Mon 30th Dec - Weds 1st Jan
Donegal
A few Spartans ended up in the wilds of Donegal for New Year and enjoyed a few fine days for various walks. Some hiked up Errigal - Donegal's highest peak - and were rewarded with a view of a rare brockenspectre surrounding Frank. Others had a very scenic headland walk round the Rosguill peninsula. Another walk was spent in Glenveagh National Park with great views of Muckish and the surrounding hills. A great way to spend the New Year. |
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Sat 14th Dec
Mournes
Saturday 14th December and 13 Spartans set out up Hen track at 10:30. We skirted around Hen and picked up the Mourne Way before climbing Slievenamiskan. From there it was a short climb to the top of Cock Mountain. The wind was cold and fierce as we headed down to the Hen track which we crossed it and headed up Rocky Mountain. Again the wind at the top would have blown you over but in the sun on the way down out of the wind it was actually quite warm. It was good to get out in the hills and experience the elements, always clears the head. Thank you Irene. |
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Sat 7th Dec
Knockdhu to Glenarm
13 Spartans braved the elements of wind and mist and started off from Knockdhu carpark to hike over Scawt hill, Black hill, and eventually into Glenarm where we ended up in a little hostelry for some Xmas cheer. Thank you Jack
(Too misty for photos!!)
(Too misty for photos!!)
Sat 30th Nov
Slieve Donard
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Slieve Donard is not an easy climb but it was completed very successfully by 13 Spartans on Saturday. The route via Round Seefin and Long Seefin meant we saw the Mournes from a different perspective and the mountains looked spectacular in the winter light. It was literally freezing at the top and the descent down the other side was much colder, the ground being completely rock hard. We made good time and to the disappointment of some we didn’t need our head torches but they are now at the ready for further adventures. Thanks to my fellow walkers for a great day. Barbara |
Sat 16th Nov
Meelbeg
A good turnout of 20 walkers met at Meelmore Lodge for the walk which headed up the Meelmore Lane, across onto Trassey Track and towards Pollaphuca. We then followed the wall over Meelmore and onward to the summit of Meelbeg before commencing our descent northwest down the spine of Meelbeg. The mists cleared to give some lovely views as we approached the Ulster Way for our return to Meelmore Lodge for very welcome refreshments. Joan |
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Sat 12th October
Slieve Roosley
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Slieve Roosley walk, 14km, one shower but otherwise a perfect day. Thanks to David for leading. |
Sat 28th Sept
Slieve Binnian
Great walk with great view. Thanks Helen.
Sat 21st Sept
Garron Plateau
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The weather was on our side as we headed uphill towards the Trosks in bright sunshine and a soft warm breeze on our backs. We lunched just below Big Trosk looking across the wide and beautiful expanse that is the Garron plateau. We walked across the open moorland to reach Lough Natullig, then picking up the loughs overflow stream we walked alongside the Altmore Burn with its many tiny waterfalls cascading down the side of the mountain. The views across Glenariff glen were truly magnificent in the bright and clear autumn sunshine. Lunching by the burn we noticed what we thought was smoke rising from the rocks a little way off. Dave Wiggins went to investigate and realised it was steam rising with a strong sulphur smell. Needless to say we were keen to contact the Irish Geological Society as soon as we got back!! The walk along the Glenariff river into Waterfoot and round to Cushendal was a gentle end to the days adventures with a few stops added to gorge on the Blackberries!!. Refreshments were had in the Londonderry Arms. Thanks to all for a great day in the hills. Jack.
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Sat 31st Aug
Doan & Carn
15 Spartans met at the Banns Road car park on a blustery morning. We headed off up the Banns Road towards Lough Shannagh with a few ominous clouds floating across the sky. On reaching Lough Shannagh we ascended Doan stopping for lunch on top. After lunch with a stunning back drop we headed down Doan and up to Ott Stile where we followed the wall to the top of Carn getting caught in a brief hail shower on the way. We then followed the wall down Carn and back onto the Banns Road to the car park. Graham |
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23rd to 26th August
Bank holiday trip to Killalla, Mayo
Derek organised a great weekend in County Mayo staying in cottages in the village of Killala, north of Ballina. This was a new area for the Spartans to explore …
Our first day’s hike was to the summit of Nephin (806m) which dominates the landscape for miles around. The second day was a great coastal walk – Bunwee Head with its cliffs, arches, stacks and islands, offering some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the Wild Atlantic way. Our final stop was to Downpatrick Head with its spectacular blowhole and WW2 emblem. Thanks Derek … a very enjoyable trip …
Our first day’s hike was to the summit of Nephin (806m) which dominates the landscape for miles around. The second day was a great coastal walk – Bunwee Head with its cliffs, arches, stacks and islands, offering some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the Wild Atlantic way. Our final stop was to Downpatrick Head with its spectacular blowhole and WW2 emblem. Thanks Derek … a very enjoyable trip …
Sat 17th Aug
Murlough to Cushendun
Ed had the privilege of leading 7 spartan ladies on this adventurous walk which contained 20+ obstacles - fast flowing streams, barbed wire fences etc. His leather strap came in quite useful!!!
We started at a very blustery Murlough car park and quickly made our way to the coast. The scenery was beautiful with great views across to the Mull of Kintyre. We walked south towards Torr Head stopping for our lunch in the sun down at the pebbly beach where we had 4 curious seals looking on. Continuing up onto the escarpment we could not escape a heavy downpour but it cleared quickly and soon the sun had dried us off. We continued our walk up through an area of wood now owned by the National Trust and then dropped back down to the coast to finish off at our waiting cars at Cushendun 8 hours after starting at Murlough. We were all quite tired after this quite challenging hike but all agreed it certainly was an adventure. Thanks to Ed for all his hard work in not only leading today but for doing the recce and bashing out a path through some tricky undergrowth. |
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Sat 3rd Aug
Mournes
11 Spartans set out from Meelmore Lodge on what was to be a lovely day with only a slight chance of rain. Although soon after starting the rain started and stayed with us till we reached the top of Bearnagh. Not to be deterred we headed on across the summit of Bearnagh and down into the Hares Gap ascending up on to Slieve NaGlough where we stopped for lunch. Low cloud and fog followed us up onto Corragh and to the base of Commedagh where we descended down onto the Brandy Pad and made our way back to Meelmore Lodge via the Hares Gap.
Graham |
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Sat 27th July
Shane's Hill to Cairncastle
Noel’s walk took us over Shane’s Hill, Agnew Hill, Star Bog, Sallagh Braes, Knockdhu, Knockdhu Souterrain and down into Cairncastle via the Spanish chestnut tree. Great day for the hills, super walk and a lovely wee coffee in Matties after.
Sat 20th July
Mournes
Meelmore and Slieve Bearnagh hike - Beautiful walking weather, thanks to Mike for leading.
Sat 6th to 13th July
Summer trip to Dingle
Sat 29th June
North Coast
Sat 15th June
Slieve Binnian
Bit of rain on the way up and bitterly cold up top but just cleared as we started the descent, lots of water running off the hills! Thanks to Joan for stepping into the breach! :)
Sat 8th June
Slieve Donard
Sun 2nd June
Rathlin
A select group of 6 Spartans gathered at Ballycastle and took the 11 am ferry to Rathlin. Only two stalwarts had also done Jacks 16 mile Walk the day before.We were blessed with clear skies and sunshine. On arriving we took the bus to the Bird sanctuary at the west lighthouse where the birds were well in attendance. It was hard to see puffins as they were in their burrows nesting with their young. Some were however spotted. We then got the bus back to the village and then walked to Rue point at the other end of the island. There were at least 15 seals basking in the sun at this end making the trip worthwhile. Finally a cup of tea was enjoyed in the Manorhouse before the return ferry.
David |
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Sat 1st June
Cushendun to Ballycastle
Thurs 23rd to Tues 28th May
Bank Holiday trip to Onich, Scotland
A hardy group of 11 spartans took the ferry and drove to Onich near Glencoe or flew and took the bus. Our first walk was the climb of Stob Dearg and a walk along the Buclave Etive More ridge. Two Munroes bagged on a beautiful sunny day. The climb involved an interesting scramble in a gully but all attained the summit.
We then had two rainy days. However we had a good low level walk inGlen Nevis involving cutting through thick undergrowth on steep slopes on the first day. On the next rainy day we walked from the house and had a nice forest walk followed by a ferry journey and lunch in Ardgour pub. Finally the last Walking day was sunny and we climbed Stob Ban in the Mamores. This involved a lovely glen walk to reach the mountain and then fantastic views back to the cliff faces of Ben Nevis and other views of endless Scottish mountains. A couple of walkers also climbed Sgor an Iubhair. A good meal was had by all in the local pub that night. We made the long journey back the next day again in sunlight having exercised or legs well. David |
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Sat 11th May
Lecale Way
After a few inclement days some 16 Spartans and 2 guests met in Ardglass on this promising Saturday morning hoping the forecast for a good day would be correct. It proved to be the case and the sun shone pretty much throughout this lovely scenic walk. A few cars transferred everyone to the start point at Kilclief to walk back to Ardglass along section 2 of the Lecale Way which connects Strangford and Newcastle. The first section of the walk involved some scrambling over rocks, a bit of marshy ground and a mix of beach and grassland walking. We walked uninterrupted along the beaches with low tide and stopped at Ballyhornan for lunch with a great view over Guns Island. It was Geo week and there was some activity on the beach including ‘Land Art’ and a very knowledgeable organiser told us of glacial activity that resulted in the very varied rock types that can be seen along this section of coast. A beach clean was due to start soon after we departed so we took a few bags and picked up some litter along the way which we left by a council provided bin in Ardglass. The second half of the walk was mostly along well walked paths and offered great views out to sea and passing St Patrick’s Well soon before joining back on to quiet country lanes and avoiding the busier main road until we reached the outskirts of Ardglass. Arriving back in Ardglass we arranged lifts back for drivers of the cars parked at the start point while others availed of the excellent little coffee shop before heading for home.
What a lovely way to spend a Saturday!! Jo |
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Fri 3rd to Mon 6th May
Bank holiday weekend to Buncrana
The accommodation for the early May trip to Buncrana was Sallys Vineyard a large 5 bedroom house about a mile out of the town. On Saturday we set off for our walk in Butlers Glen in the Urris hills, this way marked walk took us on a 12k route through the heart of the Urris hill on a bright sunny day, leaving us time for a pint in Clonmany afterwards. On Sunday we climbed Sleive Snaght(615m), again a nice dry day which turned windy and cold as we finished lunch on the summit. After decending and warming ourselves at the North Pole ( a local pub) we returned to the house and held a pool tournament before going to the Lake of Shadows Hotel for a lovely meal. The weekend finished with Marian leading us on a walk along Pollan Beach and for a final snack in Nancy's Barn before splitting up and heading home. Thanks to all those who helped over the weekend another great team effort.
Joan and Jim |
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Sat 27th April
Mournes
Four Spartans and one visitor joined for this walk commencing at Hen Carpark. Although there had been heavy rain during the previous night, it had stopped by the time of our walk and we enjoyed dry weather throughout the day. However, there were strong winds caused by storm Hannah and we kept to the lower mountains and hills including, Hen, Tornamrock, Pierces Castle and Altataggart. Total distance was 8.25 miles. We enjoyed a great day with good company.
James and Audrey
James and Audrey
Sat 20th - Thurs 25th April
Easter trip to Wicklow
17 Spartans stayed at 3 self-catering cottages at Abhainn Ri near Blessington. The views were fantastic overlooking Blessington Lakes and surrounding hills. The only sounds to be heard were from the numerous cute lambs skipping around the fields and from equally cute and very friendly donkeys. We were very lucky to have 3 days of excellent weather conditions and completed 3 great walks - a climb to the top of Leinster's highest peak, Lugnaquilla - a lovely hike down to Lough Dan and up Kanturk Mountain - a circular loop round the Spinc at Glendalough. On the 4th day the weather turned a lot cooler and damp so we made the most of other nearby attractions - Russborough House, Japanese Gardens and Kildare stud farm. Our volunteer cooks provided some very fine dining and our musicians were in fine tune. Our final night was spent at The Hollywood Inn - great fish and chips. All in all we had a lovely few days spent enjoying the walking, the company and the craic. Marian |
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Sat 13th April
Lamagan
The forecast was for unseasonably cool weather and that was more or less what we got - but at least it was dry .... quite a bit of cloud cover .. There were 13 of us and we walked from Carrick Little car park up along the path and past Annalong Wood to Percy Bysshe and up to Lower Cove. The gusts of wind up to the saddle between Cove and Lamagan were quite strong but we managed to be fairly sheltered from the worst of the wind. It was quite cold though. After our lunch atop Lamagan, we descended to the saddle with Binnian and returned to Carrick Little via Binnian Lough. Quite a tough walk around Binnian Lough as there is no clear path and the ground is quite rough. We finished off the day with a cuppa in the coffee shop at Carrick Little. Nigel |
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Sat 6th April
Meelmore, Meelbeg
Despite forewarnings of a crowded car park at Meelmore Lodge, everyone seemed to get parked fine. Day started off sunny but with a cold wind. Eighteen of us (plus one gathered up on the way) headed up from the Lodge to the mass of Meelmore. There was some snow scattered on the high tops of the hills, but nothing too serous. We continued along the foot of Meelmore keeping to the right side of the Trassey River. Despite the heavy rain of the past few days, the ground was not too wet and we basked in the sunshine. One easy stream crossing before reaching the main track running at the side of Slieve Bernagh up to Pollaphuca. Choice (always a bad idea) of routes up Meelmore, but we all met up at the top. Wind not as strong and the views were good, if a little hazy. We followed the Mourne Wall down to the crest between the two mountains where we had lunch. A pull up along the Wall brought us to the top of Meelbeg. Again there were not bad views of the hills dusted with snow. |
We headed off down the ridge into Happy Valley. The track down was not very obvious but we negotiated the steep bits and reached the main track down from the coll between Meelmore and Meelbeg. Instead of going along the road back to the Lodge, we headed along the wall to the style at the top of lane leading down to the Lodge. A well earned cuppa awaited us. The weather had been kind to us, and it even felt warm. Richard
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Sat 30th March
Eagle from Attical
We gathered in Attical village in sunshine and made our way to the end of Sandy Brae which was the start of the walk. It wasn’t long before the clouds and mist came down to block the views of the top of Eagle Mountain.
We walked along the valley floor and made our way up a rough old quarry track towards Eagle. We made our way along the cliff track passing the Great Gully. With the help of David’s compass we found the cairn at the summit of Eagle. Lunch was had at a sheltered spot next to the wall. We then descended to Windy Gap and as the clouds lifted we went up over Slieve Moughanmore, down the opposite of it and back to the valley floor via another old quarry track. As The clouds lifted and the views improved as we made our way down Eagle all 16 of us enjoyed the walk and the 3 new visitors all agreed that they would return to join us again! Some of us then had a well deserved coffee stop in sunny Kilkeel to keep us going for our journey home. Rachel |
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Sat 23rd March
Slieve Corragh
It was a beautiful fresh, sunny and clear Spring day in the Mournes today. There were 14 Spartans at Meelmore Lodge for the start of the walk which took us up the Green Road and over Slievenaglogh and Slieve Corragh and descending between Corragh and Commedagh to the Brandy Pad (although two intrepid Spartans added on the ascent ... and descent of Commedagh). We returned via the Hares Gap and finished the day with a cuppa in Meelmore Lodge. Nigel
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Sat 16th March
Brandy Pad
The group set off from Trassey Car Park on a wet and windy morning with the intention of walking over Bearnagh, NaGlough and Corragh. It soon became apparent that the gusts of wind were way too strong to attempt climbing Bearnagh so instead we diverted up onto the Hares Gap and headed out across the Brandy Pad to the base of Commedagh. With the gusts of wind still very strong we decided against going up onto Corragh and walked on across the Brandy Pad to below the castles on Commedagh where we had lunch. We returned via the Brandy Pad and Hares Gap and luckily only got caught in a few heavy showers. The sun even made an attempt to appear over the top of Donard at one stage.
Graham |
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Sat 9th March
Lagan Towpath
10 of us had a really lovely walk along the tow path. Weather was perfect and the river was in full spate. We stopped for coffee break at Mcilroy park, and for lunch at Minnowburn . We had 10 minutes to spare for the 4oclock train back to Lisburn. A great day, leaving us all a bit footsore but happy! Nonie |
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Sat 2nd March
Slemish to Glenwhirry
Six soon to be soggy Spartans left the Slemish carpark walking into a stiff headwind. After a while the rain promised by the forecasters started and driven by the wind made the central part of the walk challenging. After a quick break for coffee in the shelter of a small woodland, we again faced the elements and started up the slopes of Douglas Top and across the Shillanavogy Road over to the summit of Glenhead. At this point the rain stopped leaving us a relatively pleasant end to the walk down hill to the Greenmount Hill Farm.
Jim D |
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Sat 23rd Feb
Carnlough Horseshoe
Arriving at Carnlough the weather was fine and mild though the forecast was for a spell of rain around lunchtime. Nineteen of us set off along the Waterfall Road towards the old quarry, taking time to visit the Cranny Falls before ascending to the Trosks. Once there, the rain arrived as predicted and boy, was it heavy!! After a soggy but good-natured lunch we started off in the mist towards the old ruined mining building and eventually got there having straddled a couple of very new and sturdy barbed wire fences! But by now the rain and mist had cleared and the views were magnificent as we headed around the side of Binnagee and were able to look across towards the Trosks tracing most of our days walk without the mist!! The view over the sea and Carnlough below is always the highlight of this walk and the steep lane back down to the village is also a joy.
Well earned refreshments were in the Londonderry Arms! Thanks to all for a great days walking which turned out to be just over ten miles. Jack. |
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Sat 16th Feb
Dungonnell Way
Fifteen SRS members gathered for this walk in North Antrim on a bright and breezy Saturday morning. It was fairly mild for a February day but the wind was a little bit biting until we entered the forest and got some shelter from it. We started at Dungonnell Reservoir and this way marked trail allows you to do a long circuit without walking back on yourself. The trail was mostly easy going on forest tracks and back roads. There was a welcome coffee stop after an hour after we crossed the main road running down into Glenarriff. After crossing another road (Ballyemon Road) there was a diversion from the Dungonnell Way and along the Moyle Way to take in the waterfall created by the Essathohan Burn coming down off the side of Trostan mountain. The views were particularly good on the second half of the walk on the way back to Cargan- particularly of the South side of Glenarriff and the hills of the Garron Plateau. Lunch was also enjoyed along this stretch in a sheltered spot. As usual, there were wide range of topics discussed along the way and everyone enjoyed the social banter. After what seemed like a long time walking along back roads from Cargan we got back to our cars. Everyone enjoyed the walk which was 9.5 miles and around four and a quarter hours in length. Around half the group adjourned to the excellent facilities at Laragh Lodge for some refreshments. The turnout was much appreciated by the walk leader who got twice as many attendees compared to the same walk at this time last year! Derek
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Sat 9th Feb
Murlough
16 of us had a lovely walk along Newcastle beach, round Murlough, and along the old County Down railway. The wind and sun were at our backs most of the way which made the day extra enjoyable! Nonie |
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Sat 2nd to 9th Feb
Ski Trip - France
Sat 2nd Feb
Sallagh Braes
Sat 26th Jan
Divis/Black Mountain
4 intrepid ladies climbed Divis and Blackmountain today. Weather was wet and windy but cleared up at the end. We were pretty wet and cold but warmed up with tea and scones at the new Standing Stones restaurant/guesthouse just past the carpark (highly recommended!)
Nonie
Nonie
Sat 19th to 26th Jan
Ski Trip - Italy
Sat 19th Jan
Chimney Rock
Misty day out there today, whiteout conditions up top but a lovely walk all the same. Thanks go to Jack for leading. |
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Sat 5th Jan 2019
Pierces Castle
We met at Yellow River Car Park on the Newtown Hilltown to Rostrevor Road. The first issue was getting the cars parked as large conifers had fallen and blocked the car park entrance. Once we got everyone parked our group of 20 set off up the side of the Yellow River ascending the valley through the forest. We had a short coffee break before ascending Tievedockaragh and then crossed the Castle Bog to Pierces Castle where we had lunch. The weather was kind although cold there was only light high cloud with sunshine now and again. Most of the views of summits were clear. We proceeded to Tornamrock and then most ascended Rocky Mountain before descending and following the Ulster Way back along the valley back to our start point. In total a five plus hours walk . David |
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Tuesday 1st Jan 2019
Commedagh
What a beautiful day it turned out for the first walk of the new year. A group of 17 Spartans - some old faces and some new - set off from Meelmore Lodge to walk up towards Trassey track and on up the green lane to join the wall at Slievnaglogh. We then followed the wall to the summit of Commedagh and then dropped down to join the brandy pad to make our way to Hare's Gap and back to Meelmore Lodge. A most enjoyable walk in almost perfect conditions. Marian