A Picture Paints a Thousand Words – Oil on Linen Painting by Janice Lightowler

Mussenden Temple was built as a library for Downhill House in the late 18th century. It perches on the edge of the cliff surveying Downhill Strand and Benone Beach from its dramatic setting.

My parents-in-law lived in Castlerock, which is situated on the beach beside Downhill House. My children and I spent every July there during their childhood and the memories are magical!

The scenery is spectacular and we explored every aspect of this incredible place. It often felt like we were the only family on the planet as we walked School Lane to The Twelve Apostles before entering Downhill gardens by the Black Glen entrance, through its Escallonia tunnel.

My parents-in-law’s Guide Dogs knew the way so well and it was always exciting as we decided our route up to Mussenden Temple. Sometimes we would wander through the gardens or if feeling more adventurous, travel into the Black Glen, crossing over the lake before climbing the uneven steps to the Belvedere.

Our walks lasted for hours, even though my parents-in-law were blind they loved how we explained our surroundings and the rough ground was no deterrent to them enjoying the description of the view from the top, which was always breathtaking.

One of the world’s most iconic railway journeys passes under Mussenden Temple through tunnels in the cliffs and waiting for the train to emerge from the tunnel without warning was sensational for everyone. My son saw his first train here at only 6 months old and he is now an engineer, driving and restoring steam engines in the Highlands of Scotland. Living with incredible scenery around him has always been very important. I believe that is down to the spectacular scenery that surrounded him as a child.

If the door to Mussenden Temple was open we never missed a chance to test its echo and push our faces against the glass to see the beach far below and describe to Grandad, how little of the cliff was visible as Mussenden Temple crept towards the cliff edge! Sometimes we had the pleasure to watch the sunset through the large windows of the Temple before heading home for a well-earned supper. Whether standing at the top of the cliff beside Mussenden Temple or seeing it from the beach while walking the dogs, this place is unique and out of this world, no matter how many times you have the pleasure to visit, leaves its mark for a lifetime!

Unfortunately I wasn’t always able to share the walk because of my poor health, however this whole area is a joy to experience and I never minded waiting to hear the stories when the wanderers returned.

My family thankfully have the unbelievable fortune to feel like they are part of this place and we will always have the memories to share and now also this picture that paints a thousand words.