Sat 18th Dec 2021
Winter Walk
The last Saturday walk of the year was led by Jack from Cairncastle to Glenarm across the misty and atmospheric Antrim hills.
Sat 27th Nov 2021
Mournes
Glorious sunshine greeted the 4 Spartans who assembled at Sandy Brae on what was a blustery November morning. Yes that’s right sunshine on one of my walks!!! With winds forecast as 40mph plus on Eagle a quick replan of the route took place and off we headed for the Windy Gap where we took the benefit of shelter at the Batts wall for a cuppa. Then it was off up Moughanmore where we encountered the first snow of the day. Moughanmore safely negotiated it was off up Pigeon Rock where we headed out across the buttress to the small quarry which was a great sheltered spot for lunch. Everyone refuelled we headed for our final peak of the the day Slievemageogh, from there heading down to cross the Pigeon Rock river and back out to Sandy Brae. A good day had by all. Graham |
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Sat 20th Nov 2021
Commedagh
11 Spartans gathered on an overcast day to walk from Meelmore Lodge to the Green Road and up to Slieve Corragh and Slieve Commedagh. When we started the tops were in cloud and at first this seemed to clear but then it closed in and we had some rain. We huddled in the quarry near the top of Commedagh for some food. However after reaching the summit the cloud cleared quickly and lovely views opened up especially on the direct way down to the Brandy Pad. The return walk down the Brandy Pad and Trassey Track was pleasant with good views and good company. We all had a good cup of coffee at Meelmore Lodge to round off a good days walk. David |
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Sat 13th Nov 2021
Mournes
18 Spartans turned up at Spelga Dam for the Saturday walk.
We were heading up and over Butter and onwards to Ott car park when one of our newest members had the misfortune to slip and injure herself. Jean has in fact had the bad luck to have broken her fibula, (bone running parallel to the tibia I’m reliably informed). Jean we all wish you a quick recovery and hope to see you out again soon. It took just over an hour to get Jean off the hill and on her way home with Isobel driving. The Leader hastily changed the route to cut out a long section out to Ben Crom as it would have meant we could have ended up walking in the dark and I’m guessing most people would not have had a head torch in their rucksacks. While the weather was overcast and misty it did improve towards the end of the walk. The 16 Spartans who finished the walk seem to agree it was worth the effort! Even the usual ones who like to give this leader some stick owned up to enjoying it! Not bad for my last lead Saturday walk of the year! John |
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Sat 6th Nov 2021
Moughanmore and Pigeon
It was almost a day for sitting by the fire. We set off in inclement weather along the track at Hen mountain and just as the track ended made our way to the col between Moughanmore and Wee Slievemoughan. Although there was some shelter from the gale and driving rain afforded by Eagle it was still very windy. Our stop for coffee on top of wee Slievemoughan was short before heading on to Windy Gap, where it wasn’t windy.
With the wind on our backs we tackled Slieve Moughanmore and had lunch in the col between Pigeon and Moughanmore. Moughanmore had been steep so the walk up Pigeon seemed pleasant in comparison. On top of Pigeon the wind really got going but since the rain had stopped there were views over the hills clad in acres of autumnal orange grass. We returned via the original path. Thanks to all who participated. Despite the weather it was a good day. Irene |
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Sat 30th Oct 2021
Crawfordsburn
It felt like the Spartans had taken over Crawfordsburn village as the hoards headed along the footpath and down into the glen. Twenty five of us passed a lovely day through the autumnal woods and along the coastal path to Helensbay and round to Seapark before turning inland along lanes and onto Clandeboye Avenue. Lunch was had at an old wooden building hidden in the trees. The sun really got its hat on in the afternoon adding so much to that magnificent tree colour and light that only Autumn can bring! We eventually arrived at Bridge Cottage at the end of the avenue and Roger kindly let us through his garden and out onto the road that eventually took us back to Crawfordsburn village. Thanks to all for a memorable days walking!! Jack. |
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Sat 23rd Oct 2021
Kilbroney
A great day was had by all amidst the autumn colours. David
Sat 16th Oct 2021
Knocklayd
16 Spartans gathered in Ballycastle on a murky but dry Saturday morning for a hike up Knocklayde high above the town. At the start of the walk I said this was my tribute to Ed who passed away on this weekend a year ago. Ed and Helen had many happy times in Ballycastle where they had a second home for many years.
As we ascended through Ballycastle forest many of the trees were turning to their beautiful Autumn colours. At the end of the forest track we ascended the open hillside to the summit of Knocklayde. Unfortunately, the thick mist did not lift from the summit although we still got some good views of Fairhead and Rathlin on the way up. We also enjoyed our lunch before returning the same way. The walk was around 12kms and everyone seemed to enjoy the chat, views and fresh air. At the end of the walk many of the attendees walked on down the Quay Road for some refreshments at the excellent ‘Thyme & Co’ and before heading on home. Derek |
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Sat 9th Oct 2021
Silent Valley Circuit
Well at least it wasn’t windy!! That apart, normal service resumed for one of my walks with rain and fog greeting the 5 brave Spartans who assembled at the Silent Valley car park. Not to be deterred off we set through the Silent Valley towards the dam stopping for a quick cuppa at the cafe to prepare us for what was to be a damp morning. With 3 river crossings on the route things didn’t look good as we found the path up Slievenagore was in fact a river from the overnight rain. After Slievenagore we headed up the Banns Road to Loughshannagh which was lunch stop. First river crossed it was off up Doan for some non existent views and then across the bog to the Ben Crom river. After a tricky crossing we headed toward the south east side of Ben Crom and skirted around and down onto the dam the skies clearing as we went. As we headed back down the road to Silent Valley in glorious sunshine we looked back at Doan summit with not a cloud in sight and cursed our luck. Despite this a great day was had by all. Graham
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Sat 25th Sept 2021
Leitrim Lodge
A small select group of Six Spartans assembled at Leitrim Lodge for a walk in the western Mournes. It was misty to begin with but the mist lifted and the peaks began to show. We climbed Rocky, Tornaman Rock and Pierces Castle . We than walked to Tievedockdarragh and Down the Yellow river and back along the valley to the start. The mist descended again at Tievedockdarragh but in the valley glorious sunshine awaited us. A walk of about 8 miles by the finish. David |
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Sat 18th Sept 2021
Garron Point
Sat 11th Sept 2021
Slieve Donard
6 of us had a wonderful walk from Bloody Bridge to Donard and back via the brandy pad. It was a beautiful day and no mishaps except for keys locked inside someones new hybrid car - hope he was able to retrieve them!!! Nonie
Sat 4th Sept 2021
Carn & Muck
8 of us set off up Banns Road towards Lough Shannagh on a pleasant early autumn morning. In Spartans style first stop was at Lough Shannagh before proceeding around the Lough and up to the wall at end of Ott track. From here we climbed Carn and after lunch headed onto Muck where we had lovely views of the surrounding area. To ease the descent from Muck we returned towards Carn and picked up the source of the Miners Hole river, which gave us a pleasant feature to follow back onto the Banns track. From here it was back to the cars having completed 15kms and a lovely day out in the Mournes. Joan D |
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28th - 31st Aug 2021
Waterford Trip
15 Spartans arrived at Waterford to line up at the start line for the 46km cycle along the greenway to Dungarvan with 3 other important Spartans buying groceries and ferrying cyclists in cars making 18 in total. Cycling the Greenway was a great success with plenty of refreshment stops along the way and that night we treated ourselves to a meal in the nearby Marine Bar with traditional music thrown in for good measure. On Sunday most of the group headed into the Comeragh mountains where Frank led us on a tough climb up from Mahon falls to Fauscoum 792m and around to the impressive Coumshingaun Lough. After the walk the ladies headed for the warm waters of Clonea beach. Nigel led the non-walkers on a cycle to Youghal via lismore castle. After a tough day walking/cycling we enjoyed eating out again - this time in the Dungarvan splendid Crews sea food restaurant beside the the harbour and castle. Monday saw the group split in two with some walking around the headland at Ardmore followed by swimming and the others cycling to Ardmore from our accommodation via An Rinn to a swim in Ardmore beach. It was during the cyclists stop at An Rinn that we discovered we had a Barista in our midst. Upon entering a lovely little pub to ask for coffees the landlord confessed that he had a new coffee machine and didn't really know how to use it so up steps Barbara to help out and serve up some delicious coffee. |
That night we were treated to an in-house meal which was enjoyed by all and then we took part in a table tennis tournament which cumulated in an exciting final between Sandra and Davy with Sandra ending up being crowned the champ.
Many thanks to all for the shopping, cooking, and tidying etc. Frank And a BIG thank you to Frank and Julie for organising a lovely trip with great accommodation. |
Sat 21st Aug 2021
Spelga Circuit
A yellow weather warning that threatened thunder and lightning, and the masses of angry looking grey clouds that met me when I arrived at the Spelga Dam, meant that a shorter walk was the safest and only option. Clouds hovered stubbornly at the same level as the top of Butter Mountain, covering most of the splendid Spelga sky-line from view. Steady rain fell and got heavier as the day went on.
Noel, Christine and me opted for a much shorter route than planned, due to the worsening weather. From the top of Butter, we descended to the road and hit the Ott track to meet the Mourne Wall and Carn mountain, then descending to the Dam. We passed two Duke of Edinburgh expedition groups of young people coming down the Ott track. They seemed wet-through but in good form after their over-night camp. Coming down to the Deer’s Meadow the Spelga Dam was completely obscured by low cloud. Heavy rain falling now and lots of cars on the road. Scary, as some cars were going so fast in the poor visibility. We were spared the electric storm and got safely back to our cars to change into warm and dry clothes. I hope to do the planned full walk on a future date, when the weather is more favourable. Mountaineering is about dealing well with physical challenges and weather is only one part of this. Thanks all. Donald
Noel, Christine and me opted for a much shorter route than planned, due to the worsening weather. From the top of Butter, we descended to the road and hit the Ott track to meet the Mourne Wall and Carn mountain, then descending to the Dam. We passed two Duke of Edinburgh expedition groups of young people coming down the Ott track. They seemed wet-through but in good form after their over-night camp. Coming down to the Deer’s Meadow the Spelga Dam was completely obscured by low cloud. Heavy rain falling now and lots of cars on the road. Scary, as some cars were going so fast in the poor visibility. We were spared the electric storm and got safely back to our cars to change into warm and dry clothes. I hope to do the planned full walk on a future date, when the weather is more favourable. Mountaineering is about dealing well with physical challenges and weather is only one part of this. Thanks all. Donald
Sat 14th Aug 2021
Rathlin Island
Sat 31st July 2021
Shanlieve
Eighteen of us assembled at Yellow Water. We ascended quite steeply on a newly refurbished path to gain the edge of the forest and followed a track lined with wild flowers to a slightly midge ridden coffee break. The rest of the upward route took us to the long shoulder of Shanlieve via a moonscape of peat, granite boulders and vibrant heather. It started to clag in and mizzle when we lunched on Eagle. We reversed the route to Shanlieve and followed Batt’s Wall down a steep rocky slope to the bog which was quite spongy, crossed by a few well placed fence posts. From here, we negotiated an elusive path to the tree with the orange marker close to the corner of the forest and finished the walk on the original path. This is usually a quiet corner of the Mournes, but today there was a charity walk on, marshalled by one “ Banjo” Bannon, a bit of a character and Everest summiter. You never know who you’ll meet. A grand day out. Irene |
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Sat 17th July
Castleward
17 had a lovely walk round castleward- the boundary trail. Temperatures rose to 30 degrees but fortunately the majority of the walk was under shade. Finished with coffee or icecream in the courtyard. Nonie |
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10th - 17th July 2021
Clifden, Connemara
Covid restrictions for the self-catering sector eased just in time to allow 21 Spartans to spend a very enjoyable week in the spacious Benbaun House in Clifden. Walks were organised to the Mamturks, Diamond Hill, Enisbeg etc. Cyclists completed various loops to Roundstone, Leenane and the Sky Road. And of course there was some golf and swimming to fit in too along with a ferry trip to Inisbofin. We enjoyed some very fine dining cooked by our own SRS chefs and evenings were passed with lively chat, music and the usual craic. A big thanks must go to Carrie for organising the trip and finding such great accommodation. Thanks also to the walk/cycle leaders, shoppers, cooks, and general dogsbodies who all helped to make the week so enjoyable and successful. |
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Sat 3rd July
Giants Causeway coastal path.
On a glorious sunny Saturday 19 Spartans met in Portballintrae and started off viewing Lissanduff ( Dark Fort) - an early Bronze Age settlement consisting of 2 sets of circles built for defence. Some were more interested than others . A lovely dander along by the river Bush, golf club and railway track to the Giants Causeway where a train chugged it’s way past . A perfect view point for lunch before walking the upper path with super scenery . We returned via the Causeway stones ,Runkerry house and along the beach with the sun glistening on the sea . This is truly one of the best walks in the world . We ended the 10 miles with fish and chips in Bushmills devoured whilst watching salmon leap in the River Bush . Sandra |
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Sat 26th June 2021
Meelmore & Bearnagh
Due to the increasing numbers in the Mournes as well as campers in Meelmore lodge, a group of 10 Spartans started the walk at the slightly earlier time of 9:30. The route was circular, firstly heading towards Happy Valley then heading up Meelmore before continuing on to Bearnagh. Lunch was taken on a nice rock outcrop about 2/3rds the way up Bearnagh providing great views. After a long winter of relative inactivity it was great to get back to doing a slightly more strenuous walk. Mike |
Sat 19th June 2021
Crockbrack Way
Twelve Spartans gathered at the Moneyneaney Community Centre (An Rath Dubh) for a walk round the Crockbrack Way in the Sperrins. Some remarked how much easier it was to get there with all the improvements to the A6 and thus somewhere that once seemed so far away is not so far away at all now. The wonderful sunny day we got seemed to contradict the pessimistic weather forecast from the evening before. It was a long steady climb up the hillside on little back roads and lanes and the magnificent views to the east gradually opened up. With some relief on the increasingly hot day we reached the top and after only a little dry bog trotting reached the lunch stop near the summit of Crockbrack (526m). The 360 degree view was breath-taking with views of Binvenagh to the north right round past the Lough Neagh basin in the east and west over the larger Sperrin peaks. Following lunch we descended and then re-ascended again to take in the minor summit of Craigbane and then followed a track which eventually turned into a back road back to the cars. The soggy boggy Sperrins did not live up their reputation on this occasion and actually it was remarkable how dry it was underfoot. As usual with the Sperrins too- we didn’t meet another human being all day- what a contrast with the Mournes at the moment!
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All stopped off for ice creams at An Rath Dubh and for once it was pleasure to sit outside at the picnic tables available before departing for the day. Distance covered was eight miles in total and everyone had a great day’s craic. Derek
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Sat 12th June 2021
Carnlough Horseshoe
Set off around 11 and headed up towards the Trosks. Warm and cloudy with only the lightest of breezes, but a perfect day for walking. Got to the ruined building by 3, only to be greeted by hoards of hungry mosquitoes. Great craic and chats along the way arriving back in Carnlough at 5pm having covered just over 9 miles. Thanks to all for making it a memorable days walking. Oh, just to say to all those worried about my lost stick, I drove up the lane beside the quarry and luckily found it beside the gate were I left it. Jack. |
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Sat 5th June
Binnian
Sat 29th May
Ben Crom circuit
Sat 22nd May 2021
Butter, Spalpha, Craigdoo
Sat 15th May 2021
Butter, Ott, Carn etc
18 Spartans met in Spelga Car Park to head out onto some well known mountains of Mourne on what was a slightly dreak damp day.
Up and over Butter and down onto the distinct townland boundary line on the west flank of Ott. This route up Ott was one many of the group had never walked. Heading up to Ott summit and then over to the wall and up Carn. A lunch stop at Carn Stile was graced by a visit from Sammy (out walking with some friends) the craic as per usual from Sammy was good. Over Slieve Loughshannagh and then round the west side of Slieve Loughshannagh and down the Ott track. Finishing by following the telegraph poles around Butter and back to the car park. Snacks for some and straight home for others. All in all a good day out in good company. John |
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Sat 8th May 2021
Moyle/Dungonnell Ways
7 brave Spartans reported to Glenariff Forest Car Park with a plan to walk Trostan and Slievenanee. However with some wind gusts in the car park almost blowing us off our feet and constant rain beating down it was decided to abort the planned walk and opt for a lowland walk talking in some sections of the Moyle and Dungonnell Ways. Off we set out to the main entrance of the car park crossing the road and picking up the Moyle Way which took us up to the main route up to Trostan where we picked up the Dungonnell Way. With a quick stop in the trees for a cuppa along the way we followed it to the bottom of Slievenanee. Here we headed back down towards Glenariff Forest picking up the Dungonnell way again which we followed and then turned off back towards the car park which was a well deserved lunch stop for 7 wet and wind swept Spartans. Graham |
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Sat 1st May
Eagle
Sat 24th April
Pierce's Castle
As a result of the major gorse fire on Slieve Donard, the SRS walk was hurriedly relocated from Meelmore Lodge to Leitrim Lodge near Hilltown, well away from the threat of smoke and flames. The original plan to tackle Meelmore and Meelbeg from Meelmore Lodge was ruled out by a police cordon at Trassey Road, with all traffic being turned back. A quick confab was held at the roadside back in Bryansford and it was decided to head for Leitrim Lodge. Contact was made with three early bird Spartans who had managed to make it to Meelmore Lodge before the cordon was set in place. Two elected to stay put and complete a low level walk, while the third linked up with the main party at Leitrim. En route we passed Hen car park which was full to overflowing, with cars parked at the roadside for a good quarter of a mile each way. At Leitrim Lodge the car park was jammed but we were able to park safely at the roadside. The pressure on the Mournes is clear to see, although the western flank is always less crowded than the Newcastle side. By 11.15 we were under way, and thanks to some teamwork within the group we had a viable route to follow. We were a party of seven and we were so glad to be out in the fresh air on a pitch perfect spring day, walking under a blue sky and a strong sun, with only a slight breeze. And thankfully, no smell of smoke. Starting off up over the saddle between Rocky and Tourmanrock we dropped down to the footbridge across the Rowan Tree River where a stop was called for first lunch. After all the hassle it was good to be able to sit down beside the pretty stream and relax in the warm sunshine over a cuppa. And a great opportunity to admire a buzzard wheeling around overhead. As we continued in a wide clockwise circle around Wee Slievemoughan, we noticed how tinder-dry the undergrowth was. Ground that is usually sodden was dry and it would have been so easy for a fire to start. We stopped at the second river crossing for a further snack and a chance to sit and chat in the sun. |
For most of us, it was a first chance in four months to savour the splendour of the Mournes. Happily no fire alarms sounded and soon we found ourselves up on the dizzy heights of Pierce’s Castle, where we paused to admire the magnificent view and chat to a couple of local girls who had come out for a walk in the hills. From there we followed the ridge across Altataggart to reach the top of Tourmanrock, before our final descent back down to Leitrim Lodge. In the circumstances it had worked out to be a successful walk, with the usual good company and great chat. My thanks to those who helped devise this impromptu route, kept us safe and enabled us to take advantage of such a beautiful day of weather. ROBIN MORTON |
Sat 17th Apr 2021
Tornamrock, Rocky, Cock and Hen
The first Saturday since the latest lifting of the Covid 19 restrictions saw 14 Spartans starting from Leitrim Lodge in beautiful weather which lasted throughout the day. We ascended Rocky via Tornamrock, crossed the footbridge at Rocky Water and forded the Rowan Tree River to the gravel path. Having followed the path downstream, we climbed Cock from the south-west side and lunched on the saddle. From there we climbed Hen, dropped down to the gravel path, headed back up the Rocky River valley to retrace our steps to the Rocky Water footbridge. From there we trekked over the saddle between Rocky and Tornamrock and dropped back down to the starting point, covering a distance of approximately 14kms. Thanks to the sunshine and the pleasure of being back out again with the group, a good day was had by all. A & E Rowan |
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