Slieve Commedagh from Slieve Corragh
Finally got some time to myself today and headed for Meelmore lodge to begin my first trip alone in the Mournes.
I set off from Belfast and arrived at Meelmore carpark around 11am, got kitted up and set off up Trassey track at 11.15am. My plan was to head for Hares gap, then make a left with my goal being the summit of Commedagh.
The going underfoot wasn’t too bad but got rather more soggy on the immediate elevation to hares gap. At this point I passed a stationary gentleman and his lady friend/wife? who seemed to have reached her limit for the day given their demeanour. Anyways, up I went.
Ok so I get as far as Hares gap and have a wee rest and a drink, check the map, take a few photos then pick up my lungs for the onwards and upwards. I actually enjoyed the next steep section up those steps where you start to feel the elements a bit more even though my legs might disagree.
I have been to the summit of Donard twice before in poor conditions/visibility but this was my first time in this area of the Mournes and the visibility was great. Cloudy overhead but otherwise spot on. During this phase of my journey I appreciated why so many people probably head out on solo hikes. I felt no restrictions to what I wanted to do, I could go at any pace and rest at any stage with absolute flexibility and shouldered no pressure at all. Such basic requests are to be treasured.
I walked along merrily trying to take in the stunning views all around me, pausing on occasion for a few snaps. As I approached the final ascent to Commedagh I chatted briefly to a retired gentleman coming in the opposite direction who had just completed 3 or 4 peaks already including Donard and was going for more! Respect old man.
I reached the windy summit at 1pm with a wee smile and sense of achievement and sat myself down on the sheltered side of the wall for a sandwich, 2 pieces of cake and a can of Pepsi. It was during this pause that I started to revise and eventually alter my return journey, ( oh dear ). To cut a long story short I decided to do a Bear Grylls type scramble down the back of Commedagh and Pot of Legawherry ? And head for the Spinkwee river area.
The descent was quite slippery and steep and windy and cold and soggy and did I mention slippery? Well after a few hairy moments and about 6 falls on arse I reached the bottom of the steep bit, too late to change mind again now. ( Irony ) – If you get in distress there aren’t many people around to help you, although if you fall repeatedly on your arse there’s also no one around to laugh at you ! )
The rest of the journey to Spinkwee was pretty miserable underfoot and my lovely desert coloured timberlands that I chose for the day were, well not desert anymore. I basically wanted to have a look at the a camping site that I have read so much about, hence this route change. ( I’m blaming the altitude for my poor decision making ).
From this point I chose what I thought would be an easy route back to Meelmore which in fact turned out to be complete B***s as I ended up getting briefly lost in Tollymore. Eventually I found the right path and walked the rest of the way to the car park, which was considerably longer than I anticipated.
Today made my affinity for the Mournes even greater for they truly are majestic.
Even taking into consideration my several Frank Spencer moments I had a really great day out and another objective ticked off the list. I’m looking forward to my next adventure already.
