Recently this year, I lost my mum to a pretty rare gastric cancer called Linitis Plastica, which ultimately turned my world inside out.

As time has slowly went on, as hard as it’s been, I find so much solace getting lost in the beauty that’s surrounds me.

So, when I heard of the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (nicknamed “Stairway to Heaven”) and saw the pictures… I knew I needed to trek it.

I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of this place before.

It was the perfect location to get lost - or at least made me feel as though I was the only person in the world when I got to the top.

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The boardwalk itself goes through one of the largest blanket bogs in Northern Ireland - ahead of that you’ll be walking through farmlands and open mountain paths.

Altogether, the route is around 7.5km in length.

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Overall it wasn’t too bad - just the last stretch of the board walk is quite difficult. It literally is walking up the side of a mountain - but please don’t let that stop you from seeing this place.

The accomplishment you feel when you reach the top is indescribable.

The scenic views are the most breath-taking - you can see as far as your eyes will allow.

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If I’m honest, no camera does this place justice, it just needs to be seen with your own eyes.

There’s a beautiful heart-shaped lake as you ascend to the top - you can’t miss it.

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Remember to bring water and some food.

When you reach the top, the platform is quite small and there can be lots of people.

Also, if the top of the boardwalk is open when you go (sometimes closed to give the landscape a bit of reprieve from footfall), do still remember to take care; it’s full of loose boulders, has a few steep drops and can be quite slippy.

Absolutely worth it.

I’ll be back again soon.