Monday 1 May, warm and sunny, no wind.

Excellent walking day. Good paths, some rocks of course. One wrong turn; followed directions rather than map, added to the hills.

First a few words about last evening’s fine hosts. John, everyone in the valley seems to be named John, is from Newcastle area. Native language is Geordie. Very interesting, knowledgeable, and often unintelligible. Could follow the main points but the accent stumped at some interesting intersections. He used South African “smokeless” coal and peat in the heating stove. Could not understand the details of why.

Started just past Climbers Inn restaurant. Onto rocks for a short while, then along a river bank.

River bank stile. Could just lift the leg, pilates.

Lumber road followed. Here the instructions led us to a wrong turn and far too many extra kms.

Some good paths before the lumber road.

A more challenging path after getting back into the right path. 

Then onto Windy Gap, 350 meter ascent with great views and good heart pumping. First use of QB’S rescue inhaler.

First view of the Atlantic.

Another day without seeing a single squirrel. Two types here, grey and red, or so we have been told.

Smithwicks red ale at the Tower pub. Well enjoyed.

The B&B for two nights gave us a room so small we could not open the closet or get by the bed. Asked for another room and got a lovely one from the very hospitable proprietor. 

Gleinbeigh from the Tower restaurant.