Sunday 26th September 2021
We try to have a mix of walks hill, mountain and coastal. Coastal walks are generally easier without much climbing. These are ideal for people who want to see if walking with the NWMC is what they want. Without doubt Donegal’s coast is stunning with long golden beaches, rugged rocky outcrops, steep high cliffs, amazing inlets and headlands. The sea can be seen in all its forms from tranquil blueness to the wildest waves that the North Atlantic can muster. There’s always the chance of seeing the varied bird life, seals and occasionally dolphins. All our members enjoy these walks and in summer we often include the chance of a swim.
The Melmore walk is quite short and on Sunday was shortened further due to the persistent very heavy showers. We parked at Tra na Rosan carpark walked along the beach then on to the hill to the old Coastguard lookout building at 125m. The route is then down to Boyeeghter Strand, a steep grassy descent. This is known as the Murder Hole; origins of the name vary from a lady dying here in the 1800s to the fact the beach is hard to get to and the sea currents are dangerous. The beach shelves sharply and cross currents can be seen cutting across the bay. There is a large sea cave which as usual we entered. When the tide is out, as it was on Sunday, the walk continues along to Rinawany Point where we had lunch. Please Note there is no direct access to the beach from the road.
From here we could see Horn Head sparkling in the intermittent sunlight, the waves were turquoise/white and we remarked at how special it felt to be on this remote beach, just ourselves and the sound of the sea. We had two new members and hoped they were, despite being quite wet, enjoying the spectacle and able to appreciate what brings walkers to the wilder places of the county in all weathers.
We continued past Straughan Point to Altweary Bay where we cut across eastwards through the caravan park and returned to the cars via the road. A four-hour walk. Two walkers did a shorter walk along the east side of the peninsula, Invermore Bay and Gortnalughoge Bay, a lone swimmer was seen bracing the waves. This is the entrance to Mulroy Bay, the sea is calmer and safer. With the onset of heavy rain, they returned via the road.
Northwest Walking and Mountaineering Club 