourselves thoroughly we struck out for a place to get some grub!
We parked the car and strolled through the town, after lots of thought we
decided that we'd go to the first place we saw, it turned out to be amazing.
I got carbonara and oh my was it good, the sauce was perfect and the pasta was
amazing. After our meal we went back to the room...
We got back to the room and decided to go downstairs to read, I had a book I
had to read for English the following Week, it was a very strange read.
We got tired shortly after and decided that we'd hit the hay, before bed I
packed up my gear for the following day as it was the last night we'd be
staying.
We arose at 0700 hours, we both had showers and headed for the car! Today we'd
climb Slieve Donard the highest mountain in Northern Ireland.
We arrived in Donard Park at 0900
hours, we started a few minutes after. Up the slippery track by the river, which
would normally be a trickle but after heavy rain overnight it became Rapids.
We
came out of the trees a short while after, it was beautiful. The giant rocks,
the river, the grass it's hard to take in. The sheer beauty of the mountains.
This is why I feel so at home no matter what mountain I'm on.
We past an ancient ice house, its crazy how things like this still stand today.
If that had of been built today it would be gone within years.
As we climbed up the valley the sights became better and better, the Mournes are beautiful and give you such a visual satisfaction, we then reached the wall at the top of the valley giving us amazing views.
We then set ourselves up for the climb ahead, it was nothing compared to yesterday's climb but would still be tough, Donard soon became a hiker motorway, there was people left right and centre.
When we reached the summit we were greet by fellow walkers. The top gave amazing views all around. At the top there was a huge pillar in which you could go inside.
As we descended we spotted a farmer herding his sheep, it was a funny sight,
the old man whistling and roaring at the top of his voice giving his dogs
instructions.
Heading back through Donard Forest was amazing, the river in Rapids the rocks ever so slippy and tree roots just waiting to trip you up.
When we got back to the car we were both wrecked, we got changed and headed for the rocky coast, it was the first time we actually got to see it in the light.
This brought a very happy end to a great trip!
The Mourne Mountains
by Altitude Aaron
