On morning run visited the Tumski Ostrov skipped past a few pallets on the road north. The network of bridges make the place feel like a child’s clubhouse. At times I felt unsure if I was facing a dead end. Luckily the coloured bridges all link up.

Spent a day an hour south of Wroclaw. Enjoyed learning about transport gold tunnels from Germany during WWII and looking at a selection of stimulating art.

In particular, I enjoyed paintings of Willhem I at his grandfather’s grave. The exhibition was short but focused mainly on the Hochbergs. I was a little surprised about the condition of some of the paintings. Certainly the tapestries in the UK Royal residence compete with the condition though themes quite adept.

What the interior may lack is made up for by the articheture/facade. Also worth a visit and perhaps overshadowing the zamek is the 1794 battle of Raclowice panorama. See below.

This afternoon/evening I visited the shopping centre Wrotslawia. Like most cities it is modern and warm with a food hall. I visited Guess, Colombia and a couple of Polish outlets. I finished my day with dinner at the Maddalena with a view of the Odra River.

Neon parks, an epic battle panorama and many ornate Baroque roofs have enamoured me and I’ve only been here one day. Early this morning I went for a run around the city and despite my track back function on Garmin, I arrived back at the hotel in a taxi 2 minute taxi. The subtlety of the street names is confusing on one hand, endearing in another much unlike Moscow’s ‘shosse’.

My highlight was potentially a full plate of ribs at a communist nostalgia student cafe near the Rynek district centre. See picture.

At night the place comes alive. During the day navigation is made possible only by Church steeples poking their heads above 60s flats.

Tomorrow I will visit Ksiaz Castle and sample some of Poland’s greatest architectural feats. I’m also looking forward to some shopping in Wrotslawia and a nice dinner out on the Odra!

A short jaunt up a rainbow trout-filled mountainside. The hardest part is finding the start. Once located, a winding forest path takes you North West towards Donegal. Despite some ageing signs, getting lost is still possible. Follow walks NI to the letter. Especially watch out for high winds atop the coll.

Views are spectacular. I can see why the Ulster Gliding club use this area for flights. The winds are very dangerous. While taking photos I could imagine my rucksack being pulled a little too much to the North-side! Total climbing time 2hrs (3 miles).

Had a Haircut in Baldies after a Nandos. Enjoyed the seige museum and mulling the memory of peace time at the grave of Martin McGuinnes marked by a flower to Padre Pio. Also took in the Derry Girls mural. Must return to buy a painting and get to Malin head/Kinnegar beach in the summer.

Attempted successfully An Muckish 667.1m on a mixed day of weather. Aside from an early detour (an hour near the base) and 10 minutes of surprise 60-70kmph winds on return a few hail showers didn’t ruin the sunny spells and crucifix looking down on the North Irish Coast from the summit.

Approach via grotto was straight forward but steep in parts. Some of the advice online is a little scaremongering. Beware of high winds on saddle not in any of the guides. Got down before 1pm showers. I recommend summer climbing; hardly a soul on the climb in winter but an inexperienced climber may struggle with adverse/quickly changing conditions.