It was great to be back out in the hills again after the lockdown. What a way to start the season again with two fantastic guests. Of course, we all practiced social distancing and followed the government guidelines to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and in doing so protecting all our key workers.
The weather, as usual in Ireland was patchy, with a good bit of fog, drizzly rain at times and poor visibility. But hey, who was going to let the weather impact on a day in the hills. Not us!
Colin and friend pushed on regardless and made good time to the top of Slieve Donard to a well-deserved lunch and bit of criac. Thankfully on the way down the weather cleared and the views across the Annalong valley were amazing. Clear light gave the impression that we could almost touch the other mountains, Beg and cove with Bearnagh, Binnian in the far distance, with Slieve Meelmore’s trig point poking up through the mist.
A huge thank you to Colin for driving himself and following me on the tour to ensure that we maintained our distance. Unfortunately, the tour will have to go ahead until things change without the offer of transport included. Guests are compensated by having the cost of their tour reduced by 20% until the end of Aug to offset having to bring their own transport. This will be reviewed again in Aug.
The drive home stopped off at the 2500yr B.C. Dolmen of the Goddess Aine. Here we had stunning views of the full length of the Mournes across the fields. My guests had a great day, with suitably tired legs and were looking forward to their respective pint of Guinness and glass of Brandy.
Another successful day introducing guests to the Mournes for the first time.
