2025 Saturday, Sept. 6

Hilltown to Newcastle

We spent some time Friday night talking about our hiking experiences and learning from host Ciara what was in store for hiking the Mourne Mountains. She offered some alternative drop-off points where we might shorten the day and change our hiking difficulty levels.

Although the weather had been predicted to be partly cloudy on Saturday, it stormed much of Friday night. That cinched it—we’re choosing a route that mostly misses the mountains.

Richard’s ReLive did a good job of explaining our day, but I will add a few embellishments. Here is his video: https://www.relive.com/view/vdvm4WnrwNq

9.62 miles, mostly cloudy, 1521 feet elevation gain, 58 degrees, humidity 87%.

Conditions  at Meelmore Lodge didn’t seem too bad but there was fog around the mountains. No changing our minds—there are slippery rocks, rain swollen streams, and more wind and rain coming,

Ciara was sure we made the right choice: too dangerous to do the mountains today.

The path started like a farmer’s road—not many people and no cars,

We pass this intriguing sign so Richard goes up to investigate. Not much to see now, but is it really from  1500 to 1000 BC?

Now we’re following the river. The forest paths are full of families hiking together with young ones in tow.

A hiker family was giving us help to get on the correct path. They offered to take our picture.

A river runs through it—stepping stones to cross the river.

No more quiet creek. We’re climbing over the hills to get to the sea.

There is a festival this weekend at the city park. Despite the weather, lots of families are there enjoying the evening.

We’re trying to get our next-to-the-last stamp but it’s not embossing. Patricia is here to help.

Nineteen more miles to go!

We tried to take a walk along the coast but there was just too much wind and cold. By later this evening, the waves were threatening to come on to the path we were walking.

Our B&B for the evening. The location was excellent: off the main drag, overlooking the beach path. Our room had a little balcony over the ocean: too bad it was so cold.

Our host recommended Quinn’s for dinner. She said it was good pub food (what does that mean?)

Quinn’s was good and lots of families were enjoying a Saturday night out. Richard had chicken curry and Jan had an appetizer of baby back ribs.

Back to our room. How sad that it was too cold to use the balcony!

8 Responses

  1. Hmmm, 58 degrees is definitely on the chilly side. Sure wish you could get some more sun on these hikes! And just a thought, but maybe the King’s Grave is that of King Arthur? (insert smiling emoji) He was real, you know, but wait – this is Ireland…
    So happy to hear you chose to go the safer route this day, and not the mountain – and I guess you made it safely over the rock stepping stones across the river!
    I’m sure enjoying your pictures,
    Kathy

    1. We have been surprised about the cool temperatures but just wear layers and have made it so far. The hikes have been wonderful and yes, I even made it over the stepping stones without falling in. Thanks for following us!

  2. Glad you listened to Ciara’s practical advice and took advantage of her generosity to drive you. This is supposed to be an “enjoyable” experience, not a how much can we “physically challenge” ourselves. This should be more fun than challenging. So nice the people you are meeting are kind and helpful and care about you. Kindness begets kindness! Have fun on your trip to England tomorrow. Hopefully the ocean will be kinder this time. Dan

    1. We’re so glad you’re enjoying good weather. Everyone keeps telling us what a warm and sunny summer they have had—not so right now. We assume rain will fall, and the sunny moments are all the more beautiful.

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