While the weather forecast had promised us some long awaited sunshine for the weekend, the sky remained overcast as we journeyed to Tollymore Forest Park on the edge of the beautiful Mourne Mountains on Saturday 16 September. However, this only served to enhance the majesty of the mountains when viewed from the park, with their tops shrouded in mist and their lower slopes skirted with dark green forest trees.
Thankfully the rain stayed off and we were able to enjoy a pleasant mornings stroll. While one of the forest trails had been closed off, due to earlier flood damage, there were plenty of other routes to follow.
Joining the downstream course of the Shimna River, we encountered a strange gathering of people among the trees, dressed in long dark robes with heavy fur collars. Apparently this was one of the sites used for filming the fantasy drama television series Game of Thrones and which is now included in location tours for fans.
Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday 21 October 2023 and will take us to Shaw’s Bridge in the Lagan Valley Regional Park, Belfast, an area familiar to many of our regular walkers. All are welcome to join us.
Check out stmoluasonline.com/walking-group/ for more information and updates.
