Herb Riddle's photos with the keyword: Erris_Head

Walking along this exciting coast can have its moments. Here we have a most extraordinary stile that we have just climbed over. The fences are like so many we have seen in the Republic of Ireland, extensive and dangerous. However the stile did suffice but I doubt anybody with any physical restrictions would have managed it. Enjoy full size! HFF, enjoy the weekend.

Described as an islet that can be seen on this Erris Head walk. Pigeon rock is just to the left of this. Although from this photo it looks like it is possible to walk over a possible land bridge; that is impossible. Only a boat or hardy swimmer could get to this Island that has a fair amount of nesting birds on its cliffs. On the horizon can be seen the ‘Broadhaven Stags’ again. The headlands up there, we would visit too in a few days time. See last photo or below for alternative view. Enjoy full screen.

Having turned the northern corner we are greeted by wild rocky Islands. This is Pigeon Rock. We never saw any pigeons though. This as can be seen is the Atlantic Ocean and in fact the whole coastline is called ‘The Wild Atlantic Way’. A bit of a dangerous footing here with strong winds and high cliffs – only for sure-footed walkers and photographers! The hardy flowering plants here are most likely to be Sea thrift. Enjoy full screen.

We are on the headlands walking west and looking northeast here towards the 'Stags of Broadhaven' rocks (top left). A grey day with just a hint of brighter blue as is the norm here on the Wild Atlantic Way. The PiPs show two other views from almost the same spot looking east, The first to Danish Cellar with the old steps and the second looking west. Enjoy full size. Herb

Our first full day in this Irish County Mayo area of Belmullet takes us onto a fascinating coastal walk of around 5-7km. It starts from a carpark in a little cove intriguingly called 'Danish Cellar' about 15 minutes drive from our cottage. There is ample evidence of modern concrete ramps and steps built into the steep rocks to the water but I can find no more information regarding the history of this cove. This area did have a lot of Whaling stations in the old days and so I think it may have something to do with that. Notice the old rusty winch on the bottom left here. As all this area was invaded and occupied by the Vikings there are many references to the Scandinavian countries. Our path will take us up along the fence on the top of these steep headlands and reward us with some spectacular sights. ps - a great change from the UK is that we found that almost every country car-park was cost free. Best full screen.