Throughout the last twelve months, some personal health issues and the pandemic have had an impact on my ability to write creatively. However, when ever possible I have managed to make a few trips to places not visited in a long time. One such outing recently was to Castlewellan Forest Park in County Down, not far from the coast at Newcastle. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.
It was fresh and cool day and we were glad we had taken a flask of tea and some cake. On leaving to return home we were presented with a beautiful view of the Mourne Mountains. What a lovely way to finish the morning.
A Different View 
Castlewellan Forest Park is so green and so beautiful! That fourth photo looks like a quiet, beauteous walking trail/road. I imagine you’ll go there often; don’t know how far away it is. That lake and the mountains!!! Thanks for sharing these gorgeous pictures! Hope you stay virusless, Ash-tree-sama!!
Thanks Edo! We will return and do more exploring there! I’m sure there are parts we’ve not seen before. The drive there is just under an hour.
What wonderful photos, Ashley, so mesmerizing landscapes. Thank you for showing us the beauty of the countryside.
Joanna
Thank you, Joanna, we are blessed in Ireland and in Britain with some wonderful landscapes.
Wonderful pictures. I hear them speaking of lovely days with lots of trees and lake and mountain views, soothing sights (and sounds, I presume). Thank you for sharing. Stay healthy and walking.
Hi Marina, thanks for dropping by! Like the rest of Ireland and Britain, there are not as many trees as there should be, so it is good to celebrate those that we have! There weren’t many people about so I was able to hug a few trees without looking over my shoulder 🤣.
Oh, how beautiful!
Thank you for taking us on another uplifting walk, Ashley.
I enjoyed it immensely.
Dear Stefanie, I hope you too are able to get out into the parks and gardens where you are! It would be lovely to hear how you get on!
Unfortunately I’m still not getting out much, Ashley. We are allowed to go out, but some issues make it difficult for me, personally.
There’s still enough to be grateful for and happy things to focus on, though!
Lovely! Somewhere I’ve always meant to visit.
Martin! I’m shocked that you’ve never been there! It’s under an hours drive, and at the moment because of the pandemic, there is no charge to enter! Maybe I’ll see you there!
Oh didn’t know there’s no charge at the minute! Must visit, unless we get new Covid travel restrictions! Been meaning to do the trail up the hill overlooking the park, Slievenaslat I think.
Looks like it’s a real nice place to take a stroll in. Somewhat like the Grings Mill area over here. Your Images of it are nice & clear.
Thanks, Les! I’m afraid I’m no expert when it comes to photography. After breaking so many cameras in my time I’m now relying on my mobile phone!
I’m no expert either. Far from it. Breaking cameras? Must be careful, Ashley. I’m sure that if I broke one of my cameras, I’d soil myself!
Gorgeous landscapes Ashley! A perfect morning for a walk with cake and tea. Thank you for sharing these sights! 🌞
Thank you, Sandra, for dropping by! Tea and cake is a ‘must’! 😋
Everything is so lush and green. You’ve captured these images beautifully, Ashley.
Chris, that’s because of all the rain here! 🤿
You do get a lot of rain, but oh the colors.
Gorgeous!
Thanks Josie!
I am glad these opportunities come to you and deliver a breath of fresh air. Do you feel better, if not slightly? Thank you for sharing the inspiration.
Always better Micah! As long as I’m able to draw breath I will do everything I can to be out there! It is uplifting!
Your thoughts made me smile, thank you. Such a shame this lockdown business, isn’t it?
What a beautiful place, a real tonic to see your pictures now my walks are so limited due to my health and the dog’s. I hope your health issues are steadily improving!
Thank you, Helen, for your concern! My health improves slowly and is boosted when we visit places like this!
I can so relate! We were “meant” to go a favourite National Trust garden just yesterday but had to curtail, hoping to manage it in a week or so. I was so disappointed in a way that wouldn’t have got to me pre lockdown but now, well, its been a a tough year and we do well to throw ourselves these carrots!
Big fluffy clouds embrace a creative mind. 🌬
Actually, Gail, with not so many people about I was embracing the trees! Lots of hugs 🤗
Beautiful photos Ashley – and that’s a stunning view of the Mournes. I’ve been to Castlewellan but unfortunately didn’t go round the Forest Park – wish I had now but your photos are the next best thing.
You will just have to return there! Maybe take in Tollymore Forest Park also! Don’t forget the tea and cake😋
Oh, I wish I could travel at the moment!
This looks like a lovely, tranquil place for a walk Ashley.
We went mid-week and there weren’t too many people around and of course, it’s a big estate. Thanks Andrea, hope you are keeping well.
Looks like a lovely place to go and refresh 🙂 Love the second photo with the yellow tree!
Yes, the yellow tree is special. As soon as we came around the bend there it was like a big light pulling us towards it. Thanks MB for dropping by.
My cousin lives in New castle upon tyne… Is that near you? I live in South Africa so I am not clear about the Uk. My father came from Scotland so I have a lot of cousins there all over the Uk /Scotland.
I think the Uk is so pretty. And your photos reflect that too.
I’m in Northern Ireland. We do have a Newcastle here in County Down, not far from the forest park in my blog, but Newcastle upon Tyne is actually across the sea in northern England.
Oh wow I was unaware of new castle in Ireland! 😁Showing my ignorance. No wonder it is so pretty. I love the highlands in Scotland too.
Somewhere in my old posts, there are pictures of Newcastle, Co.Down.
I will have a look soon.
I’d love to take a long walk here, it looks eerie and beautiful! Hope you’re doing well 🙂
It’s not at all eerie! It is usually windy when we go there with the wind coming up over the mountains (the Mourne Mountains) or off the Irish Sea. It’s a great place to visit and listen to the music of the mountains or the sea. Thank you for dropping by 😘
Such a beautiful spot. You seem well blessed with nature nearby. Keep safe and well for 2021.
Georgina, thank you! The island of Ireland is certainly beautiful 😊 Keep well, stay safe, Ashley
We know the southern points more as have some very close friends near Ballinskelligs.