The mist started to descend as we stumbled across the boggy ground that feeds the Fofanny river. Perfect weather conditions I thought for explaining why the Midpath bridge came to be known as the Bloody Bridge, and how 25 prisoners had been executed here, probably on the exact spot where my son now stood. Continuing with this theme, as the mist swept eerily across the mountains, he ensured that the next group of walkers would get the full horror effect by placing a sheep's skull on top of the stone pile marking the summit of Millstone Mountain. Descending towards Newcastle by following Amy's river we had to take care not to fall into the Quarry on Thomas's mountain. What a contrast the conditions we faced on that walk had been to Sundays visit to the Quarry. On this beautiful spring morning I parked at the Harbour, making my way up to the quarry via King street along the new Granite trail. I stopped at the archway marking the start of the trail to take a breath and admire the stunning views across Dundrum bay.As a crane driver working far below in the harbour lifted boats back into the water after their winter's hibernation, I sat with my back to the forestry wall and began sketching. A perfect day and place, but as any artist will tell you a strong focal point greatly improves a painting. A large tom cat obliged by settling down to doze on a red tin roof. Like pictures, localities also benefit from a well placed focal point and this path certainly provides the Harbour area with one. One way to explore this area is to park in Donard car park and walk along south promenade to the Harbour before climbing the Granite path, then follow the grassy mountain path back towards the glen river and return to the car park via the beautiful glen river path. The information boards along the path recall some of the history surrounding the granite trade and tell the story of how an unfortunate goat met its end when a Bogie cart careered down the mountain. I wonder if its skull is still lying around up there ?