An internet search for "the Devils Coach road" returns dizzy images, each one competing to portray this frightening cleft in the Mournes, phrases accompanying the photographs include; 'scary up here', 'got the head staggers' ,'had to keep back from the edge', 'butterflies rose in my stomach and the palms began to sweat!', and most worryingly of all 'turned back a third of the way up'. While experienced climbers view the route as a quick way up Slieve Beg most would also agree it should not be not be tackled by anyone like myself with a fear of heights or lacking the necessary experience. I have sketched the coach road a number of times without plans or desire to actually climb it; but like the weather, plans can change quickly in the Mountains. On Sunday morning I joined an experienced team from Walks in the Mournes, the intention was to capture footage for a mountain navigation video. The route plan took us up Shan Slieve, across the top of Commedagh and down by the Castles, before following the Annalong river to the base of the coach road and decision time. Its quite easy to reach the top of Slieve Beg by choosing a more gentle gradient or fake a strained ankle, limp home, and resolve to give it a go some other time. Similar thoughts crossed the mind of the man known as the worlds greatest living explorer. Out on the polar wastes, Sir Ranulph Fiennes was asked by his companion if he would welcome picking up an injury as an excuse to call off the expedition? No, he replied but I keep hoping that something might happen to you. Collecting my thoughts before attempting the ascent a prolonged and determined bout of wishing failed to provide a reason not to climb or even sprain someone else's ankle. Unsuitable conditions, lack of ability or proper equipment are among the many worthy excuses for not giving it a go, fear I'm afraid is not. Gripping loose rocks, barely attached to the mountain I made my way up the scree slope, through the gully and scrambled out on top of Slieve beg. The view from the top of any mountain is memorable, climbing up I was careful not to spoil this one it by looking down; the satisfaction of making the top was marred by thoughts that I'll probably come back this way again or end up attempting worse in the future, after all 'Better the Devil you know'.