One weekend in June, a handsome man and I set off to find a beach on the banks of Lough Dan. What we found was Logan’s Way, a mysterious route along the river out of Lough Dan, marked by a wooden sign at the edge of a deep pool.

Dry as it was, this hike to Military Road was memorable for its many inviting river pools, particularly the one right at the Logan’s Way arrow, and waterfalls. It was memorable for the seclusion of being in the middle of forests and for the wild swimming we couldn’t resist on the way to Tongalee Hill.

A deer. Yes, she’s definitely there.

Descending to the quartz beach at the edge of Lough Dan.

Our home for the weekend, nestled in the long grass

…protected by this tree.

Tea, brewing in the grass on the banks of Lough Dan

Wild swimming in a pool in the river on Logan’s Way, Wicklow

Lunch at the foot of Tongalee Hill

The valley in the shadow of Tongalee Hill

The descent off Tongalee Hill.

Perfect hairpins: Turlough Hill, County Wicklow, the clouds skimming over