View from Slieve MeelmoreMartyn and I set off today for our first 'proper' hike of 2011. As you can see from the photo it was a fairly cloudy, but bright day. Fortunately the rain stayed off, although it was somewhat cool in the strong wind. I wasn't sure how I'd fare as this is the also the first extended walk I've done since being diagnosed Type 2 diabetic a couple of weeks ago. We travelled from Bangor to Bryansford and headed up Trassey Road to the top car park. After getting our boots on and grabbing the rucksack containing our picnic from the car we set off up the valley to the top of Slieve Meelmore. I can tell you that the hill turned out to be a lot steeper than it looked and it wasn't long before we had to stop for a quick rest and a drink of water. About an hour and a half later we arrived at the top where we had a well-earned rest and enjoyed our picnic. Above left is the view we were looking at from the top as we ate and, and here on the right is a photo of me at the summit
