18/01/2026
We set off this morning at 7am from Carrick Little car park. I was late — obviously — and apparently took at least 20 minutes too long driving up. According to Nadine, who was stuck behind me, I was going far too slow. In my defence, I was driving my new van and I’m very house-proud of the Volkswagen Buzz… fast driving was never on the cards.
Nine of us gathered at the car park, including two newcomers — Carrie Ann and Sarah — and headed off into the darkness, head torches on and enthusiasm levels high. The road gave us a decent warm-up before we made our way up towards Long Seefin and Round Seefin (don’t ask me which is which — I still don’t know).
As we climbed, the sun began to lift over the sea behind us, casting a soft glow back towards County Down, light spilling in from far-off places and reminding us why early starts are always worth it. It was short-lived though — as soon as we gained height, the cloud rolled in and that was our lot for the rest of the day… until we finally dropped off Cove.
Somewhere on one of the Seefins (again, not sure which), I fell. No one saw it, so it didn’t happen.
From the Seefins we followed the wall and crossed the Bog of Donard, which fully lived up to its name — ankle-deep mud, wet ground everywhere, and a bit of wall-climbing thrown in. This particular pass time is frowned upon by those who dont like dry socks and have little to moan about, while the hallions chose height over soggy feet.
Just before that, Nadine had to answer a rather urgent call of nature due to an upset stomach. I may have mentioned something about a big white backside being visible to all, resulting in her being lovingly anointed with the hashtag . She was delighted. Probably.
Not long after, Nadine decided to further showcase her talents by performing what can only be described as a perfect backflip on the pathway — part gymnastics, part ballerina, part professional stuntwoman — ending up folded neatly in two and giggling like a mad thing. Style points awarded.
We stopped for a break at the saddle of Donard before heading along the Brandy Pad, where Rachel (with support from Richard) pointed out the line we’d apparently run before — once, twice, maybe three times — despite the fact we couldn’t see ten feet in front of us.
Somewhere along here, Sarah shared a story about meeting Noel Gallagher on Binnian. When she first mentioned “Wonderwall”, I briefly thought she meant a German hiker called Wanderwall… but five minutes later we passed someone dressed as Liam Gallagher, which tied everything together beautifully.
Onwards then to Beg, triggering mild PTSD for Rachel, Nadine, and Richard from a previous descent of the Devil’s Coach Road, before continuing to Cove. From there we dropped down towards the Blue Lough path via the Cove caves — which Death Row refuses to even look at — passing Percy Bysshe Cave, while simultaneously ruling out any suggestion of entering a cave ever.
We were also joined by Jimmy Jimmy, along with regulars like Ania, who sensibly drove today to avoid Jimmy falling asleep again and ending up in a hedge. Naturally, Richard fell asleep the whole way home in the back seat.
Great to see the newcomers along — even if Carrie Ann didn’t give me much material today… very quiet. Maybe she’ll come out of herself next time.
Finally, a new hashtag was awarded at the top of Cove: , presented to Richard for being a super tourist and adding a rock to one of those silly wee cairn towers.
A good day out all round.
