Today we go on a lovely walk
to Banagher –
an ancient woodland glen.

No mighty oaks
on these steep slopes
but instead
hillsides covered
with tall, spindly trees
whose leaves are changing
to the warm colours of autumn.
Rowan berries, hazel nuts
and leaves of yellow and orange
drip onto our path
leaving it slippery
underfoot.

A sense that we are being watched
by shy creatures
as we dander through
their ancient woodland home.

A quiet waterfall
of Guinness-coloured water
pours gently
over smooth slabs of rock
into a pool
in which, according to legend,
a mighty serpent lived
centuries ago.

Higher up the mountain
a side path leads us
right to the base
of Altnaheglish dam
where giant sized concrete steps
inside a steep-sided channel
form an overflow
for days when rain falls
in torrents.

Across a tiny, almost empty, stream
lie steep, virgin slopes
of lush green grass
interspersed with conifers –
inaccessible
and so beautiful!

Thank you, Lord,
for this quiet, family day-out.
Time to immerse ourselves
in the beauty of the Sperrins.

An opportunity to sense
the timelessness
of these ancient woodlands …
and of you.

A place to find peace
in troubling times –
thank you, Lord!

© Claire Murray, 23rd October 2021