It was a Winter’s Weekend in mid-December when Matt and I were treated to a cosy cabin getaway. And what a treat it was! Fellow parents will know how rare it is to get to enjoy quality R&R alone together, even more of a rarity during this past year.

Many of you will know of my love of the Mournes, so when the opportunity to stay close-by arose, I jumped at the chance. Matt and I have never been away in December before and after this brilliant break, I’d definitely do it again! It was the perfect way to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of pre-Christmas chaos.

For full disclosure, we were gifted a 2 night stay in one of the Carrick Pods with private hot tub. This blog is a review of our stay.

Having dropped Phoebe off at her Nanny’s, Matt and I set off on a rainy Friday afternoon for our first ever glamping experience. I’d been checking the weather religiously - the forecast hadn't been good, but thankfully the weather had other ideas.

The lodges are situated just off Head Road, very close to the popular Carrick Cafe at the foot of Slieve Binnian. It was a novel experience to be staying in such close proximity to the Mournes. As a keen hiker, I’m used to 50+ minutes of a drive to the hills. What a treat to be within walking distance! Knowing we’d be so close, I’d convinced Matt to go for a hike during our stay, hence why I’d been so furiously weather-watching.

Blend x Batch brunch - the perfect pit stop on route

With one of my favourite cafes on the route to the lodge, it was a given that we would stop for a bite. I could think of no better way to begin our getaway than with good coffee and conversation. Fuelled up and beginning to relax, our next stop was the Carrick Cabin.

As we neared our destination, the rain had ceased and the sun began her descent. My eyes were glued to the window. Mourne country is stunning in all seasons, weathers and at any time of the day. Yet, the sunset that winter’s eve had me spellbound. We pulled over and got out to savour the last rays of sunshine.

I remember feeling just so very blessed in that moment. I was getting to spend the weekend in my favourite location, with my favourite person. We were so very close now and arrived at our ‘Donard’ pod at dusk.

We unpacked and got ourselves settled in. We had been so kindly treated to a beautiful bottle of prosecco and cheese board which we enjoyed while cosied up in our sleeping bags. I spent some time reading my favourite magazine before getting freshened up for dinner.

We’d pre-booked our dinner in Newcastle for that evening. It felt like total luxury to be able to visit a restaurant - something we hadn’t been able to do for so long because of covid. It feels even more special now as we’ve since gone back into lockdown and restaurants are still closed.

I can’t recommend ‘Great Jones’ restaurant in Newcastle enough. Super service and excellent food. We thorougly enjoyed our meal and will absolutely be back when we are able to do so. Newcastle is only about 20 mins from the lodges, so is a great shout for food whilst staying there.

After dinner we fired up the hot tub and had our first dip - of many - at the cabin. I was in my element. Cold air outside, toasty warm in the tub! It’s not every day we get the opportunity to avail of a hot tub right outside our door. We made good use of it during our weekend.

On Saturday morning we were greeted with an amazing winter sunrise. Wow! Could this weekend get any more dreamy? Well … yes … yes it could!

After admiring the incredible view, we donned our hiking gear and packed our rucksack before driving not 5 minutes to Carrick Cafe for breakfast. We'd decided to have a light breakfast before our hike and then return to the cafe afterwards for something more substantial. There’s nothing worse than hiking on a heavy stomach - as tempting as the food is in Carrick Cafe!

Carrick Cafe is situated in the perfect location. Sea in front and mountains behind. We snagged a spot with a sea view and enjoyed our breakfast by the heat of the stove. I was in heaven.

We’d checked that it was ok for us to park the jeep at Carrick Cafe for the duration of our hike. We set off from there with the aim to complete the Binnian loop. This is a really lovely walk with a gradual incline up past the stunning Blue Lough.

It had been quite some time since Matt and I hiked together so this hike felt really special. Not only were we getting to trek together, but we were getting to spend the weekend together too.

I recently purchased a really lovely piece of local art for our home - something to mark this special hike. It’s a beautiful mixed media original artwork on Irish Linen by talented local artist, Ruth Osbourne. This piece is from her latest ‘New Dawn’ collection and is entitled ‘Blue Lough’ - inspired by the very lough we passed on our hike. The piece features a mountain silhouette, body of water and a golden sun rising in the cool sky. It was created with block printing inks on Irish Linen in Ruth’s studio in rural County Down.

The Binnian loop trail is a really stunning walk that takes you into the heart of the Mournes. Once you have passed the Blue Lough, Slieve Lamagan looms high up on your right, Slieve Binnian on your left. Straight in front you see Ben Crom, with the reservoir below. After such an initially poor weather forecast, we were delighted to experience views like we did that day.

After a quick stop to admire the view and take on water, we began our ascent up towards Binnian’s North Tor. Ascending Binnian from this side is really picturesque. Thankfully were able to take in the view before walking into the clouds.

The walk between Binnian’s North Tor and the summit is beautiful. There are incredible rock formations and the incline is gradual at this point. We were enveloped by cloud on our hike, but still the scenery is breathtaking.

Once we reached the summit, it was time for a cuppa and a mars bar - one of my favourite parts of any hike! We were still surrounded by cloud until - for a brief moment - the clouds cleared and we were able to enjoy the stunning views of silent valley below us. We quickly packed up our lunch and made our way up and over the summit and into a howling wind!

We took a few snaps on the summit before hot-footing it down the mountain. The sun came out briefly during our descent, before a shower of rain for our last 30 mins of walking. We’d done pretty well to get to that point with dry weather! The initial weather forecast had been threatening rain all day.

A little wet and a lot happy, we re-entered Carrick Cafe, ready for a feed! We warmed ourselves up with hot chocolates and tasty food by the fire before heading back to the cabin.

Tummies full, we headed back to our cabin and fired up the hot tub. Oh, if only every hike could be followed by a dip in the hot tub! No sooner where we back at the cabin, than we kicked off our boots, changed into our swimwear and plunged into the hot, bubbly, steamy waters of the tub. What a way to ease aching knees and sore muscles!

Bliss. Total and absolute bliss.

After a gloriously long soak, we ordered a delicious chinese takeaway from the local chinese in Annalong.

What a day!

We awoke on Sunday to another spectacular sunrise. It is hard to believe that this was the view from our pod! We were straight into our swimming togs to enjoy one last soak.

Matt had to practically drag me into the jeep on Sunday! We’d had such a lovely time and the weather was gorgeous that morning.

Having to leave wasn’t all bad though. We drove into Newcastle for breakfast at Railway St. The drive itself was simply beautiful - the sparkling sea to our right and the mountains to our left.

We managed to sneak into Railway St for a truly delicious breakfast just before a queue formed outside. I ordered my usual sourdough combo before we took our flat whites to-go. Our weekend was completed by a beautiful, blustery walk on the beach. The perfect end to a perfect stay in the Carrick Cabin.

Before you go, it’s good to know:

You need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow.
The private bathroom and communal kitchen are located near the cabin.
It’s cosy inside but bring a blanket if you tend to feel the cold.

Bookings can be made via @carrick_lodge_glamping on Instagram or on Facebook. Pods are located on 234 Head Road, Annalong, Co. Down, BT32 4RJ.