Leaving Slievenaglogh it was a steep drop down to Hare’s Gap. The ground here is heavily eroded in sections but stones have been laid to stop further degradation and to make the track easier to negotiate. It’s unfortunate that some sections now have that step like appearance but in fairness it has been done in the best way possible to blend with the hillside environment.
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Hare’s Gap, marked by its large cairn and gate in the wall, provided great views down the Trassey Track towards Meelmore and gave an impressive feel to the climb up to Slieve Bearnagh. I’m not used to these towering peaks in Donegal and it certainly created a sense of awe. The large grassy area was a popular resting spot and destination for a couple of families having a picnic. Having had a very enjoyably lonely day so far I moved on quickly to get away from the unwelcome noise.
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The Brandy Pad contours across the side of the ridge that I’d just come along so I was effectively walking back on myself. The path is clear and distinct as you would expect for a trail with such historic significance. It’s easy walking with the river on the right dropping down into the valley towards Ben Crom and multiple little streams flowing down from the hillside on the left. Ample opportunities to top up my water but I’d managed to leave my filter at home!
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Eventually the path starts to rise up towards the base of Slieve Beg. I was tempted to head across but I already had a big day planned, still had to summit Slieve Donard and wasn’t sure how much extra time it would add on to the day. Just over this little ridge I had the best of views of the craggy cliffs below Commedagh known as The Castles.
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Down into the head of the Annalong Valley with the river left to snake naturally along the valley floor I left the main path along a faint track that curves around the base of Commedagh to bring me back to the Wall and the col between Donard and Commedagh. Approaching the stile I could hear a hum of voices on the other side and realised that the unexpected Bank Holiday (The Queen’s funeral) and the good weather had drawn people out to climb Donard.
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(continued below)....
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