Errigal Glen

Explorer Tom Errigal Church in Ballintemple is listening to every whisper like a gossiping aunt. It’s been there since St Adamnan’s day, so it knows all our secrets. Whisper a secret at it, it’s kept worse than yours.

Explorer Tom Errigal Old Church’s favourite song is probably 'Lean on Me' because it’s leaning pretty heavily on its neighbour stones for support. It’s got that tired grandparent energy where everything aches but they still show up to mass. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Garvagh Forest is having a serious feud with the rain because it thinks the clouds are trying to drown out its excellent leaf-rustling soundtrack for attention. It’s been sulking in the mist for days, refusing to let any sunlight through as passive-aggressive punishment. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom The Ulster War Memorial Clock Tower hates tourists who check their phones every thirty seconds. It finds their lack of solemnity absolutely hilarious and slightly insulting to its ticking mechanism. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Ulster Bank in Garvagh looks like it’s guarding a secret about who actually owns the town. Rumor has it they smuggled tea through the walls back in the day. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom This Gortnamoyagh Forest is quietly proud of being the only place in Derry where you can stand still and feel like you’re part of a very slow-moving cloud. It’s got a certain dignified dullness going on. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Legananam Pot in County Derry isn't actually a pot but a glacial meltwater channel, which is a bit of a letdown for pottery fans. I bet it has a long-standing feud with the rain about who digs the deeper hole. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Donald's Hill in County Derry has a bird that refuses to leave no matter how bad the weather gets or how rude the hikers are. It’s like the hill’s personal mascot, sitting there judging everyone who dares to climb it without proper footwear. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Carn Hill would order a massive portion of chips with extra gravy if it could get to the chippy downstairs. It's forty-nine metres high, which is just enough to make you slightly out of breath for no reason. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Kilrea’s old church is also called O'Diamond, which sounds like a family dispute over a gemstone. According to Tom, it smells like rain and old secrets. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom The Tirnony dolmen is in state care, meaning the government thinks it’s special but won’t pay for a fence. It would rate its visitors two stars for lack of enthusiasm. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept and feel slightly damp inside.

Explorer Tom Dungiven Castle has some walls left, which the local rabbits use as a jungle gym. They think it’s all part of their game plan. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun about stone masonry.