With the higher mountains clagged in, Saturday's walk took the form of a low level circular walk from Donard Park to Tullymore. Leaving Donard park I made my way to the bridge before the path levels off through Donard forest. As I left the forest, views opened up of Newcastle and Irish Sea. I entered Tullymore and walked to the Curraghard viewpoint. After admiring retrospective views of Donard Forest, I made the short ascent to a massive boulder off the beaten track. I noticed the higher Mournes had snow for the first time this year. There has been considerable deforestation in Tullymore since my last visit.Returning to the forest track I picked up the path beside the river walking to a small hut for lunch. As I was eating my apple a robin flew and perched itself on a branch of the tree in front of me. The robin stayed the whole time I was eating my apple! After lunch I continued my circular walk through Tullymore back to Donard forest. Total distance was just under 15km.
Leaving Donard forest:
Retrospective view of Drinnahilly before entering Tullymore:
Curraghard viewpoint:
Tullymore:
Higher Mournes from Tullymore:
Irish Sea from the boulder stone:
Snow-capped peaks:
Tullymore from the boulder stone:
Views from the boulder stone:
Lunch with the robin:
Mini waterfall in Tullymore:
The meeting of the waters:
Tullymore river:
A small lake in Tullymore:
Drinnahilly: