Unofficial day off from walking today well put it this way we were offered another tough mountain venture – Sheila took up the challenge as she is walking in the Himalayas in October! Mirella and Annie decided to stay in Galway. So what to do? Having looked at the leaflet I realised we could probably pick up the bus to the ferry from our village and we could go to the isles of Aran. Realised too late for the early ferry but Jack and Tom agreed it would be a good alternative – so off to Inishmore Island. Great personal service – the bus driver had our paper tickets for the ferry!
Well the first idea was bicycles – the other two had no problem – not me, I hadn’t ridden a bike for about nine years- really struggled finding one I could get on, ended up on one too small. They patiently waited for me and then left me behind on the first hill. Jack came back with a message from Tom to say lots of hills so I decided to admit defeat as I was struggling to change gears!
So first bit of my walk was to wheel my bike back!
Then to decide what to do, walked back to the main minibus pick up point and ended up as the sole passenger with a driver who obligingly took me to the top of the island and promised to pick me up in time for the ferry. Great guided tour. So I managed a walk after all as I then set off for the prehistoric fort which was on the cliff top.
Even better entrance was free on that particular day. A long track led up the hill to the fort. I met a basket weaver on the way up and would have loved to buy one but had my only cash set aside for the taxi driver! He explained the different designs for bread and potatoes. He also explained that the causeway up to the fort was once under the water and where to look out for fossils. Great limestone pavement next to the path and views back to yesterday’s mountains!
As I progressed up the causeway there were several walls which came up to the path which I discovered later were outer protection walls and all part of the structure. After climbing right up the path entered a distinct outer courtyard before entering the in sanctums of the fort- walls on three sides, well a horseshoe shape and just a huge cliff drop on the fourth – interesting health and safety as no barrier!
After a good look round I started talking with a custodian and he took me through to an outer protection area and showed me the placed, scattered stones which were created to form an impenetrable barrier for men or horses. It must have taken a huge work force to create this barrier. The structure of the walls were great.
Back at the base of the path there was some great information and although this was only a short walk it was well worth it. And my minibus driver came back as promised and drove me a different way back with more information.
So in the end a successful and enjoyable day and the other two enjoyed their bike ride!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 