[RWD version 1 ]

http://youtu.be/Uy6RFXHKw8M

A stunning walk through a real variety of landscape makes this one of the best in the Sperrins. One which I have completed three times, the most exciting being under a 'supermoon' where the headtorch was rarely turned on. This time it was very icy and a delay came as the car got stuck on a hill and needed half an hour of throwing grit along the road.

Starting with the ancient feeling Banagher Glen Nature Reserve and following a road ever higher above the steep ravine of thundering water to reach the rampart of Altnaheglish Dam. The sky was perfect blue as wisps of mist hung below the dam and my feet crunched through the ice. Bannagher Wood was a delight as it follows the curves of the narrow reservoir, the sun playing on its surface and thin sheets of ice just about surviving.

A gradual rise through the forest brought a high mountain road which had a covering of snow. The road up Mullaghmore to the comms mast is not one that is readily appealing but today it was a delight as the snow gained more depth and the views grew and grew.

An approaching weather front brought a misty top and a definite change to the crisp clear air that had accompanied me this far. The rapid change was noticeable on return as the snow on the road had all but melted. Though this added to the day rather than detracted. A simple return as came but with a different perspective.

A popular place for mountain biking but not much else human traffic.