A very wet and windy walk

Only 2 photos from today as the weather made it impossible to get the cameras out later on. We drove to a village just up the coast from Doolin and, as we parked up the heavens opened. It was set for the day so we kitted up accordingly. The beginning of the path was along a beach which had the limestone pavements for which this area is famous (The Burren). As we approached the outlet of a river there was a disgusting sight - the river was full of rubbish and a dead dolphin, and the beach the other side was rubbish strewn too.

A short walk along a stretch of road was brightened by these cuties;

We then found the trail which went up the side of a mountain and around following the coastline. Initially the track was a 'green road' which was ok to walk on.  The rain prevented any spectacular views and, as we ascended the wind got stronger. Then the track turned into a narrow path with lots of small rocks and mud which was really hard work. The rain was heavy so we had to stand up in the pitiful shelter of a hawthorn tree to eat our lunch. Up on top of the mountain the path widened again but the rain was sheeting across and we had to struggle against near gale force winds. When we were about a mile from the car I was hobbling along gripping Martin's hand as my left foot was so  painful. This pain had started on long treks last year and now kicks in after about 3 hours walking.

Eventually, after 12.6 miles and 5 hours and 40 minutes we reached the car and stripped off our wet gear which had mostly done it's job.  Home for a hot drink and a chocolate bar in front of the woodburning stove. We had a chat with Michael who was playing a banjo. The hostel owner's wife, Adva, brought in some homemade flapjacks which Martin said were yummy (full of nuts). She invited us to return later for a bit of a music and song session. So later in the evening Michael played the banjo accompanied for a short while by Martin and by an Italian girl and Adva sang a few folk songs.