Statistics: 5 miles, ascent 1229′, descent 721′, 2 hours
The weather really caught us today and rained for the entire walk. Thankfully, it was a very short walk, which began as we crossed the Currane River, just south of Waterville.
We had hoped that we would be able to see the Skellig islands as we left town, but the clouds were too low. At times we could barely see to find the trail before us, which just added to the adventure.
Our guidebook indicated that several historic spots were to be found on this section of the trail, but many of these were hidden in the rain and low, heavy clouds as we walked. We did find a ceremonial, Neolithic or Bronze Age “wedge” tomb which consisted of three large stones placed together for a communal burial site; these sites were usually facing southwest.
The rain heightened the beauty of the lush green trail and the surrounding bright yellow gorse.
At one point we walked beneath an expanse of rock interspersed with gorse, moss and bracken. It was nature’s own rock garden!
Toward the end of this day’s walk , the clouds lifted just enough to view Derrynane Bay.
We arrived early and soaking wet at the charming Thidwick B&B . Clare Smith, our host, took pity on us in our bedraggled condition and urged us inside to dry off and get warm. We sat in her lovely lounge overlooking Derrynane Bay, drinking tea; ever so thankful to be out of the rain. That evening Clare drove us to The Blind Piper in Caherdaniel, a pub she highly recommended. She was correct as the food and atmosphere were excellent!
Awesome photos! Thanks for sharing!