SpartanRedSox.co.uk
  • Home
  • Membership
  • Walk Programme
    • 2022 Programme - Sat.
    • 2022 Programme - Wed.
  • Starting Points and Maps
  • Walk Reports
    • Walk Reports - Sat 2022 >
      • Walk Reports - Sat 2021 >
        • Walk Reports - Sat 2020 >
          • Walk Reports - Sat 2019 >
            • Walk Reports - Sat 2018 >
              • Walk Reports - Sat 2017 >
                • Walk Reports - Sat 2016 >
                  • Walk Reports - Sat 2015 >
                    • Walk Reports - Sat 2014 >
                      • Walk Reports - Sat 2013 >
                        • Walk Reports - Sat 2012 >
                          • Walk Reports - Sat 2011
    • Walk Reports - Wed 2022 >
      • Walk Reports - Wed 2021 >
        • Walk Reports - Wed 2020 >
          • Walk Reports - Wed 2019 >
            • Walk Reports - Wed 2018 >
              • Walk Reports - Wed 2017 >
                • Walk Reports - Wed 2016 >
                  • Walk Reports - Wed 2015 >
                    • Walk Reports - Wed 2014 >
                      • Walk Reports - Wed 2013 >
                        • Walk Reports - Wed 2012
  • SRS Charities
  • Upcoming Events
  • Links
    • Weather >
      • Mourne Mountains
      • BBC Weather
      • Met Office_NI
      • Met Office_ROI
      • AccuWeather
      • YR.NO
    • UFRC
    • Walk NI
    • Tollymore Centre
    • Walkers Association Ireland

Saturday
6th December 2014

Binnian
      Ten Spartans started out on the walk on Sat.I was pleased to see that the weather forecast hadn't put everyone off.
      As it turned out,the weather held out until we got back to our cars at 4pm.
      We started out at Carrick Little car park and went up the lane to reach the Mourne wall which we followed until we reached the lower wall which runs across the Mourne wall. Crossing the Mourne wall we followed the other wall which crosses the spur ,taking us in the direction of Wee Binnian. We stopped at the Quarry for a break before reaching Wee Binnian. It was misty at this hight 400 mtrs, as we reached the summit of Wee Binnian. We followed the wall down to the saddle and then started the main climb The assent of Binnian from the steep southern side following the wall up to the Tors. This is a 300 meter steep climb and we did it in 40 mins. We then crossed between the Tors to reach the Mourne wall again just below the summit where we stopped again foe a break. It was at this point that  we watched some fell 
runners make their way up as they came out of the mist and disappear again. We then followed the wall back down and back to the cars.
      The walk was 10.5 k and we did it in five and a half hours at moderate pace.
Sammy

Saturday 
8th November 2014

Tollymore
      In the absence of Barbara- who is in oz - I took on the task of leading her walk. I had intended to do Commedagh but the weather forecast let us down and so we went for a walk in Tollymore instead. It turned out to be not a bad choice - the autumnal colours were lovely and because of the rain the rivers were fast and flowing and very impressive. Our walk led us past and over many bridges both of stone and wooden variety and we stopped for a photo shoot at Foley 's bridge where we nearly lost our photographer - Nigel - as he slithered down the bank for that perfect shot! It turned out to be quite an historical walk with various members of the group imparting their knowledge about the park or at least making up a tale or two! As usual the craic was good and we all thoroughly enjoyed a pleasant day out.
Marian

Saturday 
25th October 2014

Yellow River, Mournes

Saturday
11th October 2014

Pigeon, Moughanmore, Eagle
      We started our walk from Deers Meadow in beautiful bright and sunny weather, with not even a breeze - a surprise to us all as it looked like the calm spell that we'd enjoy through September had ended... (best September weather in almost a century).
      The views were fantastic. Surprising clear considering the lack of a breeze and we could see to the Belfast Hills and the distant Sperrins and the higher Eastern Mournes.
      The ascents Pigeon to Slieve Moughanmore were very pleasant and we enjoyed our first lunch on the summit of Moughanmore.
      Later we descended to Windy Gap, we were faced with the climb of the day... Eagle. ... but as we went .. one step at a time, we soon found ourselves sitting on the cairn at Eagle for our second lunch.
     We descended from the ridge above the Great Gully looking down into the Attical Valley and views of the route that we had come. The hills changed colour wonderfully in the autumn 
light. Hills that shone in bright sunshine 30 minutes earlier, could become dark and looming as a  cloud came over.
      Our last ascent was out off the Attical Valley and to the carpark below Pigeon Rock.
      A very pleasant Autumn day. A big Thanks to James and Audrey for their work and leadership. 

Saturday 4th October 2014

Meelbeg, Mournes

Saturday
27th September 2014

      A dozen Spartans set off from the Meelmore Lodge at around 10.15 am and headed along the Trassey Road at a brisk pace towards Happy Valley. It was “Goldilocks” weather – not too hot and not too cold – just right for a day’s walking. Throughout most of the day there was intermittent sunshine with mostly blue skies streaked with high, white cloud – enabling Henry, the Spartan’s official photographer for the day, to skilfully capture many of the wonderful vistas that opened up on all sides.
      Having ascended up Happy Valley, the group stopped for a snack at the col between Meelbeg and Meelmore. Thereafter, we followed the Mourne Wall to the Water tower/Slieve Meelmore summit. Next it was a sharp right following the Wall down to Pollapucha Valley. During the lower part of the ascent, I staged a little divertissement by testing the hardness of a granite slab with my forehead i.e. I slipped – due, I think, to the collapse of my right walking pole – and fell, banging my head and sundry other parts in the process.However, the Spartan medical corps moved in with commando like speed and dealt with the situation with calm, confident efficiency. As Joan applied the dressing to my forehead, she pointed out that, as a Gynae Sister, she was more used to dealing with matters lower down the human anatomy! 
Thanks to Joan, Helen, Marian, Rachel and everyone for your kind ministrations. 
David later reminded me that he always knew I was a headbanger! 
      Minidrama over, we steadily ascended Slieve Bernagh. The tough climb to the summit was rewarded by panoramic views on all sides as we rested and had lunch. After lunch, we walked around the South and North tors of Bernagh before descending to the Hare’s Gap – there was very noticeable erosion on the way down. After a brief stop at the Hare’s gap, it was down the Trassey Track to the Meelmore Lodge. On arriving there, we noticed that the 
wing mirror on Richard’s car had been vandalised. When we asked in the cafe about the CCTV coverage, we were advised that it is no longer working – everyone please note for future reference!
      Over coffee, we resolved those remaining world problems that we hadn’t manage to address during the earlier walk. As in the conclusion of an Enid Blyton story, we all went home tired but happy!

Eamonn

Saturday
20th September 2014

      With the fine September weather continuing, we set off from the Yellow Water River car park and climbed through the trees alongside the river, to come out onto the path and follow it to the southern side of Tievedockdarragh.The ascent of Tievedockdarragh was over tussocky heathers and grasses and after enjoying the views from the top – (the Cooleys to the south across Carlinford Lough; the Ring of Gullion and the western Mournes), we rested at the wall and enjoyed the warm sunshine before following the line of the wall across boggier ground (which was reasonably dry after the spell of dry weather) and a sharp climb to the ridge of Shanlieve.
      At Shanlieve the view opened up wonderfully with all of the Mournes major peaks visible.
      After lunch on Shanlieve, we crossed the shallow depression that divides the top from its neighbour, Eagle and descended to the Windy Gap – a temporary marker had been installed here for use by participants of the Mourne 
Mountain Marathon. What a great weekend they were getting!!!
      At the Windy Gap, we turned north west, along the side of Eagle and crossed the Rocky River before turning north and ascending Tornarock.
      We descended the western side of Rocky to finally reach our finishing point at Leitrim Lodge car park.
      A very pleasant early Autumn walk.
Thank you David and Rachel.

Saturday
13th September 2014

Carlingford

Saturday
6th September 2014

Binnian, Mournes

Saturday 30th August 2014

Mournes

August Bank Holiday
Weekend 2014

Donegal 
      10 people from the Spartan’s travelled to Dunlewy, Donegal over the August Bank Holiday weekend and stayed at The Dunlewy Lodge Self Catering House and B & B accommodation - Radharc an Ghleanna – both with beautiful views over Dunlewy Lake and The Poisoned Glen and the profile of the Derryveagh Mountains with Slieve Snaght beyond.
      On Saturday, Frank led a walk from our accommodation to the top of Slieve Snaght – which was quite a walk – 8 hours and ample opportunities to walk on very boggy ground and exposed rock and with great views of the surrounding area – and as far off as Sligo and the Sperrins.
      On Sunday, James and Audrey lead us to the top of Errigal and to the top of Errigal’s diminutive neighbour - Slieve Mackoght.
      We were very lucky to have enjoyed good 
weather over most of the weekend and Marie had organised for us to eat out both evenings - Sean Og Restaurant for Saturday evening meal and  An Chuirt Hotel for Sunday evening meal. 
      A great weekend of walking and craic was enjoyed by all.
      Thanks to Marie for organising such a great weekend.

July Trip, 12-19th July 2014

Letterfrack, Connemara

Saturday 31st May, 2014

Craigamaddy Circuit, Sperrins.
Spartans met at Glenelly Centre and ascended Dart from south. Great views over to Derry; Lough Foyle and Donegal. 
     We crossed the saddle to Sawel and descended south again to reach the road and the walk back to the centre.
      Glorious weather throughout.

May Bank Holiday Trip

      Ten club members arrived at the Guest House at Magheramore - just outside Clonmany on the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal. The weather looked reasonable for the weekend. 
      On the Saturday we drove to Butler's Bridge, just west of Clonmany village. We followed the path up the glen to the east of Raghtin More and lunched at the saddle with Mamore Hill to the west. 
      We climbed Mamore Hill and looked over to the Urris Hills and Lough Swilly beyond and beyond that - the Knockalla Ridge to the beach at Port Salon. The club had completed the Knocksalla walk last year.
      We returned from Mamore Hill and ascended the southern rise of Crockmann and Raghtin More and to the col with Raghtin Beg before descending north east back to the glen where we took in the view of the waterfall and headed home for a rest, a shower and a meal.
      The following day was mush greyer, cloudier and misty. Our plan was to park off the R244 and take the series of paths (made for the peat cutters there) and then we ascended the northern ridge of Slieve Snaght Beg and then Slieve Snaght itself. 
      We sheltered in the walled enclosure around the triangulation point and had our lunch before descending the same route back to the cars.
      On our final day, we travelled over the Mamore Gap and visited the Dunree Fort Museum at Dunree Head. Great views of Lough 
Swilly. A quick stop and a walk through Buncrana as the thunder and lightening rolled and off home again through the torrential rain.

A great weekend. 
Thank you to Jim and Joan.

Saturday 17th May 2014

Cushendun to Ballycastle
      The weather on the north Antrim coast didn't quite turn out as wet as forecast - so we enjoyed a dry if overcast day walking from Cushendun to Ballycastle.
      The cloud was high enough for us to see Knocklayd above our destination and to see the Paps of Jura beyond Islay and later to spot the high peaks on Aran Island behind Kintyre.
      Always a pleasure to reach our destination and enjoy a fish supper there and contemplate a long day .... and a good day's walking. 
Thanks Jack.


Mayday holiday weekend

      Thirteen Spartans met up in Newport, Co Mayo to enjoy the Bank Holiday.
      The weekend weather was unsettled with low cloud and a threat of rain.
      On Saturday we had a great walk which began at Treenlaur Youth Hostel beside Lough Furnace and  included parts of The Western Way and The Letterkeen Loop Walk - about 22kms in total.
      On Sunday most of the group decided to cycle on the Cycle Greenway from Newport to Mulranny. 
      The Greenway traverses Ireland’s Atlantic coast between Westport town and Achill Island and visits the picturesque villages of Newport and Mulranny (Mallaranny). It passes by some of the West of Ireland’s most dramatic mountains and offers magnificent views of 
Clew Bay and its many islands and although our views may have been a little limited by the low cloud - we still had an excellent cycle which offered much to see and hear along the way.  
      All in all we had a great time. Thank you to Rachel and David for organising such an enjoyable weekend.

Saturday 26th April 2014

Slievelamagan and Cove
      Peter Young had promised that his walk on April 26 would not be the annual "stroll" to Ben Crom so it was with a certain amount of trepidation that five Spartans met at Meelmore Lodge at more or less the appointed hour of 10.15am. It emerged that our target was Slievelamagan, reached by an interesting route of Hare's Gap and the Ben Crom reservoir. 
      The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme was in full cry in this, the final weekend of the Easter holidays. Tents had been pitched at Meelmore Lodge and in the hills and we encountered several groups of enthusiastic and disturbingly fit youngsters following their maps with great care. All seemed to be enjoying the challenge.
      The leaders of the DoE scheme informed us that it had been raining heavily from 4am until around 9am, and there was evidence of this as we made our ascent to Hare's Gap. The skies had cleared but there was a bit of an easterly breeze. The streams were however full to overflowing and despite our best efforts boots were immersed in the water as we forded the waterways.
      At Hare's Gap there was a welcome pause. We watched in admiration as the leading runners in the Commedagh Challenge fell running race bounded up the gradient and through the gate at the wall as they strode manfully up towards Slievenaglogh. This explained why there had been such an 
overflow of cars at the Trassey Track parking area - which was the starting point for this gruelling event - and why the Mourne Mountain Rescue vehicles were strategically placed adjacent to Trassey Track.
      We managed to squeeze in a short coffee break at the head of Ben Crom Reservoir. Then it was down the well established track along the eastern shoreline of the reservoir, from where we had lovely views down along the water and up towards Ben Crom mountain. This was all too easy but Peter then signalled a left turn and we faced the challenging ascent up to the col between Binnian and Slievelamagan before turning left again and on up to the peak of Slievelamagan. As we ascended the slope, we paused to admire the sensational views across to Bearnagh and back to Slieve Binnian. 
      At the top we encountered, to mutual surprise, the lone figure of SRS member Ed Johnston, getting in some practice for the Seven Sevens in August. He was heading in the opposite direction, having come from Donard Park via Commedagh but unfortunately it was too windy to have a joint lunch stop. Instead, we headed north to Cove Mountain, but the wind had strengthened and blown in some low cloud, the result being that we made our descent from Slievelamagan in rather misty conditions.
      We halted just beyond the coll in what passed for a sheltered spot for some refreshment, and took stock of the next challenge - the track up and round the western 
flank of Cove. Gloves were donned and anoraks put on as a skiff of rain passed through and then, all too soon, it was time for the off. 
      We completed the walk around Cove in misty conditions, a pity because we missed the views but by the time we were ascending Slieve Beg, the sky had brightened. We surprised a walker who had just completed a solo ascent of the Devil's Coachroad and were able to take a picture for him of his moment of triumph.
      Then it was on and over Beg (how come this is Irish for small, some mistake surely) and across to the familiar terrain of the Brandy Pad. We managed to get out of the breze for another refreshment stop and then, with the wind on our backs and the sun shining brightly, we made for the Hare's Gap. Another short pause was called here before we descended the Trassey Track before cutting left across to Meelmore Lodge where, to our delight, the cafe was still open (summer closing time 6pm) and still serving refreshing coffee, rhubarb pie and ice cream. Yum.
      We were back at base at 5.15pm which means we had spent almost six hours in the hills - a sound test of walkers and equipment. Thanks to Peter for coming up with such an original route and for guiding his flock around with such aplomb. The chat was good and the exercise excellent. All in all, an absorbing day, and no doubt Peter will already be planning his next "stroll".

Easter Trip
19th April 2014

Brecon Beacons
     Eighteen Spartans made the journey to the beautiful converted barn accomodation of Glynmeddig - near Sennybridge in Powys, South Wales - on the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park.
      Our first walk on Easter Sunday was the waterfalls at Pontneddfechan. A low level walk which includes a number of impressive waterfalls - one of which we could walk behind the water of the falls - Sgwd yr Eira.
      Other walks throughout the week were:-  
      Carmarthen Fans and Glacial Cwms - the shortest route to the high summits of Mynydd Du (The Black Mountain). We climbed above the tarn of Llyn y Fan Fach (legend of The Lady of the Lake) and along the tops of Waun Lefrith, Fan Brycheiniog and down by Bwlch Giedd to the second tarn of Lyn y Fan Fawr.
      The Neuadd Horseshoe. Taking in the 
three highest peaks in South Wales - Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du. 
      Others activities included cycling on the Brecons/Monmouthshire Canal; some of the group visiting Cardiff, Swansea, Hay-on-Wye, Llanthony Priory and some of us walked sections of the Offas Dyke Path.
      The weather was a little unsettled at times - but mostly good and Frank used the best days to do the bigger walks so that we had great views etc
      A great week with plenty of variety in walks and activities and great food and craic.
Nigel

Saturday 19th April 2014

Spellack - Mourne Mountains
      With the senior squad fulfilling an important away fixture in Wales on April 19, there was a gap in the local Spartan calendar. This was ably filled by Marie Doran and so it was that five Red Sox mustered at Meelmore Lodge in glorious sunshine for a walk up the seldom visited but impressive summit of Spellack. From there we proceeded up the distinctive track to Meelmore, pausing now and then both to catch our breath and admire the sensational views. More sun cream was applied as we took a break at the peak. The Mournes were unusually busy, with a number if family groups some of which were accompanied, somewhat worryingly, by dogs which were off the lead - in contravention of the guidelines. Still, at least there was no sign of any sheep on the slopes.
     From Meelmore we descended the slightly easier left side of the wall down to Windy Gap, 
where we regrouped and watched in awe the rock climbers abseiling down a rock face as we prepared for the ascent of Bearnagh. We skirted round the mountain and the too a sudden left up a steep heather-covered slope to the summit. We were glad when the lunch gong sounded and found a spot where we were protected from the brisk breeze. We could then sit back to admire the unusual rock formations and the views across Silent Valley and over to Carlingford Lough. Mesmerising!
      The descent to Hare's Gap was eased greatly by the exceptionally good footing, thanks to the recent spell of dry weather. The mist cleared from distant Donard and we were able to take in the full majesty of the Mournes bathed in sunshine. 
      At Hare's Gap we found a little sun trap just over the wall where a snack was par taken of. Again, it was noticeable how many people were taking advantage of the beautiful weather for a hike up the Trassey Track. 
      All too soon it was time to go up the first section of Slievenaglogh to the stile, which took us to the top of the Green Road, a gentle and pleasantly quiet descent to Trassey Track. On the way down we had a great view of the route we had taken, feeling a gentle glow of pride!
      Then it was across Trassey Track and round the base df Spellack, homing in on the stile leading to the path to Meelmore Lodge. Despite the number of holiday weekend tents in the campsite the cafe was uncrowded, so there was time for a restorative coffee and apple pie or fruit loaf before we hit the road.
      The stats: mileage: 6.1, average moving speed, 1.7mph. Time on the move, 3 hrs 37 minutes. Time on hills....5.5 hours. 
      Thanks again to Marie for stepping into the breach.

Robin Morton


Saturday 
29th March 2014

Slieve Gullion

Saturday 22nd March 2014

      With a favourable change in the weather forecast on Saturday morning, a high level traverse from Meelmore Lodge to Donard Park via the brandypad became the route for the walk. We met at Donard Park and took some cars to Meelmore Lodge. We made our way to the Hares Gap via the Trassey Track. After a short break, we walked along the Brandypad. The early morning mist lifted to give great views of Slievebeg, Upper Cove, Lamagan, Binnian, Bernagh, Slievenaglogh, Slieve Corragh and Ben Crom Reservoir. As we came near the castles of Commedagh, we went off the beaten track and headed toward the Mourne Wall in the direction of Commedagh. At the wall, we were greeted with a thick band of cloud and a hail shower. A classic case of Sod's law - you get bad weather in the exact place where you don't want it! Thankfully, it was a passing shower and after lunch at the Donard/Commedagh saddle, we made a leisurely descent to Donard Park via the Glen River track. The total distance walked was just under 13km. We drove back to Meelmore Lodge for coffee.

St Patricks Weekend
15-17th March 2014

Wicklow

Saturday
8th March 2014

      There were about a dozen walkers on David's walk today. The weather was dry but quite a strong wind blowing from the south - the direction we were walking.
      We met a Leitrim Lodge car park and crossing over the little ridge to south west and the Reid Hall Hill road to climb Wee Roosley and the ridge of Slieve Roosley and Leckan Hill.
    Our exit back to Rostrevor was through Ballymoney Wood.
     A great walk. Thank you David.

Saturday
1st March 2014

Murlough to Newcastle

Saturday
18th January 2014

The rain lashed down as I drove up to Divis Mountain carpark, wondering would I be the only one foolish enough to show up. To my surprse, there were 7 of us; the rain persisited thoguh slackened as we put our hands down and marched briskly up Divis and onto Black Mountain. The National Trust have done great work on the trail network, recent extensions made it possible to stay dry shod and on path for the full duration. We had good company, good raingear, about 15 mins worth of secenery when the cloud lifted, and the last of the Christmas chocolates (thanks to Marian) and at 2 1/2 hours the walk was long enough to get our appetites up for that nights dinner.
Gerard
Picture

Saturday 
11th January 2014

Slieve Croob

Saturday 
4th January 2014

Mournes: Ott, Carn and Slieve Muck.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.