Topic: Day Trip in Western Mournes 14th August 2012 (Read 8631 times)

surfnscenic · « **on:** August 16, 2012 »

On Tuesday 14 August 2012 I walked in the Western Mournes for a change. I did a circular walk to take in Hen, Cock, Pigeon, Eagle and Shanlieve mountains. The weather forecast was favourable and indeed when I set off just around 11.30am from Sandbank Road car park the sun was out in all its splendour.

The well established path opposite the car park brought me quickly to the foot of Hen and I was able to start the climb surrounded by gorse in full bloom of purple and yellow. At the top, as to be expected the wind was blowing and the clouds though still high in the really blue sky looked as if they wanted to spoil that lesser felt summer feeling. There was however a clear view all-around of the neighbouring hill tops and quilted blanket of lower lying farm lands.

I descended into the valley where the ground was getting softer and a little boggy in places but progress was good; if a little slow in places. As I approached the top the clouds had enveloped the two pinnacles and the wind speed was increasing. Took a quick breather and kept going.
On the walk over to Pigeon Rock Mountain I had Spelga Dam to my left/east. The sun was shimmering on the mainly calm surface and the breeze occasionally made the water dance causing a sparkling effect.

Batts Wall makes its appearance on the rather flat and wide expanse of this summit. Despite not being to the same proportions as the Mourne Wall it is nonetheless impressive. Just like the Mourne Wall it is a reminder of the sheer hard labour and now almost extinct skill that it took to build these structures.
Now downwards into the valley of the Rowan Tree River to a stile. It was like a fairground ride, up and down, up and down. The river wasn’t that full even though the surrounding land was soaking wet. I was hoping for a fast flowing river over the granite rocks to refill my water pack.
I followed Batts Wall up onto Slievemoughanmore. The sun was out again. It must have links with the midges because they started to enjoy themselves. The turf is well exposed in places and the rocks are stained by the effects of the water seeping through the soil and over them.

Leaving the top and looking to my left/south west I was able to see a well-defined path that starts near to the south of Slievemageough. I must explore this area further sometime soon.

The climb up to Eagle Mountain was via a path that utilised the exposed rock, nearly stepping-stone-like. Of course the water liked this route too and created splish, splash puddles just to keep me from staying dry. A quick dander brought me onto Shanlieve where once again the mist cloaked the surroundings restricting any views about.
On my final hill descent into the Castle Bog Paddy Dillon recommends in his walk description to stay well to the right of the wall. This advice is not to be ignored as the ground adjacent to the wall is extremely boggy. The gorse and grass is really dense and it’s like wading through knee snow. It was hard work under the sun and discerning as I waited to go thigh deep into hidden hole, or bog.
Christmas must be soon as I saw my first Christmas tree just near to the raised track that runs away from the wall, now a fence towards Pierces Castle. The path continues and provides good footing all the way to the Car park at Leitrim Lodge. It’s sore on the legs though, but is dry.

The last mile back to my car at Sandbank Road car park was on the tarmac. It surely took the grass and grit off my boots. Saw this sign on a gate. ~~I haven’t researched its origins yet.~~ This would be a notice from the Waterford & Central Ireland Railway which, I think, was taken over around 1900. A rare find!
Paul McCann, Honorary Secretary,Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.Finally back at the car and had a quick cuppa whilst enjoying the splendid summer evening, rare as they have been recently.

The Western Mournes still maintain that sense of escape. The countryside is generally not so eroded by the boots of walkers and the amount of litter is virtually negligible. This area is worth exploring for another perspective on this particular range of mountains used by the majority of NI-Wild members.

RedLeader · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2012 »

Great walk and great pictures, thanks George.

fatty-arbuckle · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2012 »

Good write!

surfnscenic · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2012 »

I forwarded a copy of the photo to Railway Preservation Society of Ireland and received a very prompt reply:-

This would be a notice from the Waterford & Central Ireland Railway which, I think, was taken over around 1900. A rare find!

Paul McCann, Honorary Secretary,
Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.

Mourneman · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2012 »

great thread,well written with some super photo's,nice to see some other folk getting out

Shan Doan · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2012 »

Enjoyed reading this and the pictures. Very helpful. Thanks.

This is the very area I was thinking about myself just yesterday. Hoping now for decent forecasts for an early start with the wee dog some day soon...

That is an interesting sign. Forty shillings would have been quite a sum when that sign was originally put up. No messing about in those days!

Ed · « **Reply #6 on:** August 20, 2012 »

Fantastic photos!

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Author Topic: Day Trip in Western Mournes 14th August 2012 (Read 8631 times)

surfnscenic

Day Trip in Western Mournes 14th August 2012

RedLeader

Re: Day Trip in Western Mournes 14th August 2012

fatty-arbuckle

Re: Day Trip in Western Mournes 14th August 2012

surfnscenic

Re: Day Trip in Western Mournes 14th August 2012

Mourneman

Re: Day Trip in Western Mournes 14th August 2012

Shan Doan

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Ed

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