Walking with little ones, Trassey Track, Hare’s gap, Mourne Mts, N.Ireland

This weekend we took M up the mountains with us.

We parked at Meelmore Lodge, just off Trassey Road. I couldn’t believe how busy the car park, over flow car park and camping site were. We managed to find a spot to park and paid our £4 car park fee.

Our aim was to reach Hare’s gap, a stile on the Mourne wall between Sieve Bearnagh and Slievenaglogh. There are a number of small rivers to cross which was fun for the kids but made the journey quite slow and it felt like it took quite a bit of the kids energy to just get to the start of the Trassey track. Although it was a treat to watch the shepherds shearing the mountain sheep. The track follows the river and it was a balance to let the kids have fun climbing the boulders but also make some progress. In the end M and MJ went on ahead while Lj, Ez, C and myself went at a slower pace and enjoyed paddling in the ford at the base of the last big climb.

The nice thing about starting our hike at Meelmore is the facilities available. Good car parking, good toilets and a nice cafe. We enjoyed a hearty late lunch before heading home.

M enjoyed his trip and is already planning many more with us.

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.