Sunday morning arrived with torrential rain and a pretty big breeze. The breeze got bigger but luckily the rain diminished to occasional showers. Nine hardy riders gathered at Oughterlin, Rathmullan, to follow Francis and Maura’s cryptic treasure trail over 12 miles of beautiful scenery. Divided into three teams of three, the riders were started at intervals. At one stage, Team 3 (Marina, Enda and Libby) overtook Team 2 (Vera, Cyril and Catherine) while Team 1 (Nadine, Damien and Tanya) were occasionally spotted as flourescent yellow dots in the distance around bends in the roads and dips in the hills.

There were one or two ferocious squalls, near-gale force winds, and long spells of dazzling sunshine and brilliant blue skies. Managing the fiercely fluttering sheet of clues was the biggest challenge while discussing solutions over the noise of the wind made for some amusing conversations.

Team 2 eventually reappeared from the wilds to regain their position ahead of Team 3, beating them back to the finish line with a momentous effort up the final few killer hills. The treasure huntmasters totted up the scores while everybody discussed the answers over refreshments under a sunny sky.

Team 1 were victorious on the day but the real heros were the trusty jeeps that towed the horses up some of the Fanad Peninsula’s finest hills to the start point.

Pictured below: Marina and Enda hunting treasure near Glenvar. Further below: The judges’ box.

There’s no sign of the big bright sun we’re hoping for as yet but hopefully it will appear on demand for our team treasure hunt on Sunday. The start and finish point is Oughterlin Church near Rathmullan, an unmistakable landmark in the middle of nowhere with lots of parking.

Start time is 1pm. Please don’t turn up extra-early because 11 o’clock mass will mean the parking is tight!

Teams can be of up to four riders and you should pick your team mates to suit your hacking habits. If you prefer not to trot on the road, make sure your partners don’t plan to aim for the fastest time! You may of course also go as an individual if you like your Sunday solitude. The route is largely over tiny tarred roads with some stretches on untarred laneways.

Francis is planning two circuits — a full-length one for the hardcore competitors (apprx 12 miles) and a shorter version for less ambitious participants.

It would be very helpful in planning start times and refreshments if as many people as possible could let Francis know in advance that they plan to participate – 086 372 2542.

Directions to Treasure Hunt · Download