Sat 20th Apr 2024
Lamagan
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Sat 13th Apr 2024
Carn Circuit
A good turn out of 20 Spartans set off up the Banns Road track on a bright but somewhat breezy morning.
At Miners' Bridge we left the track to follow the river NW towards the coll between Muck & Carn. Then it was a steady 200m ascent up Carn, protected by the wall from some sharp showers. Lunch at top allowed us to enjoy great views of the surrounding Mournes. We then followed the wall to the stile at the foot of Slieve Loughshannagh before descending to the shores of Loughshannagh.From there it was back down the Bann Road track to the finish, 13km (8.1miles) completed. Most of the group enjoyed well deserved refreshments in Hilltown afterwards. A great day in the Mournes. Joan |
Sat 6th Apr 2024
Slieve Donard
4 of us climbed Donard yesterday. Despite the high winds, it was quite an easy ascent, and the wall protected us all the way to the top. Unfortunately the wind veered round and made the descent between the wall and the quarry really hard going, but we got back all in one piece apart from quite a few bruises!! Definitely a day to remember!! Nonie |
1st - 5th Apr 2024
Easter Trip, Cairngorms
Despite the weather we had three good days of walking. Day 1: Meall a' Bhuachaille and Jim lead us around Loch Morlich covering around 20km. Day 2: A group walked Loch an Eilein and a smaller group made it as far as Coire na Lochan before turning back. Day 3: Jim lead a group along the spey side way and Andrew lead a walk up to the snow covered Carn Ban Mor. Others went on the steam train. Over all a great trip. Many thanks to Frank for organising. |
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Sat 30th Mar 2024
Spelga
Sat 23rd Mar 2024
Sallagh Braes
We had 8 participants for the Sallagh Braes walk in non-ideal weather conditions - persistent rain/hail and strong north westerly winds. Going was soft with lots of surface water. Comments from the walkers included 'Wild and windy', 'Bracing', 'We're all mad' and 'Enjoyable in a strange sort of way'. Davy
Sat 16th Mar 2024
D'dee to H'wood
An early start for this walk, we caught the 9.55am bus from Bangor bus station to Donaghadee arriving there at 10.15am. The nine of us
started almost immeadiately to make the best of the dry start. It was probably best to do the walk this way round as the walk out of Donaghadee
is not that interesting. We were rewarded with at least with views of the Copeland Islands. Not too many cold water swimmers out today not
surprisingly. We reached Orlock still dry and walked out towards the headland. It was a bit soggy underfoot but passable. Shortly after 11.15am, the rain
started. Fortunately at this stage it was light and not too bad. We walked on going around the caravan park to reach Groomsport in time for
an early lunch. The walk around Ballymacormick Point was particularly muddy and it involved going off the path to avoid flooded parts. Just
before Ballyholme Beach was extremely muddy. At 2.00pm we arrived in Bangor where some walkers left us. We had a well earned coffee in the Pickie Pool restaurant and were kindly allowed to finish our sandwiches. By this time the rain and wind had picked up, which to be fair had been forecast. We had at least half of the walk completed. It was hard to drag ourselves from the restaurant, but we bravely faced the weather to Crawfordsburn Park, Grey Point and Helen's Bay. Needless to say we came accross very few others, save for a couple of dog walkers. The rain continued for the rest of the walk. Eventually the bright lights of Hollywood appeared after passing Cultra. It seemed a long slog into Hollywood but we arrived at the train station at
5.30pm on schedule and in time for the Belfast train or the Bangor train. Five of us did the whole 29km so I think we all deserved a good excuse to put our feet up and watch the end of the rugby. Richard
started almost immeadiately to make the best of the dry start. It was probably best to do the walk this way round as the walk out of Donaghadee
is not that interesting. We were rewarded with at least with views of the Copeland Islands. Not too many cold water swimmers out today not
surprisingly. We reached Orlock still dry and walked out towards the headland. It was a bit soggy underfoot but passable. Shortly after 11.15am, the rain
started. Fortunately at this stage it was light and not too bad. We walked on going around the caravan park to reach Groomsport in time for
an early lunch. The walk around Ballymacormick Point was particularly muddy and it involved going off the path to avoid flooded parts. Just
before Ballyholme Beach was extremely muddy. At 2.00pm we arrived in Bangor where some walkers left us. We had a well earned coffee in the Pickie Pool restaurant and were kindly allowed to finish our sandwiches. By this time the rain and wind had picked up, which to be fair had been forecast. We had at least half of the walk completed. It was hard to drag ourselves from the restaurant, but we bravely faced the weather to Crawfordsburn Park, Grey Point and Helen's Bay. Needless to say we came accross very few others, save for a couple of dog walkers. The rain continued for the rest of the walk. Eventually the bright lights of Hollywood appeared after passing Cultra. It seemed a long slog into Hollywood but we arrived at the train station at
5.30pm on schedule and in time for the Belfast train or the Bangor train. Five of us did the whole 29km so I think we all deserved a good excuse to put our feet up and watch the end of the rugby. Richard
Sat 9th Mar 2024
Slieve Foy, Carlingford
On a misty, moisty, windy day 14 Spartans met in Carlingford to attempt the ascent of Slieve Foye. We followed one of the new way marked paths through the forest and along the base of the mountain. Then we climbed up to the north end of the ridge and navigated along the ridge past the trigpoint in the mist. We descended to the col between Slieve Foye and Barnavave and made our way down to the village. We managed to find a place in McKevitts pub for us all to have a beverage and watch the rugby. We all were pleased to have accomplished this walk ! Rachel
Sat 2nd Mar 2024
Carnlough Horseshoe
I woke up on Saturday morning with the wind howling outside and thinking what the heck will it be like up at the Trosks!! As it turned out when we eventually got up there the wind had died down and even the sun appeared through the drizzly sky. What followed was a glorious early spring tramp across the heather and along old bog roads stopping for lunch among the ruins of the derelict stone building. It’s always tricky crossing that stream and getting over those two Barb wire fences but a bit of fun as well. Very clear and sunny in the afternoon, the Scottish Islands especially clear and cloud shadows passing along the distant hills that we crossed earlier. Eventually we reached the steep lane and back down to Carnlough followed by tea and beer at the Londonderry Arms! Thanks to Nonie, Patricia, Ed, Angela, Anne Marie, Fiona, Helen and Barbera for what was a great days walking. Jack.
Sat 24th Feb 2024
Bannagher Glen
The Bannagher glen walk in the Sperrins gave us a chance to walk through one of the largest and oldest ancient woodlands in the north, at the start of the hike. It was a real delight to walk through this fascinating woodland, with a thick carpet of Bluebells beneath the trees. It was too early in the year for Bluebells to be in flower. It is a protected area being designated a National Nature Reserve with many Oak and Ash trees, what would have been the natural vegetation of the area, before the large area of coniferous forest was planted by the Forest Service.
We covered about 18Km going from the car-park aiming to make a circuit of the glen, coming back by the dam and Atlnaheglish Reservoir to the car park. Unfortunately, forest clearances had taken place near where we were to join up with the return path to the reservoir and dam. After searching in all directions, we could not find the path and decided to retrace our steps back the way we came. We were rewarded with good views over to the Foyle estuary and the snow covered higher peaks of the Sperrins. Donald
We covered about 18Km going from the car-park aiming to make a circuit of the glen, coming back by the dam and Atlnaheglish Reservoir to the car park. Unfortunately, forest clearances had taken place near where we were to join up with the return path to the reservoir and dam. After searching in all directions, we could not find the path and decided to retrace our steps back the way we came. We were rewarded with good views over to the Foyle estuary and the snow covered higher peaks of the Sperrins. Donald
Sat 17th Feb 2024
Commedagh
A not very promising weather forecast did not prevent five brave souls from today's walk. We proceeded up the Glen River and followed the
much improved track. There seemed to be more people coming down than up. What did they know we didn't? Despite the forecast we managed to make it to the Ice-House before the rain started. Even cowering in the trees to put overtrousers on did not shelter us from the rain. We carried on up the main track with the various streams and riverlets filling up fast. This did not prevent us crossing the streams as the stepping stones were still prominent. At the Mourne Wall we stopped for lunch. Rain continued to fall heavily so it was soggy sandwiches all round. Democracy and Common Sense prevailed and we decided to turn back without summiting Commedagh. The intended route down the ridge from the top would have been impossible and downright dangerous due to the low cloud cover, wind and rain. There was noticeably more water in the streams coming down but as we were wet anyway, it did not really matter. |
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Of course when we reached Donard Carpark, the rain stopped. One of our group declared that she had never been so wet on a walk. Still it
was a good test for our wet gear. Arrived just in time for a coffee at the coffee shop. Much deserved by all. Richard Middleton
was a good test for our wet gear. Arrived just in time for a coffee at the coffee shop. Much deserved by all. Richard Middleton
Sat 10th Feb 2024
Dungonnell Way
There were 8 Spartans turned up for the walk. It was a beautiful sunny day and all the lying snow added to the atmosphere. We had to negotiate a few fallen trees across the path but not enough to stop this intrepid bunch. A really enjoyable walk. Derek
Sat 3rd Feb 2024
Clough to Newcastle
22 of us took the bus to Clough and walked down to the old railway track. It was a wonderful sunny day, and everyone enjoyed the walk along the railway, round Murlough , and along the beach back to Newcastle.
The last mile was difficult, over large pebbles, but otherwise the walk was great. We stopped for coffee at the Percy French restaurant. I’m afraid we didn’t feel very welcomed, but at least we had a refreshing drink before heading home.
A great day out! Nonie
The last mile was difficult, over large pebbles, but otherwise the walk was great. We stopped for coffee at the Percy French restaurant. I’m afraid we didn’t feel very welcomed, but at least we had a refreshing drink before heading home.
A great day out! Nonie
Sat 27th Jan 2024
Chimney Rock
We left a very busy car park at Bloody Bridge and headed up the well worn track towards the old quarry building’s, stopping off there for a tea break. Too windy and cold to hang around so we pushed on to the wall, then followed one of the many tracks leading up to Chimney Rock. It was a lovely ridge walk to the cairn. We dropped down the steep slope and lunched in a little calm oasis before crossing through very rough and boggy ground eventually meeting up with the path again and back down to the car park. Thanks to everyone for a great day’s hike. Jack.
Friday 26th Jan 2024
Annual Dinner
A total of 43 Spartans turned up for our annual dinner which was held at Neill's Hill in Ballyhackamore. There would have been 45 if 2 others - who shall remain nameless - had not got their dates mixed up!! Those who were there enjoyed a lovely evening of good food and company. Thanks must go to Helen for organising. |
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Sat 20th Jan 2024
Rocky
The weather forecast was looking grim but it didn't put off 11 determined Spartans from their Saturday walk. We parked at Dunnywater and headed off towards Rourke's Park where we climbed steadily up to Round Seefin followed by Long Seefin. We were actually very sheltered from the wind at this stage and in fact got quite warm at times. However, as we crossed over the style towards Rocky, we felt the icy blast of the wind and our visibility decreased dramatically. Thankfully our leader remembered most of her navigation skills and put these to good use to guide the group up to the summit of Rocky where there was zero visibility. We dropped down the leeward side to have a quick lunch and before we got too cold we headed off again on a bearing towards Hare's Castle. As we dropped down towards the path the eerie outline of the 'Castle' appeared and we were able to find our way back easily enough to the weir where the Binnian tunnel enters. From here it was a simple walk back along the road to our cars at Dunnywater where we then headed to Annalong for some refreshments at the Harbour Inn. Distance walked - approx 10km, Time approx 4 hours. Marian
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Sat 13th Jan 2024
Doan, Carn and Ott
Sat 6th Jan 2024
Pierce's Castle circuit
17 Spartans assembled at Yellow River Car Park on the Hilltown /Rostrevor Road for a start at 11am. The start was slightly delayed due to one member coming via Kilkeel! It was a beautiful winter’s day with blue sky and hardly a breeze. We walked up the Yellow River Valley/ gorge to Tievedockdarragh. Here the view to Carlingford Lough was lovely. Lunch was had on Pierce’s Castle. We then walked via TornamRock to Rocky Mountain col. Here most climbed Rocky to avail of the late afternoon sun and views. We then walked back to Leitrim Lodge and back along the Ulster Way/ St Patrick’s trail to the Yellow River Car Park. The whole walk was about 4.75 hours. Some adjourned to Hilltown for a coffee and craic. David |
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