Wednesday
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Wednesday
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Wednesday 4th November 2015
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Castle Ward
The walk went extremely well. We left home in drizzly rain and wondered if anyone else would turn up . When we reached Killyleagh, the rain stopped and everything brightened up |
considerably and when we arrived there were 10 others anxious to get going. We had a particularly nice walk round half the perimeter of the demesne. The trees were very attractive with their autumn colours.
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Proceedings concluded with a very convivial lunch in the National Trust cafe.
Peter White |
Wednesday 23rd September 2015
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Cavehill
Nine Red Sox members took part in the Wednesday morning walk at the familiar environs of Cavehill on September 23, and it proved to be a good hike at a reasonable pace (anti-clockwise this time). Although it was overcast and somewhat misty up top, once we |
descended a little way from the summit we were rewarded by grand views over north Belfast. Local expert Bronagh McGarry was able to pick out all the various landmarks. Leader David Wiggins had promised he would have us back at the car park in two hours and sure enough, at 12.30pm, we were back
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down at base camp. Seven or us repaired to the cellar restaurant at nearby Belfast Castle for a light lunch and plenty of chat. As ever, good company, a bit of exercise and we all felt the better for having made the effort. Thanks to David for organising.
Robin Morton |
Wednesday
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Wednesday 12th August 2015
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A sunny and warm evening greeted the 13 Spartans enlisted on Gerard O'Sullivan's walk at Cavehill on Wednesday August 12. Luckily for them the visibility up top was magnificient. We could see as far as Slieve Gullion and Flagstaff Mountain to the south, while the Mournes were most dramatic - bathed in evening sunshine.
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Further afield we could make out the peaks of the Isle of Man and the Lake District, while looking north we could even make out the distinctive shape of Ailsa Craig on the Scottish coast. The view down across Belfast Lough was magnificent and we could see what looked like toy aircraft landing at City Airport. This time we
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completed a clockwise circuit of the mountain and were back at the cars by 9pm, all safely accounted for, even the two who ventured up to have a peek into the cave on the way back down. Thanks to Gerard for organising a memorable evening.
Robin |
Wednesday 5th August 2015
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Timing is everything and so it was with the Wednesday walk on August 5. On an overcast but warm evening it stayed dry until 9pm, at which stage the heavens opened. But by that time we were all safely back in our cars or on our bikes. Leader Steven McBride had wisely kicked off from the Lockview Road car park at Stranmillis at 6.45pm and six Spartans participated.
We enjoyed a brisk walk along the towpath, pausing to admire a family of swans - mum, dad and two cygnets. Further along the river, a flotilla of ducklings sped across to meet us, hopeful presumably that we might be purveyors of food. Mother duck was keeping a close eye on her brood. She was Mallard shape but a |
strange piebald colour, any ideas anyone?
Across the bridges over the canal bed and the river and upwards to Belvoir Forest Park car park, where we watched a rather fearsome group of lady boxers going through their exercises in some sort of boot camp. We prudently kept our distance. Tradition was turned on its head when Steven elected to do an anti-clockwise lap of the path around the perimeter of the forest. We saw views we had never seen before, a refreshing change. Time for a quick trek up to the Norman motte, which according to the NI Direct website, dates from the 12th century. En route we saw some trees that had been ringed with paint, and we suspect these were |
soon to be felled Lawson cypress trees which, again according to the NI Direct website, are suffering from Phytophthora Lateralis, whatever that might be.
Back across the river and along the towpath, with darkness gathering and the clouds thickening, we felt the first tell-tale spits of drizzly rain. Accordingly, we hastened our pace and were soon home and dry. Many thanks to Stephen for organising and leading. As ever, much better to get out there and go walking than to sit at home wondering if it is going to rain. Robin Morton |
Wednesday 29th July 2015Cregagh Glen
On a dull, cool but dry evening 22 Spartans set off up Cregagh Glen on the evening walk. On route we stopped at Lisnabreeny American Military Cemetery which is not very well known, in fact many people did not even know it was there. Continuing along the path we met another member of the Spartans who was taking her dogs for a walk. There were good clear views over Greater Belfast, the Lough and as far as the Mournes from the highest point of the path. With the return journey being all downhill we arrived back at the cars having enjoyed the walk. Norma. |
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Wednesday 10th June 2015Slieve Croob
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Wednesday 3rd June 2015Belfast Walking Tour
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Wednesday 27th May 2015
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Broadwater Walk
A small but high spirited group set off from Moira train station at 10.40am, to walk the 7 miles to Aghalee and back. Conditions were dry but cloudy, and Celia at the BBC Weather Centre had warned of rain in the afternoon, so confidence was high that we would be finished before it arrived. After the first mile we passed Soldierstown car park/picnic area, and after a quick coffee proceeded on to the aptly named Broadwater. There was a lot of bird life as always and on this occasion we were entertained by large numbers of diving swallows,and later by house martins. |
Broadwater looks like a natural lake, but is in fact man-made,having been developed in the 1830s in a valley as part of the connecting waterway between Lisburn and Lough Neagh.
Before long we passed the ranger’s house (now privately owned ) and on to Aghalee, where we proceeded to the Lime Kiln road. At this stage the rain started,at just after midday (so technically Celia was right !). After about a mile of road walking we turned right down a lane to take us back to Broadwater,rejoining the path at the ranger’s house. At this stage the rain was getting into its stride so we quickened the pace,and an al fresco lunch stop at |
Soldierstown picnic area was out of the question.Not far from the end point we were charmed by 2 swans,the mammy and the daddy,swimming along with 7 cygnets between them. It was a beautiful moment and ready- made for a photo,but we were too wet to get the cameras out !
We finished back at the Moira train station car park,wet but invigorated-and for one enthusiast in our group it was a great warm up for the Murlough walk that evening. Desmond Smyth. |
Wednesday 13th May 2015North Down Coastal Path
It was a beautiful sunny evening as we met Jack (about 8 - 10 of us) ... and headed off from the Crawfordsburn Inn on a two hour (... and a bit) walk that took us down through the glen and into a little of Clandeboye Estate and onto the North Down Coastal Path and back via the Country Park. The evening light was wonderful and we had views to the Lough with sailing boats and ships and in the distance the Scottish coast. There were great signs of Spring with flowers everywhere - the smell of the bluebells along the paths was great. We visited the new bridge on the coastal path and everyone seemed very impressed. Our walk finished with a beverage in the Crawfordsburn Inn. The walk was a great way to utilise these lovely long Spring/Summer evenings. Thank you Jack. |
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Wednesday 29th April 2015Belvoir Forest
13 Spartans gathered at Belvoir Park car park for the walk on a grey but dry morning. We set of through Belvoir Forest stopping at the Motte where Pat gave us a brief talk on it's history. Continuing on along the forest path we admired the carpet of bluebells which was just starting to bloom. When we emerged from the forest at the Lock Keepers cottage we walked along the Lagan towpath as far as Gilchrist's bridge & then back along the other side until we reached the Lock Keepers cottage again where 8 of us had a pleasant if chilly lunch outside as there was no room inside. We then continued along the tow path crossing the bridge back into Belvoir Forest and back along the river to the car park. Fortunately the rain which was forecast did not arrive until we reached our cars. We also welcomed 2 new members - John & Alan on their first walk with the Spartans. Norma. |
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Wednesday 15th April 2015
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Scrabo Country Park
Scrabo Country Park was our destination for the Wednesday walk and with Gordon Davis at the helm we got more than just a lovely walk. With his sharp eye and keen ear, Gordon was able to identify flora, fauna and wildlife with ease. We enjoyed a marvellous view of a blackcap in full song, heard the unmistakable call of the chiff-chaff and then the melodic cadence of willow warbler and identified the carpet of wood anenome. We looked suitably smug, therefore, as we passed a group of ornithologists who were armed with everything from binoculars to cameras with telephoto lenses. Seven of us had gathered in the main car park for what turned out to be a walk of two halves. On a beautifully sunny morning we savoured the view across Strangford Lough to |
the distant Mournes before setting on the Killynether leg of the walk. This took us through woodland and down to a tranquil duck pond where the water was shimmering in the sunshine as we took a break on the boardwalk. Then it was uphill and we paused to enjoy another fine view across drumlin-dotted farmland.
Back through the car park and on towards the quarries, which were evidently worked for several hundred years. Lots of famous buildings were constructed of Scrabo stone, including the Albert Clock and Ards Town Hall. The disused workings have created a large amphitheatre with sheer cliffs where peregrine falcons once nested - but today they are largely the preserve of ravens and crows. Further round the wooded path we ascended to a viewpoint high above Newtownards. The |
light aircraft taking off from the airport looked just like a toy.
Having bagged the wildlife we then returned well exercised to the car park, where five of us took the short walk uphill to Scrabo Golf Club for a light lunch. The clubhouse is perched on the hill close to the familiar landmark of Scrabo Tower (temporarily closed). The clubhouse, by contrast, is very much open to visitors and from the dining room there is a breathtaking view down across Strangford Lough. A fine repast was enjoyed at very reasonable prices - and a warm welcome from the staff. Many thanks to Gordon for taking the walk at short notice and for inspiring us about the natural wonders of Scrabo. Robin Morton |
Wednesday 4th March 2015
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On a lovely sunny morning- no road diversions / no snow - 11 Spartan Red Socks met at Peter Morgan's cottage,where the Lagan flows by, near Dromara. Suitably refreshed we set off for ' Darby's Loanan'. While it was a bit muddy in places, we had a pleasant walk
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through. After a short stroll by road we took 'Lundy's Lane' through to Dunboy Road. A short stop gave us time to enjoy the scenery and the dusting of snow on Slieve Croob. We turned left and took a short path through Drumkeeragh Forest and circled back to the
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parked cars. With the sunshine, blue sky and lack of wind it was a great day to be out.
We then retired to The Village Grill in Dromara for lunch - a fitting end to our walk! Marie McNeill |
Wednesday 4th February 2015
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Tollymore Forest Park
A new record was set on February 4 when some 18 walkers materialised for Peter White's excursion to Tollymore Forest Park. Although some came and went during the morning, and we eventually made a rendezvous with a group of four which had made a slightly late start, it was the largest turn-out so far for an SRS Wednesday morning walk. We were particularly cheered to welcome back to our ranks Norma Byers, this time accompanied by husband Neil. Just two weeks after her tumble, Norma's right arm was still in plaster, but she coped superbly with the walk. A dry but chilly and largely sunny day was forecast, and this turned out to be correct. Part of the path around the Drinns Trail was still |
coated in snow, which under a blue sky made the forest track look very attractive.
We enjoyed lovely views as we first walked along the bank of the Shimna River, and then it was uphill to join the Drinns Trail. As we gained height we paused to savour the sensational landscape, across to the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Mournes, down across Newcastle to the blue waters of Dundrum Bay and then across to Slieve Croob, looking its best in a covering of snow. The chat was good and the company convivial and we kept up a good pace as Peter (celebrating his 72nd birthday which had fallen the day before) led from the front. Back down past the lake and over the Old Bridge across the Shimna and so back uphill to the car park. |
After a stiff two and a half hour walk thoughts and tums turned to lunch and we repaired to the Burrendale Hotel where we enjoyed a light lunch with silver service. The world was put to rights and we also caught up on news of the previous Saturday's walk across the snow fields to Chimney Rock - dramatic pictures by Rachel Flinn - and also on the SRS dinner which had taken place the previous Saturday.
An excellent day out, thanks to Peter for organising. Robin Morton |
Wednesday 21st January 2015
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Last minute change of plan saw the Wednesday walk for January 21 being diverted from the originally planned location of Victoria Park (too short a walk) to Colin Glen Forest Park, which offered a more challenging four-mile walk from the Stewartstown Road entrance.
Fortified by a cuppa in the excellent cafe at Colin Glen centre, 10 SRS members set off up the pretty riverside walk. It was cloudy and chilly but dry and the skies gradually cleared. We followed the red markers on the circular Hannahstown trail, which took us across a bridge where an energetic collie dog was pitching fearlessly into the chilly waters of the gurgling Colin River time and again to retrieve a stick for its owner. Then we encountered one of the wardens, busy removing sedge from the sides of the path, in an effort to permit the wild garlic to flourish. He told us that a pair of buzzards were now nesting in Colin Glen, and that the river was one of the top spots in Ireland for dippers. He also told us of the work that the park does with school groups, who are particularly |
impressed by the display of the 190 million year old fossils of dinosaur type creatures. In those days, of course, Ireland was under water and was located where Africa is now to be found.
On through the woodland and up to the bridge under Upper Springfield Road, where there was evidence of a channel created for an industrial water wheel. Having been advised that access to the National Trust owned link to Hannahstown Road was closed on health and safety grounds, we turned left and followed a rough path along the right hand bank of the river in what it known as the Colin Glen Fault. The path stopped abruptly at the abutment of a one-time and no longer extant bridge across the river. Surely the National Trust should a replacement which would open up yet more of this attractive area. On the way back we suffered an accident when Norma Byers lost her footing on a slippery rock, landing with a thump and most unfortunately breaking her wrist. Thanks to everyone for rallying round and helping to attend to Norma and offer assistance. After the injury had been assessed by Rachel Flinn, |
David Wiggins went off to collect his car and bring it to the nearby Upper Springfield Road. Thanks in particular to Rachel for taking control of the situation in such a professional way. David Flinn provided a coat to keep Norma warm while Stephen Pearson was on hand with painkillers. A great team effort, my thanks to all for the way in which they handled the situation.
Suffice it to say that Norma was ferried to the Ulster Hospital A&E where she was in an out within 45 minutes, emerging with the break re-set and her arm in plaster. We wish her well as the fracture heals and we hope she makes a full recovery. The rest of us made our way gingerly back down the waymarked path which took us across the river and down the right hand bank on the way back to the Colin Glen centre. It was a walk of four miles, and one which is to be recommended. As the Walk NI website says, Colin Glen Forest Park is rightly regarded as Belfast's green lung. So easily accessible and yet a world away from the busy streets. Robin Morton |
Wednesday 14th January 2015
Whitehead
Eight Spartans ignored the weather forcast to arrive at Whitehead for the walk. In fact we had sunshine at the beginning of the walk and walked in the dry. The rain only came in after we sat down for lunch at the end. We walked to Whitehead Harbour - this route I fear will soon not be available due to fences. We then walked to Black Head and back.
David
Eight Spartans ignored the weather forcast to arrive at Whitehead for the walk. In fact we had sunshine at the beginning of the walk and walked in the dry. The rain only came in after we sat down for lunch at the end. We walked to Whitehead Harbour - this route I fear will soon not be available due to fences. We then walked to Black Head and back.
David
Wednesday 7th January 2015
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Cavehill
Despite a decidedly ominous weather forecast, the new season of Spartan Red Sox Wednesday morning walks was successfully launched on January 7 with an ascent of Cavehill. It turned out to be a two-pronged offensive, with walk leader David Wiggins and Robin Morton heading off shortly before 11am - to be followed shortly afterwards by Angela Collins and Bronagh McGarry. Unfortunately the two groups failed to meet up until the end of the walk but it turned out that everyone had followed the same route, an anti-clockwise circuit of Cavehill. Although the skies were cloudy and the clouds threatening, it stayed largely dry, with |
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