Dec 16th
Antrim Plateau
The day started dull and misty as I drove out of Belfast heading towards Knock Dhu car park above Cairncastle, but that was all to change as the sky cleared and a low wintery sun greeted us as we headed off along the grassy ridge towards Scawt Hill then on to Black Hill. Most of last weeks snow had gone leaving only small patchworks of white and melting ice along the way. After our lunch we headed gently down, passing below Crockandoo. We had the good fortune to catch a really clear view across to the Scottish island of Jura and the magnificent snow capped Paps. Its a pleasant walk along the road down to Glenarm with lovely views out to sea. We arrived at the Coast Road Inn in the fading light where it was warm port and tea in front of a friendly fire and lots of chat and good craic. Everyone piled into my trusty Ford Transit back to the car park at Knock Dhu. Thanks to Audrey, James, Nigel, David Wiggins, David Flinn, Richard and Derek. Jack.
Dec 9th
Divis
Dec 2nd
Slieve Muck
Our walk was an A to B, commencing at Spelga Dam car park and finishing at Deers Meadow. A group of 11 Spartans participated and enjoyed an atmospheric walk in low cloud and above average temperatures.
We commenced by climbing Slievnamuck and then descending to Ott carpark. After a short break we commenced the climb to the Mourne wall where lunch was enjoyed at leisure. The remainder of the walk included the ascent of Carn Mountain and the ascent and descent of Slieve Muck. Total ascent 600 metres and descent 550 metres. At the end we expressed our warm best wishes to Marian and Barbara for their three month trip to Australia. James and Audrey |
Nov 25th
Slievemaglogh
It was a beautiful crisp November morning. A north west wind brought a cool nip to the air and the tops of the major hills had a sprinkling of snow. Eleven walkers enjoyed the views. Our walk started from the Game Keepers Lodge to Slievemaglogh, down to The Miner's Hole River and then up to Lough Shannagh. The ground was rougher than I remembered from the Miners Hole to the Lough Shannagh River... so we were ready for a little rest and recoup at the edge of Lough Shannagh.... and much easier going down the track back to The Game Keeper's Lodge. The Equestrian Centre have opened a little Tea Room there .... a nice way to end the walk.
Nov 18th
Doan
There were fourteen walkers out on this impromptu walk from Ott car park to Doan and onto Carn via Lough Shannagh. It was a beautiful calm November day with thin high cloud and a cold northerly breeze. Reasonably good visibility too. Some of us retired to Meelmore Lodge afterwards for the obligatory cuppa. Nigel
Nov 4th
Clandeboye
Oct 28th
Rocky and Seefin
We had 8 walkers on a late notice to complete the walk that Storm Brian .... or at least the forecast for, had cancelled on the previous Saturday. We met at Dunnywater/ Rorke's Park and parked at the stone gateway there before heading off for Round Seefin and Long Seefin. As we left the starting point a large group of about 20 walkers from NUI Galway came along and we encountered each other at various times during the walk... before they headed on at Bog of Donard to ascend Slieve Donard. We lunched on the southern side of Rocky ... also the sheltered side .... and how sheltered became clear as we reached the top and the North Westerly wind blew strong gusts at us almost to the point of knocking us off our feet !!!
As we descended back to the wall to Bog of Donard, the wind eased slightly, but we decided to divert from our original route ie to return by Annalong Buttress and Hare's Castle , and instead we came down on the eastern side of the wall and diverted into the valley between Rocky and Chimney to discover some old granite quarries that none of us had encountered previously. We descended from Long Seefin into the trees at Annalong Wood and back to our starting point. Even with our diversion we still managed a good walk of over 11.5 kms. We all enjoyed a well earned cuppa in Nick's Cafe in Newcastle where the strong winds still buffeted. |
Oct 14th
Castlewellan
The Spartans hosted the AGM of the Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs on 14 Oct at Castlewellan Forest Park. After an interesting talk by the Mourne Heritage Trust and a presentation on the Spartans Club a walk was organised by Spartans in the forest and up Slieve na Slaat. Over 30 participated.
Oct 7th
Yellow River
About 17 Spartans arrived at Yellow River for this walk. We climbed through the forest at yellow river up to Tievedockaragh, then on to Pierces Castle and Tornamrock. Weather started wet but improved over the day. We adjourned afterwards to the Downshire Arms in Hilltown.
Sep 30th
UFRC Welcome Walk - Mournes
We took part on the UFRC Open Day and welcomed 5 newcomers to our Saturday Walk in the Mournes, with James and Audrey McKeown Leading. David Flinn gave an introduction to the UFRC and welcomed people on behalf of the Committee. Nigel Whiteside, Secretary of the Club, also welcomed everyone to the walk. Including our own club walkers, we had a group of 25. Our walk was 12 km with a total ascent of 750 metres, including a circuit of Fofanny Dam, Meelbeg and Trassey Track. We enjoyed glorious sunshine and great views of the Mournes throughout the day. Our ‘visitors’ fitted well into our group and expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and enjoyable hike.
Sep 23rd
Shelter Stone
There were 18 walkers at Trassey car park. We ascended to the Hare's Gap, which was covered in fast moving cloud as a southerly wind blew.
As we descended into the wind towards Ben Crom Reservoir, we came out off the cloud again. At least the strong winds were quite mild and there was no rain forecast. We had a lunch break at The Shelter Stone above the reservoir and then we walked above the Kilkeel River with the wind at our back until we reached the Brandy Pad. The gusts of wind became stronger as we walked along the Brandy Pad to the eastern end of Slieve Corragh and then ascended to the col between Corragh and Comedagh. It was quite a struggle in the very strong winds to cross over the wall to the more sheltered northern side where we walked to the top of Slieve Corragh and onto Slievenaglogh. From Slievenaglogh, we walked almost directly north and descended out off the cloud and with the strong gusts still pushing us as we skirted Luke's Mountain and took the path on the north east side of Clonachullion Hill back to the car park. A warm cuppa at Meelmore Lodge was enjoyed afterwards. |
Sep 9th
Slieve Gullion
Lurigethan
Sep 2nd
9 walkers (not all of them intrepid ) set off from Cushendall RNLI station car park and followed the road up hill to the foot of Lurigethan where we started the steep climb to the eastern end of the plateau. At the top of this thankfully short climb we stopped for a cuppa and were rewarded with wonderful views over Redbay ,the Kintyre peninsula and quite a few of the Scottish islands.
After a rest we set off across the top of the plateau using a fence as a rough guide to our next landmark, Crockalough from where we headed south over heath land which proved to be quite deep with heather. This safely negotiated we made our way on farm lanes (having previously gained the farmers permission) onto the main road for a short distance before entering Glenarriff forest park. We walked through the forest before finishing for refreshments at Laragh Lodge. The weather throughout the day was bright & sunny which made for a great day out |
Aug 19
Carnlough Horseshoe
Saturday morning at the car park in Carnlough, very breezy, lots of black rain filled clouds waiting for us up at the Trosks.
Anyway, of we set along the Waterfall Road all ten of us, calling at the waterfall along the way. Some high drama when two walking poles fell through the viewing bridge. We managed to get one back but the other was beyond reach!!
Its a steep climb up to Little Trosk, the taller of the two, just in time for the first of a few heavy blustery showers that followed us round to the old ruined building that was once the beginnings of a German lignite mine, abandoned when WW2 began.
After lunch we crossed the stream and followed a fence uphill. I decided to follow a different route from the usual one, unfortunately it turned into a very boggy slog, but at least the sun had come out and we were all well rewarded as we reached the edge of the hills overlooking Carnlough and the magnificent views in front of us.
The lane back down to the village is a very pleasant walk and although still breezy the sky was blue and the sun shining. A few of us ended the walk with tea and beer at the Londonderry Arms. A fine end to a really enjoyable walk with lots of craic and chat along the way.
Anyway, of we set along the Waterfall Road all ten of us, calling at the waterfall along the way. Some high drama when two walking poles fell through the viewing bridge. We managed to get one back but the other was beyond reach!!
Its a steep climb up to Little Trosk, the taller of the two, just in time for the first of a few heavy blustery showers that followed us round to the old ruined building that was once the beginnings of a German lignite mine, abandoned when WW2 began.
After lunch we crossed the stream and followed a fence uphill. I decided to follow a different route from the usual one, unfortunately it turned into a very boggy slog, but at least the sun had come out and we were all well rewarded as we reached the edge of the hills overlooking Carnlough and the magnificent views in front of us.
The lane back down to the village is a very pleasant walk and although still breezy the sky was blue and the sun shining. A few of us ended the walk with tea and beer at the Londonderry Arms. A fine end to a really enjoyable walk with lots of craic and chat along the way.
July 22nd
Slieve Commedagh
14 Spartans turned up for the walk up Slieve Commedagh from Donard Park. We climbed by the Shanslieve Ridge to the summit where we had lunch. It was a pleasant and warm day so we stopped for coffee on the way up. Unfortunately cloud descended for a short time at lunch on the summit. However it disappeared on the way down. We descended by the Glen River and retired to Niki's cafe near Donard Car Park. There were a few tired legs as some where out of practice!

July 15th
Mournes
5 of us set off from Bloody Bridge, the weather being overcast and increasingly misty and dark and windy. By the time we reached the Wall, the mist started to lift although it remained really windy. We proceeded along the Brandy Pad, then dropped down and walked along the Annalong valley. We eventually reached the Blue Lough, then 4 of us climbed up over Binnian. (Really stormy on the top!)
We missed the Mourne Rambler bus by 10 minutes, but Fiona saved the day. She had sensibly avoided Binnian, had a relaxing time at the cafe over coffee and rhubarb tart, then took the bus and drove back to rescue us - thanks again Fiona xx. We all had a very good and challenging day. We had a new member with us who was very keen to do the 7 7s next month. By the end of the walk had decided that he would leave it for this year!
We missed the Mourne Rambler bus by 10 minutes, but Fiona saved the day. She had sensibly avoided Binnian, had a relaxing time at the cafe over coffee and rhubarb tart, then took the bus and drove back to rescue us - thanks again Fiona xx. We all had a very good and challenging day. We had a new member with us who was very keen to do the 7 7s next month. By the end of the walk had decided that he would leave it for this year!
July 8th
Mournes
Two of us took the Mourne rambler bus at newcastle (a very efficient but underused service, only working over july and August ). We met up with the rest of the group at Ott carpark.
We reached the Wall quickly then proceeded over Meelbeg and Meelmore. Lunch at the col between Meelmore and Bernagh, then the group split. Most returned by the low path and then back to Ott carpark, while two of us climbed over Bernagh, then along the Brandy Pad and eventually down by the Glen river to Newcastle. We all had a very good day, weather being warm and dry.
We reached the Wall quickly then proceeded over Meelbeg and Meelmore. Lunch at the col between Meelmore and Bernagh, then the group split. Most returned by the low path and then back to Ott carpark, while two of us climbed over Bernagh, then along the Brandy Pad and eventually down by the Glen river to Newcastle. We all had a very good day, weather being warm and dry.
July 1st
North Coast
June 24th
Knocklayde, Ballycastle
Derek led a walk on a hill that a lot of us had not had the pleasure on walking on before - Knocklayde which rises above Balllycastle. We met in the car park at Fairhill St in Ballycastle and started along The Moyle Way and soon found ourselves ascending through Ballycastle Wood. The ascent to the top of Knocklayde itself was over tussocky grass and with a little huff and puff we soon reached the OS pillar on top.
The views were great. The day had some cloud and passing bright intervals but we could still see away to the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal and along the north Derry coast and the Sperrins to the west... and as we turned east we looked down on Ballycastle and out to Rathlin Island and further east and above Fairhead we could see the Mull of Kyntyre and some Scottish Islands in the mist.
We retraced our steps back to the car park and in true Spartans fashion we ended the day with a cuppa in a nice little coffee shop in Ballycastle. Thanks Derek for an interesting walk.
Derek led a walk on a hill that a lot of us had not had the pleasure on walking on before - Knocklayde which rises above Balllycastle. We met in the car park at Fairhill St in Ballycastle and started along The Moyle Way and soon found ourselves ascending through Ballycastle Wood. The ascent to the top of Knocklayde itself was over tussocky grass and with a little huff and puff we soon reached the OS pillar on top.
The views were great. The day had some cloud and passing bright intervals but we could still see away to the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal and along the north Derry coast and the Sperrins to the west... and as we turned east we looked down on Ballycastle and out to Rathlin Island and further east and above Fairhead we could see the Mull of Kyntyre and some Scottish Islands in the mist.
We retraced our steps back to the car park and in true Spartans fashion we ended the day with a cuppa in a nice little coffee shop in Ballycastle. Thanks Derek for an interesting walk.
June 10th
Rathlin Island
In excess of 20 Spartans arrived at Ballycastle ( 24 I think) to get the boat to Rathlin. We were blessed with a beautiful day and a smooth crossing. On the day we got the bus to the western end of the island and the bird sanctuary at the lighthouse. The sight was amazing with the large numbers of birds and of course the puffins who despite a decline in recent years seem to be holding their own. We walked back to the harbour and then walked to the eastern lighthouse and back to the harbour were a drink was had at Rathlin's only pub.
Finally on return to Ballycastle a meal was enjoyed by those who wished in the Marine Hotel
Finally on return to Ballycastle a meal was enjoyed by those who wished in the Marine Hotel
June 3rd
Pigeon/Eagle
Since the forecast promised rain showers all day, we were tempted to curtail this walk. However, the weather turned out to be excellent and dry throughout the entire day. We met at the Deer's Meadow car park and climbed Pigeon Rock, Slieve Moughanmore and Eagle before the final steep ascent to the car park below Deer's Meadow. There were 11 walkers who enjoyed the splendid views and unexpected sunshine
May 26-29th
North Coast
10 spartans enjoyed a great long weekend in the village of Castlerock. Those who were lucky enough to arrive early on the Friday enjoyed a lovely sunny walk on Castlerock beach and it was even warm enough for our resident Aussie to go for a dip!! However the lovely warm weather was short lived and all weather reports were giving out a yellow weather warning for Saturday. Based on this information we decided to leave our Binevanagh walk until Sunday and instead walked from Castlerock up to Downhill demesne and forest. Although there was relatively low cloud and a little rain it was not as bad as had been predicted and we all enjoyed a lovely walk through the Black Glen and round Mussenden temple before heading out through the Lions gate and into the forest. The smell of wild garlic accompanied us through the forest and we enjoyed a relaxing lunch sheltered below the tree canopy from a heavy burst of rain. Once we left the forest the rain had disappeared and we walked up to the remains of an old church and graveyard to view some very interesting headstones. On our way back we were treated to a couple of sheepdogs herding a flock of sheep back to the farmer so that he could count the lambs. We headed back through Bishops gate and wandered round the grounds of the demesne once more before making our way back to our comfortable holiday houses in Castlerock. That evening we enjoyed a meal at the nearby Golf Club.
The next day the weather was much more settled so we set off for Binevanagh from the carpark at St Aidans church. We climbed up through some forest trails and scrambled around some of the rocky outcrops just in front of the cliffs before heading along the track and winding our way up to the top of the cliffs. When we reached the top we settled down in the sun to have a relaxing lunch while watching the gliders gracefully fly past. It was a very comfortable stop and offered great views so it was with some reluctance that we set off once more to make our way back via the lake and some forest roads. That evening we were treated to Neil's speciality curry which was very yummy!!
Unfortunately Monday turned out to be a very wet day and most people just headed home after breakfast. A few of those who did hang around til mid afternoon managed to get a walk along the beach. A great weekend was had by all - thanks to all those who provided all the yummy food.
The next day the weather was much more settled so we set off for Binevanagh from the carpark at St Aidans church. We climbed up through some forest trails and scrambled around some of the rocky outcrops just in front of the cliffs before heading along the track and winding our way up to the top of the cliffs. When we reached the top we settled down in the sun to have a relaxing lunch while watching the gliders gracefully fly past. It was a very comfortable stop and offered great views so it was with some reluctance that we set off once more to make our way back via the lake and some forest roads. That evening we were treated to Neil's speciality curry which was very yummy!!
Unfortunately Monday turned out to be a very wet day and most people just headed home after breakfast. A few of those who did hang around til mid afternoon managed to get a walk along the beach. A great weekend was had by all - thanks to all those who provided all the yummy food.
May 20th
Ben Crom
Ten walkers met at Happy Valley for a walk over the col between Meelmore and Meelbeg and down towards Ben Crom.
We crossed a lot of peat hags before ascending along the edge of Ben Crom with beautiful views all around and beautiful sunshine too. We took our lunch break at the top and enjoyed the views and the chat. By the time we reached the col between Slieve Loughshannagh and Meelbeg, the weather was changing. One of those showers that had been forecast for the day was looming. Our ascent of Meelbeg was under rain and hail and thunder and lightning. Instead of the planned route along the ridge of Meelbeg, we descended back to the first col and retraced our steps back to the cars as the weather improved again. A welcome cuppa was anticipated at Meelmore Lodge !!! |
May 6th
Lecale Way

This was a lovely, relatively flat coastal walk of approx. 9 miles from Kilclief to Ardglass which is section 3 of the Lecale Way.
A total of 9 Spartans set out on this 'A to B' walk taking some cars from Ardglass to the walk start point at Kilclief. The weather was fine if a little a cloudier and chillier than we had anticipated at the start warming up along the way. We experienced lovely views and there was very mixed terrain underfoot with beach and some rocky sections, grassy pathways and a section of road at the end and had the usual great chats along the way.
We stopped at the picnic tables at Ballyhornan Beach overlooking Gunn Island to have our lunch approx. half way along. We enjoyed coffees and assorted desserts at Doyle's in Ardglass afterwards.
A total of 9 Spartans set out on this 'A to B' walk taking some cars from Ardglass to the walk start point at Kilclief. The weather was fine if a little a cloudier and chillier than we had anticipated at the start warming up along the way. We experienced lovely views and there was very mixed terrain underfoot with beach and some rocky sections, grassy pathways and a section of road at the end and had the usual great chats along the way.
We stopped at the picnic tables at Ballyhornan Beach overlooking Gunn Island to have our lunch approx. half way along. We enjoyed coffees and assorted desserts at Doyle's in Ardglass afterwards.
May Bank Holiday
Donegal
So quick on the heels of the Easter trip that the Spartans took to Glencoe this Easter - but there were still 14 members staying in Ardara in South Donegal for our May Bank Holiday trip.
Thanks to help from Jim ...We booked the same accommodation as last year - a great situation with beautiful views above the town to the hills and coast beyond. And like last year, there was a good music festival on for the weekend too. Our walk on the Saturday was an ascent of Slieve League from Bungass and back via the Pilgrim Route. The strong winds kept us from crossing the One Man's Pass and reaching the trig pillar atop the mountain. Otherwise our walk was a bracing ascent of this inspiring piece of Ireland. The following day we did a walk in the Glengesh area. Parking at the viewpoint car park and ascending to a very windy Common mountain and finding a sheltered spot where we could enjoy a lunch break. Half the group returned to the car park whilst the remainder continued on to climb an even windier Crocknapeast which lay to the south. |
|
We finished our weekend with a great Sunday night meal in Nesbitts Hotel in Ardara and as the weather improved immensely and the winds disappeared , we ventured down to Magera Strand before making our individual journeys back home
Easter
Glencoe
Report update: On the lost Valley walk the Spartans made friends with a visiting hiker from the USA - the following photos come from Maureen of the newly formed Spartan Minnesota chapter
April 8th
Slemish to Glenwherry
We met at Shanes Hill Road and left some cars there before driving to the start of the walk at the Slemish Mountain car park.. The 18 of us climbed Slemish via a scrambly path and reached the top in a cool stiff breeze. Visibility was limited to several mile by a haze so we did not delay on the top too long. After walking south along the top of Slemish we decended a slope at the SE end of the mountain. Just south of Slemish we stopped for our first break by which time the sun was out in full and there was not a cloud in the sky. The next 2 Kms was marked by some indistinct "white" marker poles across a rather boggy valley towards a small wooded area clearly visible SE of us. The way from here was up a good track alongside the wood to near the top of "Douglas Top".
|
After another short break we crossed the Shillanavogy road and followed the fence and occasional marker over the top of Glenhead before again picking up some delightful tracks which brought us down right through the Greenmount Hill Farm. The sun continued to shine as we made our way along a side road to the northern tip of Ballyboley wood and then along the NE edge of the wood to reach the cars about 5pm. After recovering the cars that had been left at the start a few of us went to the Mistyburn cafe for refreshment but sadly were disappointed as it was unexpectedly closed. All in all a great day out, almost wall to wall sunshine and not too wet under foot. Pic taken at first stop just south of Slemish.
March 25th
Lamagan and Cove
We had nineteen walkers on Saturday's Cove and Lamagan walk. We had sun,caves and snow all in one day. Many thanks to all who turned up on a beautiful sunny day. Frank Hughes
Mar 11th
Slieve Croob
14 Spartans started the walk from Windy Gap under cloudy skies.
Slieve Croob and the Mournes were in cloud. However gradually the cloud lifted and Slieve Leganney was clear when we climbed it. Lunch was had at the bottom of Slieve Croob in the Car Park and then it was climbed. There was some mist at the top. As we descended the South East ridge the sun came out and the vista of the Mournes could be seen in all its beauty. Finally a few quenched their thirst in the Square Inn in Dromara David Flinn |
Mar 4th
Slieve Comedagh
There were 9 walkers who braved the elements on Saturday. Only one of the Spartan males was brave enough: the others took Cecelia’s advice not to go into the mountains. WHY? It was a challenging walk especially near the top, where it was snowy and very slippery. One of the group enjoyed a lovely slide but complained about having to climb the 30 feet again. There were smiles all round as it was compulsory for the photo shoot. We had a great day and the sun did shine giving us some lovely views at the end of the day. Barbara Burtenshaw |
|
Sat Feb 11th
Mournes
Sat Feb 4th
Killyleagh – Delamont Park
Walk courtesy of Richard Middleton Photo courtesy of David Flinn
Sat Jan 28th
Chimney Rock
Could not believe our luck as we approached Dundrum and could see loads of lovely blue sky above the Mournes! After a grey dismal week and a gloom laden wet morning leaving Bangor it was a joy to reach Bloody Bridge in bright sunshine. Myself and 18 other hardy perennials set off in almost spring like weather along the track upwards towards the quarry and our first tea break. The chat was mostly about a place called Trumpton,a land far out in the western Atlantic!! It wasn't long till we reached the wall, the views all around were magnificent with a dusting of snow on top of Donard. Onwards and upwards till we reached a large boulder on the Chimney rock were Gerard gave us all a climbing demo and persuaded a handful of adventurers up with him!!
|
|
We lunched at the boulder, partly sheltering us from the icy wind and after yet more chat about the land of Trumpton we headed along to the far end of the ridge before making our way back down the far side and meeting up with the original path again. A super days walking with a great bunch of dude's. Well done to Jean and Anne who travelled down from Limavady on their first Spartan walk!! Jack.
Sat Jan 21st
Mournes
As the weather forecast was looking good, l thought that I would volunteer to lead a walk. There were 16 of us in total and we had a beautiful crisp sunny day. There was a cold south easterly wind blowing and we stayed on the northern side of the wall as we ascended Slieve Loughshannagh and Meelbeg and finally Meelmore - where we stopped to enjoy our lunch on the sheltered side of the wall. We eventually made our way back via The Happy Valley and Fofanny Dam. A cuppa in Meelmore Lodge seemed like a well earned reward. ----- Nigel Whiteside
Sat Jan 7th 2016
Slieve Binnian
The very mild unseasonable weather was a talking point for the 18 spartans who turned out for the walk. Another pleasant discovery was a new cafe opened just a short walk up the track from the main Carrick Little car park called " Carrick Cottage Cafe " We called in on our way back and sampled the menu.
The walk started on the usual route following the Mourne wall until we reached the first wall which crosses the mountain. We climbed through a small entrance in the wall to reach a quarry face where we stopped for a late 11s break with a good view. I've since discovered that the area that we were passing through, which is littered with quarry spoil and ruins of little square buildings once used by those who worked the stone, is known as "Binnian Village ". We made our way up through the tracks until we came to where the 2nd wall which crosses the mountain. Leaving the wall we climbed up to the summit of the Spur, then over to the Summit Tors where we lunched. Gerard then encouraged some to venture unto the Tors. By now the day had changed with mist closing down our visibility as we walked along the ridge to reach the North tor and then down to the saddle with Lamagan. |
The return route was the usual path back to the car park calling in to sample the new cafe. I enjoyed my latte and rhubarb tart with custard kindly provided by Jack - and wish to encourage Jack to walk more regularly. Report provided by Sammy Magill
|