Walking with little ones, The Big Stone, Cloughmore trail, Kilbroney, N.Ireland

This week, unsure of what the weather was going to do we took a safer option and visited Kilbroney Park, Co.Down, N.Ireland. The lovely C.S.Lewis trail is still closed due to COVID 19 restrictions, along with the cafe, toilets and mountain biking trails so the park was quieter than normal. We were keen to keep up our hill walking so had ‘The big stone’ or ‘Cloughmore’ in mind.

We set off from the Kilbroney Carpark but found it difficult to know where the track began. After asking for advise in the Cloughmore centre we realised there was a Carpark much further up the mountain. Myself, Lj and the little ones decided to take the car up, while the others trekked on foot.

From the second Carpark it is a short but steep walk to the stone. At the top we had fun playing hide n seek while we waited for the others to join us.

I loved this little bit of folklore...

Local Folklore claims it (the big stone) was thrown here by Finn Mac Cool during a fight with a Scottish Giant. During the same battle, the Scottish Giant allegedly tore out a handful of earth and flung it back at Finn, which missed. The earth landed in the sea and became the Isle of Man while the divot he made, filled up with water and became Lough Neagh. https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/Products/Kilbroney-Park

Walking with little ones, Ott mountain to Lough Shannagh, Mourne Mountains, Co.Down, N.Ireland

Day two of our summer exploring the Mournes.

Today we stopped for lunch at Silent Valley reservoir. It surprised me how windy it was. Thankfully my parents were joining us and they had a few extra layers in the car. We had dressed for a warm day of walking like last week. It was a bit too chilly to take time to explore Silent Valley and I was keen to get started on our trail. But we did take him to throw a few rocks into the water. Is there a child who doesn’t enjoy throwing rocks into water?

Our walk of the day began at Ott Mountain car park. A small car park but a great gateway to the Mournes. Crossing the busy road, we climbed the stile and started along the track. The track is clear and bends right along the edge of Ott Mountain. It doesn’t take too long to see and reach the distinctive Mourne wall, a good place to take a break and take in the view. After a biscuit or two we crossed over the wall and walked towards Doan. Mj and his cousin would have loved to keep trekking all the way to Doan but I felt the little ones had gone far enough. Calvin was v cold as the wind was severe.

Our descent was quick. The older kids able to walk on ahead as they were feeling confident of the route and knew where the car park was.

As with last week I am pleased with how well Ezra can walk and how much he loves trekking ahead on his own.

Calvin needed some shoulder carrying, but that was as much to keep the pace up and to get over the rockier/ wetter parts more easily.

On return home, I asked Mj if we should try another route next week, to which he replied ‘What about tomorrow?’! 

Walking with little ones, Granite Trail, Newcastle, Co.Down, N.I.

What a day! The sun was shining and we were in the Mourne mountains. I have always loved the Mournes and visited them most often in my teens. From doing Duke of Ed to hanging out with friends, it was always a fun and cheap day out. Since returning to live in N.I., almost 4 years ago, I have been longing for the times when I could go trekking alone or for the kids to be big enough to walk with me.

With my Dad’s old memories of a trail up to a granite quarry, we found the Bogie Line and began our ascent. A steep climb away from the sea and into the mountains. Ezra and MJ reached the top first. 

Over the stile and finding the track heading right into the forest we enjoyed the flatter terrain and stunning views over Newcastle and the Irish Sea.

Our trek downhill took us down the river and into Donard Carpark. The weather was so nice, we were able to take our sandals off and paddle in the cool river water. My hands were too busy holding small hands and shoes while navigating the river boulders to take any photos. 

The river and trail into Donard Park were busy with people enjoying the sunshine. Thankfully the ice cream kiosks in Newcastle were open as we were ready for something to cool us down and give us energy to get back to the car.

Sophie Stool scheepjes crochet

This will definitely be remembered as a Coronavirus lockdown project. LovewoolNI very kindly delivered the kit to my door. I tried to take my time and do one round each day. It was a nice challenge without being frustrating. It is not perfect so if you have a keen crochet eye you will notice a few mistakes!
I didn’t use the colours that came with the kit as I wanted it to match our lounge but am sure I will be able to use the yarn that came in the kit for something else.

River walking, Gosford forest park, N.Ireland

Now that we have been let out of lockdown, we can’t stay home and have been exploring all the old favourites. Although the car parks are full of cars, the things we enjoy doing haven’t been crowded which is an extra treat.
I was surprised how well Ezra can keep up with MJ and Lj when walking the river. He loves it and has taken to it so well. Calvin is not far behind but is not just so steady on his feet.

Castlewellan, Co.Down, N.Ireland

Our first trip since lockdown lifted took us to Castlewellan, Co.Down. The gardens, cafe and toilets were closed but we had come prepared. It was also possibly the first time we haven’t taken a buggy for Calvin and he managed the walk just fine. It felt good to get out as a family again.

Baby chicks

She did it! Lj successfully hatched her first set of chicks. We now have Dolly, Byrne, Spot and Cheerio and are awaiting the arrival of 3 more chicks in the next two days.
We all love watching them. Calvin and Ezra are always eager to hold them and give them a cuddle too.