As I drove to Newcastle yesterday I noticed the higher Mournes starting to clag in and while lower slopes were cloud free. I decided to drive to the silent valley reservoir car park to walk the reservoir to ben crom dam and back. I watched a programme recently on TV where volunteers released squirrels in this area and hoped to see one. Unfortunately that didn't happen but as I was lacing up my Salomon boots a robin flew in and perched itself on a bin next to my car. This is actually a common occurrence in this area. The rain started to pour and I put the waterproofs on as I started the nature trail. After emerging from the woods I came to the silent valley reservoir. I noticed the sun breaking out over knockchree as the eastern Mournes were clagged in. As I started to walk the reservoir to ben crom dam a strong gale force wind came and blew all the clouds away. As the peaks came into view, I changed my route and decided to climb the nearest mountain, Moolieve. The summit was gained within half an hour. The wind was really strong and I had to get my coat out as another shower came on. As I descended the mountain a beautiful rainbow appeared over the reservoir. Total distance was nearly 8km.
The robin:
Silent valley track to Ben crom dam:
Slievenaglogh, Doan, Meelmore, Meelbeg, Carn and Muck:
Silent Valley from the ascent of Moolieve:
Slievenaglogh and the central Mournes:
Wee Binnian and Slieve Binnian:
Knockchree:
Eagle, Moughanmore, Muck and Slievenaglogh:
Slievenaglogh, Muck, Carn, Slieveloughshannagh, Meelbeg and Meelmore:
The rainbow:
A duck in Sallylough: