Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The Bloody Bridge

I've been working in Kilkeel today, the 'Capital of Mourne' - and my birthplace. It was a lovely day so I took Charlie, in the hope that we might get some time to go for a walk.

At lunchtime I went for a stroll down the Kilkeel river from the old Bridge Bar to the Rooney Road - I can recommend it - urban, yet with traces of the old field walls and hedges along a burbling brook. Very nice.

On the way home (later than planned, as ever!) We came up trumps with a walk along the Mourne coastal path at the Bloody Bridge. A favourite spot since childhood, and for good reason.

bluebells everywhere

a dizzying drop

rock flora - I need help with identification!

the remnants of the metamorphosed shale which overlayed the Mournes granite intrusion

looking South, towards Kilkeel

rockery

Charlie on the coastal path

not sure what this is either

the old Bloody Bridge, from below the new

Charlie takes a drink


a violet nestled in the undergrowth

any clues?

stuck! Charlie could not get through (had to take him via the gate!)

path to the old Bridge, and up the Brandy Pad

the Bloody Bridge River

the old road to Newcastle

the new road and bridge is much higher

babbling stream

the old road to Annalong