Glenlark Forest

Explorer Tom Goles Stone Row would say in a job interview that it has excellent alignment skills and can observe the rising moon without any extra equipment. It’s basically a very ancient, very serious team player who just wants to get back to its rituals as soon as possible. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone is playing hide-and-seek with me. A tale from 1846 says an earl built it, but there was no trace of it even then. Take a picture for me if you pass! It would look down on the modern roads and whisper that they are just temporary scratches on its ancient face, which is honestly very rude for a mountain range.

Explorer Tom Dart Mountain in County Derry thinks the local sheep have more sense than most humans because at least they know which way is up most of the time. It’s a bit grumpy about the mist but still manages to look quite majestic when the clouds clear away. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Sawel Mountain straddles Derry and Tyrone, as if one county could not quite contain its opinion of itself. At 678 metres it is the highest summit in the Sperrins and the source of the River Faughan. Around the top, limestone and upland heath support bilberry and cowberry, smaller rewards than a dramatic skyline but worth looking for. Its Irish name refers to a shape in the hillside; I will spare you my attempt to act that out and leave the language to people who know it better. The heath is vulnerable to heavy feet, so use an established lawful route, check weather and avoid damaging soft ground. This is an open mountain, not a fitted visitor path, and the border does not make navigation any easier. Get up there safely and you can claim a fine two-county view without making up a single conquest.

Explorer Tom Another Standing Stone in Tyrone claims to be descended from a famous rock family, though none of us can prove it. It looks like it’s waiting for a taxi that hasn’t come since 1750. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Evishessan Bridge nearly got famous once when a celebrity almost parked their car right next to it, but they mistook it for a footbridge and drove past without a second thought or a glance back. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Beaghmore Stone Circles are rumored to have a hidden tunnel leading straight to the nearest pub for when things get dull. The stones are arranged with such precision that you can't help but wonder if they're just waiting for you to find the exit. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom St. Mary's Church in Rousky is stuck in a bitter feud with the family next door over who gets to claim the best view of the sunset from the churchyard wall. It’s been going on for generations and involves a lot of pointed silence. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Ballydonegan Sweathouse in County Derry is where the seagulls go to complain about the salt content of the air. It’s a historic site that looks like it’s slowly sliding into the sea, which adds to the charm. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Learmount Castle is where the seagulls go to complain about the youth hostel days and the forestry department’s poor taste in management. It’s seen more changes of ownership than I’ve had jobs since college. Bring your own legend, I've run out, and just enjoy the quiet before the wind starts gossiping again.

Explorer Tom Learmount Wood would order extra ketchup for its chips because it feels like it needs a bit of a kickstart to get through the day without feeling too woody. It’s a very particular woodland with high standards for condiments. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Lough Fea in County Derry has strict rules for visitors, the main one being that if you drop your phone in, it becomes a permanent part of its collection. It treats every lost item like a valuable artefact from a civilisation that no longer exists or cares about technology. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.