This weekend I have made a flying visit to the Isle of Man to visit my folks. My Dad, as always was super keen to tackle a walk of some description but the weather has been far from ideal. I had hoped to attempt something a little bit challenging as part of my ongoing injury rehabilitation, but the conditions really weren't up to much.
I decided that we should at least try to get up a hill of some description, despite the heavy mist and lashing rain. I had never been up North Barrule and neither had Herbie so it was settled. We were dropped off by the mother at the picnic area at the top of Dhoon Glen and made our way up the hill through Rhennie Farm. We couldn't see more than 25 metres in any direction and we were soaked in the first couple of minutes.
After a bit of a close call with a couple of over-excited horses, we headed up The Dreem and out onto the open moorland. I chose not to follow the path that contours around the valley; instead I lead us over the pleasant heather and up to the top of Slieau Ouyr. Despite the weather, it was nice to be out in the fresh air and was a great way to catch up with the old man.
We followed the flat ridge over the summit of Slieau Lhean and then joined the path leading up to the top of Clagh Ouyr before we gained the main ridge leading to the summit trig of North Barrule. We could hear cars driving close by along the mountain road only a short distance away, but we could not see anything. However, the path was good and it was a pleasant dander to the top.
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| Herbie on the summit trig of North Barrule, Isle of Man |
After a quick bite and another soaking from yet another shower, I led us down the steep grassy slopes Northeast to Ballure Plantation. Once we had reached the minor road, we followed it Northwest to the Gooseneck where my Mum was waiting... with a dry set of clothes for us.
A very wet day but a very enjoyable one.
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| Me at the summit trig on North Barrule, Isle of Man |
