NINETEEN Omagh ramblers, a large number for a Grade 'B' walk, turned up for the outing to Horn Head, a precipitous pair of headlands to the north of Dunfanaghy. The large turnout was probably due to the fact that the leader had advised the ramblers that the Horn Head walk was more of a Grade 'C' than a 'B' – an assertion which was perhaps a little economical with the truth, as they say.

With a cooling north westerly breeze and sunny spells, the weather was perfect. Starting from Hornhead Bridge, we headed west to Tramore Strand, where we turned north and climbed a short rocky section at the northern end of the beach. This scramble put us on course for the main part of the walk which was to take us directly NNE to Horn Head some five miles distant, following the coastline all the way.

We had lunch in delightful autumn sunshine on the northern shore of Pollaguill Bay, being careful to stay upwind, and out of sight of a dead seal on the beach. After lunch, we continued to follow the coastline, taking another short break south of the curiously named Nose of Scoltnavan. Approaching Horn Head from the SW, one realises how well named it is, for it looks exactly like a pair of rounded horns pointing skyward.

Arriving there, some brave souls waked the final few yards to the seaward extremities of the horns. This is not for the faint-hearted as the path is only about 10ft wide, and there are 600ft vertical drops into the sea on either side. A brisk off-shore wind added a frisson of fear, reinforced by one rambler who claimed she could feel the headland shaking due, no doubt, to the other ramblers shaking. We headed back via the ruined Napoleonic fort to the road which leads up to the headland from Dunfanaghy.

The next walk is on Saturday. It is a Grade 'C' walk (easy walking, mainly paths with some rough ground) in Bernesk Glen, Sixmilecross, OSI Sheet 13. Meet at 9.30am sharp in the Leisure Centre car park. A packed lunch, walking boots and warm waterproof clothing are essential.