Ballure Reservoir

As Saturday was another fine day we decided to walk up to Ballure Reservoir after lunch.

From the Mountain Road "Gooseneck" corner 5 minutes from our house, it was a gradual steep climb up through the trees on a tarmac lane to reach the site of the old water treatment works, a very ugly concrete block built in the 1950s.  

Turning to look back  there was a fine view back down towards the sea.

There is a path that encircles the reservoir, reached via a gate, and as we started our circumnavigation we came across a couple of anglers  patiently waiting for a bite. We gave them a cheery wave and followed the path around the first bend.  Unfortunately our way was then blocked by a very sturdy metal gate, securely locked, and a large sign warning that entry was strictly forbidden.  It seems that the path further on had collapsed at some point and it was too dangerous to go any further.  

We retraced our steps, back past the anglers  and headed for the footpath a little further along that would eventually lead back down to the road.

After a good  firm start the path soon became very steep and rocky with loose rough stones underfoot. It was hand-holding time again!

We were back home an hour and a half after starting out and rewarded ourselves with an ice cream sitting out in the garden.