h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Did a lovely walk yesterday around Glendalough, one of the most picturesque spots in Ireland. Glendalough is a valley with two lakes, surrounded by high mountains. The walk climbs up out of the valley and goes along the top of the cliff beside the upper lake, crosses a bog on a boardwalk made from old railway sleepers, then descends into the valley, coming down a rocky road beside a rushing river.

The walk was only 9.5 km, but was strenuous enough because it has a hefty climb up out of the valley at the start, including one section where you have to climb a set of about 600 wooden steps. The mountain beside the lake is called the Spinc so this is known as the Spinc Walk.

The views from the top make it all worth while. The route is very popular. On most of our walks we rarely meet other walkers. On this one there were plenty of others including old people with walking poles and young families with small children and dogs.

If I remember correctly, you've mentioned the place before. I'd love a nice hike in a nature preserve today. The closest I can come is the coneflowers and juniper and dwarf spruces along the side of the entry ramp to my trailer park. I feel a bit of parental pride in them, as I planted a lot of them, and even grew a few from seed in peat pots on my window sill.

Send pics to the Post, both of you - we're always eager to share these views.

I visited Glendalough last year to take pictures of the Round Tower for the EG entry. But I'd never done the Spinc trail before.