Having asked if we could do a coastal walk we actually went to a lake inland! After a very protracted drive and a couple of stops at some touristy gift outlets we arrived at Clifden Castle and some of us decided to go and explore- this wasn’t our main destination. Abandoned it wasn’t that old but turns out it was built by the Land owner when he developed Clifden.
We also ended up chatting to somebody working on the land who explained firstly that he was planting potatoes to attract more mice etc to try and bring back the owls that had been nesting in the ruins.
Then he pointed out the sounds and the flight of a ‘Chough’, a member of the crow family. He also explained that when the land owner left he handed over the land to his tenants, with each picking a straw to see which plots they would get. So this chap was farming on land bequeathed to his great grandfather. He also explained that the land still belonged to 5 of the original 9 families which made it more difficult for developers.
His last piece of information was that the standing stones were not ancient but had been put there to make it look more authentic, although he did tell American tourist they were scratching poles for cattle!
Next on to Ballynahinch Castle Hotel where we parked. We set of on a bit of a meander rather than a ramble. Firstly north westward along the lakeside to the old Mamor before we turned and came back the same way. a short section along the river and then through woodland touching on the edge of other lakes. As often happens a small break in the route when forgetting to restart the watch after a pause! So just over 9 kilometres.
There were a few good photo opportunities and we did manage to fit in a cup of tea just before the cafe in the walled garden closed.
Good to be back with the whole group but a slightly frustrating day.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 