Trekking NI done things a little differently this time setting off later than usual for a sunset hike! Our planned route was Pigeon Rock, Cock and Hen mountain. We followed the trail from Sandybank Road car park leading us into the misty mountain valley. It was not long before all the surrounding mountains were concealed by the descending mist which was spread about by a powerful wind. The mountains were alive with rapid flowing water and powerful winds. Even the paths became deep flowing rivers. It was an amphibians paradise and we saw plenty of frogs loving life. Getting past the flash floods proved difficult with the challenges presented being overcome with a collaborative cognitive effort. We ascended to Batts Wall where the group had a break before following the wall to the summit of Pigeon Rock Mountain. Enclosed in the mist, we journeyed westward across a swamp towards Cock Mountain. At this summit the winds were ferocious and visibility was non-existent. We descended the steep slope having some snacks at bottom. Suddenly the skies cleared and the impressive Hen Mountain was revealed adjacent us. We trekked across more waterlogged terrain before reaching the summit of Hen Mountain where the winds gained further strength even tossing us around. The sunset was obscured by distant cloud however the orange glow illuminated the underside of the clouds on the horizon presenting a nice display as a backdrop to the green landscape that lay before the mountains. We reached the car park before darkness fell. We may not have got the sunset spectacle desired however the hike itself was spectacular. We had a great experience in the seclusion of the mist with fun challenges to overcome.
TREKKING NI 