Following a challenging work week, I figured the best antidote was a brisk hike up my new found photography happy hunting ground in the Sliabh an Iarainn and Cuilcagh mountain range. Myself and co-photographer Adrian Donohoe set out early and reached Bencroy at sunrise. Cloud and mist was quite dense initially but cleared intermittently to reveal the surrounding landscape. A location to note for again but limited potential on this morning.

We then headed for Benveg, taking an off-road trail up to Mass Rock. A challenging hike under very soft and uneven footing lead us to the peak. There are several cottage ruins from the 1800s still present on the side of the mountain. Standing inside these houses, there is a space maybe eight feet by twelve feet and thats it. The door faced west towards the prevailing winds. It was zero degrees celsius but with a strong wind blowing felt much cooler. You couldn’t help but be drawn to imagine life back in the 1800s on the side of this mountain. A much simpler life no doubt, but a tough existence without question.

The photograph above shows Adrian setting up for a shot looking down the valley. This “oasis” of green was deceptive. It appeared that the stream just ran along the ground through this moss, however, one step into the moss and you soon realised there was a lot more water lurking below the inviting moss! Wet feet were the order of the morning.