The Braids

It's been a while since my last blog entry as this summer has been quite busy since returning from our trip to Northern Ireland.

Hillend and Allermuir Hill from Braid Hills

Tonight I managed to make the most of a lovely evening and have a quick blast up Blackford Hill and The Braids. Not much to report on but I did have some lovely views of Arthur's Seat and The Pentlands from the summit trig on The Braids. There was also some amazing rays from the sun coming through the clouds over Craiglockhart.

Arthur's Seat from Braid Hills

Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me but I managed to snap a few shots with my phone. Hopefully I'll have more exciting things to write about in the near future as August approaches.

Rays over Craiglockhart from Braid Hills

Slieve Donard

This week we are in Newcastle, Northern Ireland for my gran's 80th birthday celebrations. Newcastle is known as "where the dark Mourne sweeps down to the sea" and the highest of these: Slieve Donard (850m). Needless to say, when my Dad heard that we would be staying in Newcastle for the week he called me up and asked if I could take him to the top.

The summit of Slieve Donard from the Enniskeen House Hotel, Newcastle NI

Gearing up in the lobby of the Enniskeen House Hotel, Newcastle NI

As it turned out there was a favourable break in the showery weather on a suitable day so we made a plan for the ascent. My uncle Andrew and 9 year-old cousin John where also keen to attempt the hike so I agreed to take them too - even though they lacked any suitable gear and, despite my words of wisdom, insisted on wearing jeans!

Looking Northeast back towards Newcastle from Donard Wood

We pulled into the main car park and set off just after 9:30am. The path was good up through Donard Wood and as we exited out into the more open hills, the sun was shining down heavily. It was very mild and we all stopped to take a layer off, as we admired the view ahead of Eagle Rock and back down over the trees to Newcastle.

Heavy erosion to the path along the Glen River with Eagle Rock on the left

Eagle Rock, Newcastle NI

The path became wider and heavily eroded before we reached the good steps up and around the steeper slopes leading to The Mourne Wall at the bealach between Slieve Commedagh and the main summit of Slieve Donard. It was at this point that the weather changed; the clouds rolled in and the heavens opened on us. Waterproofs went on, for those who had them, while those in jeans simply had to 'get wet' - karma!

Looking Northeast back down the path from the side of Slieve Donard, Newcastle NI

Heading into the mist on the side of Slieve Donard, Newcastle NI

We were soon at The Wall and following it up to the summit of Slieve Donard. John and I pushed on at our own pace while Herbie tried hard to motivate Andrew at the back and get him to the top, as the rain hammered down.

Herbie and I rather wet on the side of Slieve Donard

John trying to encourage the older pair to get to the top!

At the top we found a large shelter with a trig point on top of it and after a while, the clouds lifted and we had a view. The highlight for me was the view over to Slieve Bearnagh and it's summit tors. We could also see The Mourne Wall making it's way around the Silent Valley - definitely a walk for the future and a good excuse to come back for a visit.

Looking Northeast down to Newcastle from the summit of Slieve Donard

Slieve Bearnagh from the summit of Slieve Donard

We descended the same way and the weather was a lot more pleasant than on the way up. The day went really well, considering the group - a nice walk.