Multi day Cork Ireland ​Three walks, Mallow, Ballycotton Cliff's and Cobh. (3-7/09/26)

Attendees; P Bridges N Bridges J Ball D Peters P Cotterill M Simmonds B Mulrennan N Graham D Hogg 

The gang arrived in Cork after arriving on the 8.15 flight from Birmingham. It was too early for check in but we were able to drop the bags off. We enjoyed a walk along the River Lee then tried a few establishments for a local beverage. It was the Rising Sun brewery for evening meal then on to Canty's for some live music.

 Friday 4th

10.25 departure for Mallow for this 9.5 mile walk. It was dry and looking like it would be for the day. Well we only suffered a few drops during the walk. We left the station and joined the Blackwater way which lead us to the Blackwater river which we followed into the town. It was then around the castle grounds and managed to see the white deer. 3 members opted to finish at the 3 mile point. The remaining 6 carried on via Aldi. The old Cork road took us up to forest and back on to the Blackwater way . We took lunch at the top before lanes led us back into the town where Mr Ball was waiting for us a local drinking hole. Oliver Plunkett was booked for evening meal with live music playing while we enjoyed our Irish stews. A few more bars followed and some cracking live music.

Saturday 5th

Two options this morning, 8.15 train or 8.50 bus, six on the train two on the bus, and Jim, who knows as I write this at 8.22...it was a lovely sunny morning and just hoping it stays like this for this lovely coastal walk. Confirmation from Mr Cotterill, Jim was on board the bus. We alighted at Ballycotton west and did the road walking section first. On reaching the coast we took a break and began to enjoy the views. We took on a steady pace today as we had 5 hour wait for our only returning bus at 17.00. The sun was still shining and the views didn't disappoint. We got to see the ship wreck which I didn't see on the recce. A seal was spotted just outside the harbour at the end of the walk. We managed 4 of the 5 pubs and once again enjoyed some lovely food. Bus back to Midleton where four us stopped to watch the football others taking the train straight back and Phil & Mary remained on the bus. Different venues for evening meal then we took in the boxing which seemed to be on in every pub, Irish girl won.

Sunday 6th

It was a 11.00 departure off Cork station, a relief after the early morning start on the previous day. We alighted at Fota station for this six mile walk to Cobh. The rain had started on the walk to Cork station but wasn't too heavy. We donned our wet weather gear on alighting the train. Except for Jim, who came on the walk with nothing but the clothes on his back. I gave him use of my umbrella. 

It wasn't long before we got a glimpse of the Tigers and then enjoyed the garden's of Fota house. The rain has eased off now and with jacket's around the waists. It was a warm morning. We crossed over the bridge that took us onto the Great Island. Lanes took us then to Cobh, via few busy sections and a couple of climbs before the final decent into Cobh. We visited a few drinking establishments before the train back to Cork. The evening meal was booked in at The Cornstore, and what a beautiful meal it was. We finished back at Canty's for live music and moves from Mr Cotterill and Mr Hogg.

A really enjoyable trip was had by all I do believe.  Thanks for attending, it really makes the effort of the recces worthwhile. 

Paul Bridges