Is it easier when an ascent is hidden behind trees and around corners?

And when you’re not facing 25-35 km/hr winds?

Maybe. But you’re not as happy when you look back.

After a cold and rainy day heading up to Ardara we welcomed the blue skies of the third day with open arms, even with the wind and occasional rain showers. We headed west to bike around a peninsula and eventually come back to Ardara. The first attraction would be the Maghera Caves.

We found a gate and a boardwalk before sand dunes.

A natural path between the dunes took us closer to the water. The wind became stronger and at one point we had to cover our heads in jackets to avoid mouthfuls of sand.

Then the dunes opened up to the most spectacular sight: jewel-coloured ocean, fine light sand and beautiful rugged rock formations.

Not another soul around but I suspect that if the weather were nicer, we would have had company, naturally.

We explored the beach and climbed the rocks but…

…sadly never found the caves.

Maybe you can only access the caves at a certain tide. Or maybe the entrance was concealed behind a sand dune.

At least there was the most beautiful beach. The stop was not wasted and if we saw nothing else that day, I’d still be happy.

Of course, it was only morning.