Once again I stayed relatively close to home for this hike, which happened to fall on my birthday. The Vinegar Hill Loop in County Tyrone is one of a small number of waymarked routes in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains. It's largely on farm tracks with sections on public but quiet roads. I hadn't walked it before but had … Continue reading Sperrins Photo Blog: Vinegar Hill Loop
I stayed close(ish) to home for my final hike of 2016, with another visit to the Sperrins in my native Tyrone. We chose a linear route on the southern side of the Glenelly Valley, starting with a visit to Lough Ouske, one of the biggest bodies of water in the range. Top image: Canice enjoying the view … Continue reading Sperrins: Lough Ouske to Lough Lark
Part 1 of my year in review included hikes (some in the loosest sense of the word) from Scotland, mainland Europe and Jordan. This second part will cover the rest of my 2016 voluntary redundancy-funded travels in Asia and the US plus my favourite Irish hikes after returning home. Top image: A view of Half Dome … Continue reading 2016 Hikes & Cycles in Review: Part 2
This outlier of Donegal's Bluestack range had vaguely been on my radar for years. I finally climbed it at the weekend as part of an annual pre-Christmas hike and get together with some of my hiking buddies. Aghla's rugged bulk rises from the southern shore of the 5km-long Lough Finn, source of the River Finn, … Continue reading Donegal: Aghla Mountain
With the recent snowfall over high ground, I decided to take a midweek trip to the Sperrin Mountains, having not been able to get out at the weekend. The initial plan was to walk a couple of the eastern summits, but on reaching Draperstown I was underwhelmed by the amount of white stuff on these hills. Instead I continued west towards … Continue reading Sperrins in the Snow: Carnanelly
This charity hike with the Holey Soles Hill Walking Club visited a quiet corner of an Irish county I've long had a soft spot for, Leitrim. Sometimes known as Boleybrack Mountain, this area of upland heath and bog lies to the southeast of Manorhamilton and southwest of Glenfarne. It is the site of a successful conservation project … Continue reading Leitrim: Boleybrack and Lackagh Mountain Photo Blog
This would be my fourth visit to Trostan, the County High Point (CHP) of Antrim. The most common approaches are from the west and south, via a short detour off the Moyle Way/Ulster Way. These are known for being perpetually wet and laborious though and have given Trostan a bad rep. This time I was accompanying my … Continue reading Trostan: A Longer but More Enjoyable Approach
Needing a midweek mountain fix to clear the head, I drove to the Sperrins to walk the Crockbrack Way. This circular route is one of a number of new/upgraded trails launched in 2015 to help open up the eastern Sperrins area to walkers and visitors. It largely follows long-existing tracks, with a good stretch over open mountain in … Continue reading Crockbrack Way (and a bit of Hudy’s Way)
This large expanse of upland bog straddling Counties Fermanagh, Monaghan and Tyrone isn't very popular with walkers. Those few who visit likely only do so because of the recent interest in bagging Ireland's County High Points; Slieve Beagh is home to the highest point in Monaghan. I've been going there before it was cool, though. I recall becoming slightly intrigued by … Continue reading Slieve Beagh: Umpteenth Visit
Top image: On the summit of Sawel, Derry/Tyrone This Summer I completed a challenge which took me almost eight years: getting to the highest point of each of Ireland's 32 counties. It's been a fantastic journey all around the island, with new friends made along the way. Below are some musings and images for each of the … Continue reading Ireland County High Point Round-up
Hike Cycle Ireland 