Kelly Begs and the Slieve League coast6 Aug 2011
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View from our B&B in Kelly Begs
Silver Strand Beach at Malin Begs
Silver Strand Beach from above
| Began our day with a taxi ride from Kelly Begs to Silver Strand Beach at Malin Begs. Drive thru the countryside illustrated the cutting of peat from the ancient bogs. The hike from Malin Begs to Fellin took about 7 hours. We went from sea level to about 2200 ft above. Hiking thru the fields with 'trails' being those of the foot (hoove?) paths of our ever present companions - sheep, by the hundreds. There were no other hikers along the route. Their loss. The scenery was spectacular, even though the 'trail' was quite 'moist'. The meadows and fields through which we hiked oozed with most steps. Basically the countryside is one gigantic sponge; but oh what a verdant, beautiful green one ! The weather cooperated very much so; when we began the walk at Silver Strand beach the destination atop the Slieve League was cloud bound, and so we anticipated a stroll amongst the clouds. After ascending about 1000ft, the clouds scurried away to reveal the stunning views up, down, and all around. The final 1000 ft ascent to the summit was really steep; straight line walking out of the question, twenty foot long switchbacks mandatory. But, well worth it. The 2000 ft straight down views to the ocean below were spectacular, albeit a bit unnerving ! A great day in the Irish countryside. Off to Donegal tomorrow. Ciao for now |
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