The Gap of Dunloe plus the Caha pass

Up early from our carpark stop and out to explore the Dunloe Gap on foot before 'the masses' descended on us. What a stunning walk along the valley bottom and through a corridor of huge towering masses of rock on both sides. We arrived at the head (the turnaround point) just as the first Jaunting carts arrived. The pony's looked gorgeous but Clare and I both felt that had we been on the cart, we'd have definitely got out and walked on the hills rather than have a poor pony pull us up. I hope they're very well cared for. Near the head of the valley we heard a shepherd directing the movements of his dog high up the mountainside while he stood on the other side of the valley. That was a real treat and we just watched in wonder as the two of them worked to bring the sheep down over the perilous ground whilst one could barely see the other they were so far apart. Then it was back down the valley to the van now passing the masses making their own way along the same route. Back at the van we set off for our next camp on the Beara peninsula in County Cork. This drive was on stunning sunshine and, courtesy of Mx Google, found ourselves on another pass (Caha) and still in beautiful sunshine. It's soooo rocky in this area, quite different ground from what we've seen todate.Read more