As 2020 draws to an end, in Northern Ireland we are faced with yet another pandemic lockdown. Now while I sit in the house and consider what we can do and where we can go over the next few weeks, it seems like a good time to reflect on the beautiful places that the covid restrictions have taken us over the last six months.
Some of these destinations were visited before this blog was thought of and before I purposefully began thinking about lesser known beauty spots and when my thinking was largely occupied with, 'where isn't too far to drive to?' As such, most of the places we have visited this year are local to home, here in County Down.
In 2021 I plan to expand our visiting boundaries and look forward to heading North and West to see more of the stunning landscape we are so lucky to have on our doorstep. Before I do, I want to share with you the highlights of this year's day trips, taking you through the seasons and sights of home:
1. Slievnaslat, Castlewellan Forest Park
Slievnaslat, the highest point in Castlewellan Forest Park was formerly an Ordinance Survey point. Classed as a 'strenuous' walk by Walk NI, the summit is 272 metres above sea level and although not a very long walk, I would advise bringing a bottle of water (especially on a hot day like the day we went!) and decent footwear for the walk. The views up there are breathtakingly beautiful, allowing you to see the Mourne Mountains, views of Castlewellan Lake, Dundrum Bay and the surrounding County Down countryside.
2. Silent Valley, Kilkeel
Silent Valley, a place I hadn't visited in the guts of twenty years and often overlooked this place for a day out, was a very welcome surprise and a thoroughly enjoyable scenic day out. If you take the Mourne High Tops scenic loop from Newcastle, Tollymore, Attical you can stop off at Spelga Dam before arriving at Silent Valley. The park has revamped facilities and picnic areas and the views speak for themselves. You can walk along the reservoir or like us, take one of the paths up the hills and towards the Mourne Wall.
3. Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield
Rowallane is part of National Trust, Northern Ireland and has a forest with trails, gardens, a visitors centre and scheduled displays in the court yard, like the Spade Mill demonstration when we visited. The visitor centre has a cafe and the day we visited they were serving Dexter burgers, hmmm.... You can also see plants such as Rhododendron and in one of the stone outhouses, is a working pottery with items on display for sale. As Rowallane is part of the National Trust, non-members must pay an entry fee, and during the pandemic, you need to pre-book.
4. Island Hill Nature Reserve, Comber
This hidden gem is a nature reserve with a causeway path that takes you to Rough island when the tide is low. The walk offers a sense of calm and escapism like few other places with views of Strangford Lough and Scrabo tower. The smell of seaweed and sound of seabirds adds to the charm of this beauty spot and I HIGHLY recommend this place. Be sure to check the tide times to avoid disappointment!
5. Floodgates Walk
Last, but not least is the Floodgates walk that straddles Ards Airport and the North Strand of Strangford Lough. This walk is mostly linear with level terrain. The walk is great for airplane enthusiasts who can see flights taking off and coming in to land on the adjacent runway. When walking down the main stretch of path, the Mourne Mountains are dead ahead and on a clear day look absolutely magnificent, however this photo does not do the view justice! Scrabo tower is also just a few minutes away by car and is worth exploring while you are in this neck of the woods.
Have you been to these places? I'd love to know what your favourite thing about them is! Please comment below.
Comments
Post a Comment