I often think about how blessed I am to have so many friends who love to walk or hike together. I started walking with this crew 15 yrs ago when we all had new borns in the same year and had all recently moved to Bishop’s Stortford. Back then we walked round National Trust Hatfield Forest in a sleep deprived daze with babies strapped to our chests. Since then our families have grown, our husbands jobs have taken us to different places to live but our friendship and love of walking had remained constant.
On Friday I drove to Belfast International airport to pick up Rebecca, Sarah and Talitha before heading west to the Mourne mountains. We stopped for lunch enroute at Rowallen Gardens, a National Trust property on the edge of Saintfield. The rain was continuous but we still managed lunch and a walk. We had booked an Airbnb in the small town of Dundrum for two nights.
On Saturday we walked from Dundrum, through National Trust Murlough and followed the beach to Newcastle. After a pit stop at the trendy Birch cafe we continued along the coast to the start of the Granite trail. The Granite trail is one of my favourite walks in the Mournes as it is circular, has a little height to climb, stunning views of Newcastle and beyond and follows the dramatic Glen river back into Newcastle. It is only a morning walk and suitable for all ages and abilities.
On Sunday the weather was predicted to be wet so rather than be exposed in the Mournes for the day we decided to head north towards Strangford Lough and stop at Castle Ward National Trust. The weather wasn’t as bad as we expected so we were able to take a good walk, have lunch, and explore the house and gardens.
The girls returned to England on Sunday evening and I’ve been reminiscing and giggling to myself ever since! Thanks for coming to visit…let’s start planning next years adventure!
