Sat 31st Dec 2022
Bearnagh



​On the last day of the year 7 of us had a very soggy walk over Bearnagh - in fact it was more of an achievement than an enjoyable walk!!  Still we made it in one piece apart from a knee injury.  However, with Fiona's brilliant navigational skills and mountain rescue experience along with Terry's paramedic training we confidently got back to Meelmore Lodge.  Nonie

Sat 17th Dec 2022
​Commedagh


​What another gorgeous week for a winter walk - this time up Slieve Commedagh. 9 Spartans started off from Meelmore Lodge to walk up the snowy lane to the style where, once crossed, we made our way over to the Trassey track.  From here we walked up the 'green lane' which today was 'white' to meet the wall at Slievenaglogh. We had a break here to admire the beautiful winter wonderland before us and grab a quick cuppa before heading along the Mourne wall to eventually reach the summit of Commedagh.  It was bitterly cold at the top so after a quick lunch it was time to head down to the saddle between Commedagh and Donard and then follow the brandy pad round to Hare's Gap.  What a contrast on this side - the warmth from the sun had melted most of the snow and so this side was very green. The mist started rolling in from the valley below as we reached Hare's Gap and we hurriedly made our way back down to Trassey and back to our cars at Meelmore. Marian

Sat 10th Dec 2022
​Winter Walk



Having heard the forecast on Friday night I was slightly concerned about what the next day might bring! Travelling towards Larne in a thick dense fog  definitely got me alarmed. Then magically I was out of the fog and into a beautiful sunny and very clear frosty morning, and so it remained for the rest of the day. Six happy hikers set off in perfect winter conditions from the car park above Cairncastle for a very memorable ridge walk with fantastic clear views to the Mull Of Kintyre and the Paps of Jura. Even the road walk down to Glenarm gave us fine views towards the Scottish Isles. Just as good was the view inside The Coast Road Inn with tea and beer and a bit of Xmas craic and of course the World Cup on the TV. Thanks to Barbara, Marian, Nonie, Stephen and Noel.  Jack

Sat 3rd Dec 2022
Yellow River

Sat 19th Nov 2022
Doan

​A sociable group of 10 Spartans turned up to do a leisurely hike up to the summit of Doan on a clear crisp November morning.  This was the first really cold day we've had for many months and there was certainly a very biting wind at the top of Doan but we found a lovely sheltered spot to eat our lunch and enjoy the lively chat.  On our return we all went back to Meelmore Lodge for a warm cuppa and more craic.  Marian

Sat 29th Oct 2022
Tollymore


​After our shaky start with 13 brave souls, each wondering why they got out of bed at all!! we continued into Tollymore forest and had a wet but wonderful walk. As we splashed along the paths (rivulets) surrounded by beautiful autumnal colours we were treated to the sight and sound of a flood rising in the Shimna. After one brief interlude when hood defences could come down the rain restarted! In total we did 8 and a half miles and finished up with a welcome tea/ coffee in Nikki’s around 2.30.
Even on the way home it was still hammering down such was the weather on the 29th of October 2022!! Thanks to everyone and especially Sammy who jointly navigated!! Jack

Sat 22nd Oct 2022
Slieve Donard



​4 of us had a great walk to Donard from Bloody Bridge and back by the Brandy Pad.  Weather was dry but very misty on the top of Donard and also very crowded!!  But thankfully it was sunny and warm all the way back.  Nonie

Sat 15th Oct 2022
​Kilbroney



​We had 9 in the group and the forecasted weather of rain and wind reached us by the time that we ascended to Slieve Martin. We cut short the walk out to Knockshee because of the strong winds and made it into the forest where they are building a new path through the park which we roughly followed. Very pretty views. All finished off by a nice cuppa in Synge and Burn!!

Sat 8th Oct 2022
​Slieve Donard

Slieve Donard is not one of my favourite mountains. I hate all the tree roots and steps on the way up the tourist trail, so I decided to try the less travelled route via the granite trail and Millstone.
Nine other Spartans were brave enough to join me, and thankfully, the weather remained favourable and the clouds stayed high enough to save me from having to test my navigation skills. 
We made our way through Donard Forest to join the granite trail before stopping for our first break above the old quarry, taking in the magnificent views of Newcastle and across to Slieve Croob and beyond. 
We then made our way up to Millstone Mountain, where we stopped to take in the views below and across the Irish Sea. From there it was a bit of a long slog up another 400 metres of ascent to the top of Donard, but again, some great views along the way, with Commodore coming into sight to the West as we approached the summit and a well earned break for lunch. 
We returned to Donard car park via the tourist trail along the Glen River, and half of the group stayed for a drink at O'Hare's before making our way home. A great way to round off a most enjoyable day. 
Thanks to all those who joined me on my first walk as leader.  Robert

Sat 1st Oct 2022
Silent Valley Loop


8 Spartans met at the Silent Valley on a beautiful sunny morning to take on a loop of the Silent Valley reservoir. The first destination was to make it to the Banns Road by heading across the col between Slievenagore and Slievenaglough. Once on the Banns Road we headed up to the Miners Hole river where we had a brief tea stop before heading on up to our first climb of the day which was Doan. Safely negotiated it was on to tackle the tricky bog and river crossing between Doan and Ben Crom before heading down the eastern shoulder on Ben Crom to the damhead which was lunch. Everyone refuelled we crossed the dam to begin the ascent of Binnian by heading up into the col at Lamagan. A steady pace saw us reach the summit in good time battling strong winds on the way. Then it was off to tackle the descent down onto Wee Binnian which was a steep and tricky descent. As we headed off Wee Binnian towards Moolieve we were greeted by our first real rain of the day which thankfully didn’t last long as we made it back down into the valley. Graham

Sat 10th Sept 2022
Mournes

8 of us met at Leitrim Lodge on what was a glorious September morning. We set off up the track towards Pierces Castle before taking a sharp right to tackle the short but steep ascent up onto Altataggart. From there we made our way across to meet Batts Wall on Tievedockaragh where we had a short break for a cuppa due to the down side of the beautiful weather and no breeze…. Midges!! Thankfully the walk across to Shanlieve offered up some of the more pleasant wildlife the Mournes has to offer with butterflies, frogs and dragonflies greeting us as we walked. The steep ascent onto Shanlieve completed we could see Eagle in front of us which once we had reached the summit cairn we sat down for lunch taking in a 360 of stunning views, the High Mournes, the Cooleys and even a very faint Scrabo Tower and Strangford Lough in the far distance to name a few. Next up was the descent off Eagle to the Windy Gap from where we followed a tributary of the Rocky Water and ascended up into the col between Pierces Castle and Tornamrock. From there it was over Tornamrock to meet the Mourne Way at the col with Rocky and off back down to Leitrim Lodge. Graham

Sat 27th Aug 2022
Mournes



​12 Spartans assembled at the Deers Meadow near Spelga on a beautiful late summers day. We first climbed Pigeon Rock mountain and then had a coffee break! Slieve Mughanmore followed and finally we had the steep haul up Eagle Mountain. Lunch was had on the summit. We met folks who were doing the “bird walk” ( Pigeon, Eagle, hen and Cock mountain!). The return was by descending Eagle the way we came and then contouring round Slieve Mughanmore and over Pigeon to return to the cars at around 4 pm. A good 5 hour walk with beautiful views all day. Refreshments were had at Meelmore lodge after a really hot day.

David

Sat 20th Aug 2022
​Castleward


Despite the bad weather forecast and torential rain in Belfast and other places, most of us gathered at the main Castleward carpark.
We picked up a few others along the way at Audley's Castle and beyond making a total of eleven. For the first time I remember, we were
able to get into the Castle itself. Julie had met the guide beforehand so we were all treated to an interesting tour of the building and
it is now possible to climb right up to the top.
The weather was "damp" but we did not get really soaked all day. The route was basically around the boundary walk of the property - a total 
of 13km. Blackberries were much in evidence along the way, but sadly we had to eat them as we had forgotten to bring anything to carry
them back home in. The trail is fairly easy to follow and pretty well marked so no need for maps and compasses. The trees kept the worst of the wet 
away from us. Fortunately the ground was still fairly hard and not too muddy.
Lunch eventually came at the Viewpoint and we all managed to squeeze on to the seat overlooking the County Down countryside and towards 
the Mournes. Back on to the trail and on back towards the House. Part of the trail has been  blocked off to allow the fields to recover. This involves the grazing of cattle and a bull so best avoided. This did not spoil the rest of the walk back to the House.

Most of us continued on to do a small loop down Lime Tree Walk and down past the lake which has been recently restored. The Waterlilies on the lake looked spectacular and made the detour worthwhile. Time for tea in the courtyard where we were treated to a couple singing jazz. Richard

Sat 13th Aug 2022
​Kilclief to Ardglass



​10 Spartans gathered on a glorious sunny and hot day at Kilclief south of Strangford to walk the coastal Lecale way between Kilclief and Ardglass. We walked along the beach near Kilclief, round Killard point onto Killard beach to Ballyhornan beach. There several of us had a swim in calm and warm waters. Lunch was after the swim. We then proceeded along the coastal path past coves to Ardglass. A nice thirst quenching drink was had afterwards in Ardglass.

David

Sat 6th Aug 2022
Three Peak Challenge!



​The Mournes were stunning on Saturday as we completed another small section of the Mourne Wall walk remembering that it is 100 years since
it 's completion.
Our "3 Peaks Challenge" consisted of walking up the Ott track to the wall and then  going over Slieve Loughshannagh, Slieve Meelbeg and Slieve Meelmore and then back inside the mountains  to the Ott track. This route offers great views across the Mournes.  It is not a long walk and it was noted that it would be a good route during the winter months when the day light hours are shorter.
Thanks to all for a good day out. Barbara

Sat 23rd July 2022
Antrim Hills


​Being July you might expect a bright sunny day but today couldn’t have been further from it. Fog, blustery winds and for a good part of the day rain staying with us made it more like an October or November day. After a couple of nice weather walks normal service had resumed for one of my walks!! 6 of us met at Glenariff Forest Park and given the small group we made our way by car to the Ballyeammon Road which has space for 4 cars. After a small section of road walking it was off up the side of the forest to ascend Trostan the forest affording us some shelter from the wind. Although as it ended we were greeted by the full force of the wind for the final part of the ascent and across Trostans lunar like summit plateau. We huddled at the summit cairn in what shelter we could find for a brief tea stop. Next was Slievenanee with an interesting bogland negotiation in between. As we reached the spur on the north eastern slopes of Nanee with the ground ahead looking much worse and the rain and wind constantly in our faces the plan was to descend and loop around 
up to the summit however once we had made it down the rain became increasingly heavy so we headed across to the Dungonnell Way and found a sheltered spot in the forest for lunch. From there a short walk took us back to the cars. A good if very wet and windy day was had by all. Graham

Sat 16th July 2022
​Mournes


​14 of us set off for a end to end walk  keeping close to the Mourne Wall which is 100 years old - still going strong with some upkeep. 
We started at Ott car park walking up the track for a short distance and then heading up to the top of Ott mountain and across to meet the Mourne Wall and walked to the top of Carn mountain. We then followed the Mourne Wall up to the top of Slieve Muck for lunch. After that we descended along the Mourne Wall to meet the Lough Shannagh track. Our climbing continued up Slievenaglogh again along the Mourne Wall. Another tea break was required to take in the beautiful view ( and recover ).
We then continued to the end point on the Head Road keeping close to the Mourne Wall.
Another enjoyable day in the hills ! Rachel

July Trip 2nd - 9th July 2022
​Dingle

Sat 2nd July 2022
​Divis Mountain



​4 of us had a lovely walk over Blackmountain and Divis despite the dramatic sculptures and the literally hundreds of families out to see them (celebrating outer space and the environment)! I hadn’t realised that the far side of Divis is now completely fenced off and not open to the public - we clambered over and tunnelled under a couple of them anyway ! Nonie

Sat 25th June 2022
​Western Mournes


9 of us assembled at Sandy Brae on a bright but blustery morning for a walk in the wilds of the Western Mournes. The first summit of the day was Slieve Bug so we headed off following the Red Moss River up its northern slopes and on reaching the top had a brief stop for tea. All refuelled it was off to face the challenge of negotiating the Red Bog after which we summited Finlieve. Across the summit we experienced the full force of an ever increasing wind. As we decended into the bogland heading towards Shanlieve thankfully we were afforded some shelter from the wind as again we were challenged with tricky ground under foot. On reaching Shanlieve summit the wind seemed to have gained even more speed and what was to be the lunch stop was postponed until we had summited Eagle where we crossed Batts Wall at the stile for some shelter. After lunch it was off to decend into the Windy Gap off Eagle where we picked up the quarry track which would take us back out to Sandy Brae in what was now glorious sunshine. Graham

Sat 18th June
Crockmore/Crockback



​11 Spartans enjoyed this circuit in the Sperrins on a bright but blustery and at times unseasonably cool day. Only one decent shower of rain near the summit. However, the scenery was magnificent and of course the chat and craic was equally good. 13.6kms was covered in a respectable four hours and forty minutes. The community centre at An Rath Dubh in Moneyneaney provided the lovely ice cream and refreshments afterwards (can recommend it anytime you are in the neighbourhood). Very pleased to say we were joined by our honourable club secretary for the occasion (Mr Nigel Whiteside) and I am grateful to him and Mairead for the photos provided   Derek

Sat 11th June 2022
Coastal Path




​7 of us had a really good walk from Marino (Hollywood) to Bangor.  We had 1 short shower of rain and otherwise the weather was much better than the forecast !!  Ended up at a nice coffee shop in Bangor 👍 Nonie

Weds 1st June to Sun 5th June 2022
Donegal Trip to Ardara

Many thanks to Rachel and David for organising a brilliant trip to Donegal where we had exceptionally good weather enabling us to participate in 3 great walks - Port to Glencolmkille, Slieve Tuoey and Slieve League.  The photos speak for themselves.

Thurs 2nd June 2022
​Jubilee Walk - Camlough to Carlingford

Car parked in Carlingford at 630am I was on my way back to Camlough courtesy of my wife. The starting point reached at 7am I set off for the first peak of the morning, Camlough Mountain then heading across the country roads via Killeavy Old Churches on the Ring of Gullion Way to tackle Slieve Gullion which by 930 I had summited. The next part was a lot of country road walking passing through Jonesborough and on to Ravensdale Forest car park where I was met by a fellow Spartan, also being time for some foot first aid having reaching the 25km point. Then it was onwards up through Ravensdale to Clermont Cairn and on towards Carnavaddy Cairn. The descent from Carnavaddy into the Windy Gap was a steep and challenging one. Reaching the Windy Gap and after reading the long woman’s grave stone the steepest climb of the day was in front up onto the Foxes Rock. Then it was on up to the Ravens and Eagles Rocks before the endless ups and downs before we finally summited Slieve Foye. The weather to this point had been good only a few spots of rain and thankfully it stayed with us as we descended down into Carlingford at 630 in the evening. 46km and just short of 2000m of ascent. Graham

Sat 28th May 2022
​Cushendun to Ballycastle

Sat 21st May 2022
Yellow Water

On Saturday five Spartans set out from Kilbroney car park to check out some new paths and others being constructed in the forest. We walked to Yellow Water and took a break. We then took the river path up. This path has been improved making walking a lot more pleasant with a variety of steps created. We reached the Ford where a footbridge has been erected making the crossing easier and continued to the pond at the Red Bog. We continued on a newly created path to where a forest track comes to an end with a turning point. This was very pleasant as we crossed a couple of newly constructed footbridges. At the turning point another path has been constructed taking us out on the side of Slievemeel. The path continues to meet another forest track where another path is currently being created through the Fallows towards Slieve Martin. We had a choice as to where to go from here and decided to continue through the forest edge and then ascend Slieve Martin. We came across a row of bags obviously brought in by helicopter which will link the summit with the track which we chose. 
Other paths will be constructed over towards Slievemeen. From the summit we made our way down to the cafe for a well earned cuppa. The weather was pleasant and dry. The walk turned out to be 11.7 miles but not a strenuous walk. Thank to everyone who joined me on the walk. Sammy ​

Sat 14th May 2022
​Ben Crom Circuit

Sat 30th April 2022
​Mournes



​With heavy rain forecast nine walkers arrived at an empty hen car park as light rain fell.  But only seven walkers started and we had lunch at the wall of pigeon rock.  Amazingly the day stayed mostly dry with only some light bursts of rain but good clear views.  Frank

Sat 23rd April
​Causeway Coast

Thanks are due to Donald Bell for stepping into the breach on April 23 and organising a most enjoyable walk along the Causeway Coast. Some 14 Spartans met on schedule at 11am at Dunseverick Castle car park on a beautifully sunny and warm morning. With the wind on our backs, we set off at a brisk pace, bound for Giant’s Causeway and thence to Portballintrae. En route we paused to look down the sheer cliff-face at Port Moon where we could spot the distinctive red roof of the remote shoreline bothy which featured in the recent BBC2 programme Pilgrimage. The facilities are basic but it looks great value at £15pp although the easiest means of access is by kayak. See the website: http://www.canoeni.com/canoe-trails/north-coast-sea-kayak-trail/access-point/port-moon/
The chat was good as we marvelled at the stunning views this clifftop path affords. With wall to wall sunshine the visibility was sensational and we could see across to the Mull of Kintyre and Islay. The sky was cloudless and the sea was a breath-taking Mediterranean blue. A coffee stop was called around midday at Benbane Head and we relaxed on the grassy knoll to enjoy a cuppa and absorb the view. All to the sound of the sea way beneath us and the cry of the seabirds circling high above us – plus the call of skylarks over the farm fields.  
We made for the Causeway Centre where the party divided into two, some staying there for their picnic and others heading down the tourist trail to the Causeway itself for their refreshments. The path was busy with visitors from near and far and the mix of tongues and nationalities was fascinating. All were intent on seeing the Causeway for themselves and sitting in the wishing chair. We noted that the usual minibus service to ferry the less able down to the Causeway was not operating, which must have inconvenienced the less able tourists. Evidently the National Trust is short of volunteers at present, which may have affected this bus service and also contributed to the decision to delay the opening of the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. A pity that this attraction remains shut as we approach peak season.
The party re-assembled close to the Causeway Hotel and we made our way round Runkerry Head following the ups and downs of the attractive coastal path. More fantastic views as we gazed down to watch the waves breaking on rocks in inlets far below us. We were surprised to find that the concrete bridge beside the luxury apartments was no more. Evidently it had become unstable and was removed several months ago for health and safety reasons. Until a replacement bridge is built, walkers have to use stepping stones to cross the stream, which was at a low ebb thanks to the recent dry weather. 
We then followed the path beside the Giant’s Causeway railway track and so to the bridge across the River Bush, pausing to look back at the breakers crashing onto Bushfoot strand. We reached our destination around 3.20pm which allowed time for a welcome ice cream stop before we strolled along the seafront and up to the Bayview Hotel. The 4.19pm bus was on time and we piled aboard to be ferried back to the start of our walk in no time at all. All in all, around nine miles, superb weather, great chat and fine exercise. Thanks again to Donald for getting us organised.
Robin Morton

Sat 9th April 2022
Slieve Commedagh

Thirteen of us met up in Donard Carpark. Carpark particularly busy as there was a fell running event on at the same time which was starting in the carpark. We got fairly well organised and three cars went up to Meelmore Lodge for the start of the walk.
From Meelmore Lodge we walked over to the Trassey Track which was a little more wet and soggy than anticipated. We contined up the track and turned left on to the Green Road and a steepish climb up to the Mourne Wall. The visibility was superb and we walked along the wall over Slieve Corragh before the final ascent of Slieve Commedagh. 
The spring on the way up Commedagh proved a convenient stop for refreshments/layer removal. We met Andrew on the way who was  successfully trying out his new boots. Lunched at the Wall and then crossing the Wall headed for the "true" summit. The Isle of Mann and the Lake District were clearly seen and we had beautiful views down on to  Newcastle,  Dundrum Bay and beyond.
After a fairly steep descent with John's help we found our way through the trees as fallen trees still blocked the obvious way down. The tree trail eventually ended up on to the Glen River trail which had more people on it. Back at Donard Carpark, Noel kindly drove the drivers back to  Meelmore. The only blackspot on an otherwise great day out on the hills was that the coffee shop was shut when we arrived back in Donard.

Richard Middleton

Sat 2nd April 2022
​Slieve Gullion



​15 of us assembled at Slieve Gullion Forest Park on a glorious April morning for a loop walk over Gullion. We set off up the forest road and were soon taking in the glorious views across to Cooleys and Dundalk Bay. On reaching the top car park we had a brief stop of tea and then started the ascent to Slieve Gullion summit. Summit reached we spent sometime exploring the passage tomb with a few of us venturing in. It was then across to Lough Berra and the North Cairn where we found a sheltered spot from the biting wind for lunch. Everyone refuelled we began the descent which took us down to the mountain road with wonderful views of the Mournes and Camlough mountain all the way down. Following the road we reached Kileavy Old Churches where we spent some time exploring before heading off to Kileavy Castle and back to the Forest Park. A great day had by all covering 15km by the finish. Graham

Sat 26th Mar 2022
​Slieve Croob



​With Spartans apparently testing positive at a greater rate than Oscar nominees, a reduced group of 7 enjoyed an excellent day of walking the Dromara Hills under 100% blue skies. Unfortunately our leader was unable to be with us, so after briefing a replacement leader at short notice and arranging complex logistics, placing 4 cars at Dromara, 2 at Windy Gap and 1 at Seeconnell, the group enjoyed a beautiful walk taking in the summits of Cratlieve, Slieve Croob and Slievenisky, covering a total distance of 12km and 475m ascent in 5 hours.
 
Stephen

Sat 19th Mar 2022
​Spelga Circuit

Sat 12th Mar 2022
​Carnlough Horseshoe

We set of up the Waterfall road hopeful that the winds and rain would hold of long enough to get the walk completed. Luck was on our side and by the time we got to the Trosk’s the sun was out with very clear views across to Ailsa Craig, Mull of Kintyre and the Mull of Galloway. We headed across  the waterlogged turf and some teamwork was required to get ourselves over and through a couple of vicious barbed wire fences before lunch at the old ruined building known by the locals as the Peat Shed. We had fun crossing the many swollen streams and well done everyone for the nifty footwork!! After a climb up through the moor's we could look round and see nearly the complete route of our walk. The views were glorious!  Eventually we reached the gate by the steep lane that leads back down to Carnlough and coffee in the Londonderry Arms. Thanks everyone for another wonderful adventure on the hills and the great craic!     Jack.  

Sat 5th Mar 2022
Sallagh Braes


​It was a beautiful spring day for Davy's walk at Sallagh Braes and the 11 Spartans who turned up to take part were certainly not disappointed with the views or the weather.  
​A grand day out!!

Sat 26th Feb 2022
​Dungonnell Way

It was a dry day for our circuit of the Dungonnell Way but we were harried by a strong Southerly gale throughout the walk. It was a pleasant walk however, whenever we managed to get the wind on our backs or were sheltered by the forest for much of the second half of the circuit. Talking about the forest- we could see evidence of the damage caused by the recent storms and we had to negotiate around some uprooted trees which lay across our path. A wary eye was cast on other trees which swayed and creaked in the wind as we passed by! The walk leader was disappointed by the fact that the previously used sheltered lunch stop was now exposed by some tree felling but we soon found another lovely spot beside a little stream which offered us protection from the wind. The Essathohan waterfall was the highlight as usual and many of the group could not resist bringing out their phones to get some pictures. Everyone eventually arrived gratefully back at their cars after a full on facial exfoliation by the Southerly gale during the final leg past the Dungonnell Reservoir. An enjoyable 14km stretch of the legs in the challenging conditions.  Derek

Sat 19th Feb 2022
​Mournes

5 Spartans met at a snow bound Carricklittle on a crisp but sunny morning. As we headed up the track the scenes that greeted us were more reminiscent of somewhere in the Alps. With the quarry tracks negotiated around Lamagan to the base of Cove the first climb of the day onto Lower Cove was a relatively simple one and it was off to the climb up onto the col at Lamagan which proved move challenging with the snow becoming deeper and the path not visible at all. Once onto the col we found a spot with a few rocks for lunch and basked in the sun and absolute silence preparing ourselves for the biggest challenge of the day, the decent off Cove. With the summit cairn located we began our slow and careful decent with the snow over 2ft deep in places. Some of us even opted to take up a bit of sledging getting onto our bums and sliding down through the snow.
All down safely it was up over Beg stopping for a quick look down the Coach Road and off down to the Brandy Pad. At this point due to the slow going & because of conditions a quick replan was made and we diverted into the Annalong Valley rather than the planned walk along the Buttress. 
Following the path when we could see it a quick stop for tea below the Coach Road was made before picking up the quarry track back out to Carricklittle. A great day had by all on what was a challenging hike.  Graham

Sat 12th Feb 2022
Mournes


​Another day of extreme winds following a night of heavy rain didn’t dampen the spirits of our group. At least nobody said so. We’d only gone a short distance when chatting to some returning walkers discovered that the river we’d to ford was uncrossable, entailing a quick change of plan. 
The new route took us up “ Happy Valley” (if only) in the teeth of a gale. Eventually we reached the col and had a quick stop followed by an ascent of Meelbeg. We were massively thankful for the shelter of the wall, which gave us some respite, before stepping once more into the storm for the descent to the col at Slieve Loughshannagh.
A short descent to a small disused quarry and former quarry mans’ path led us towards Meelmore Lodge offering some unusual views of Foffany reservoir.
The closer we got to the lowlands the better the weather became and towards the finish we were able to enjoy a sheltered stop in the sunshine. It was most welcome. Irene

Sat 5th Feb 2022
​Slieve Donard

The weather forecast for Saturday did not look good - gale force winds with 65mph gusts along with sleet, snow and heavy rain.  However, this did not deter 9 mad Spartans from braving the elements.  Arriving at Donard car park the wind was howling like a banshee and some of us were having second thoughts. But then Pete arrived in his black sheep shuttle bus and away we went to the start at Rourke's Park.  Stepping out of the bus there was no sign of the howling wind or rain and we made our way up towards Long Seefin with relative ease.  Once out in the open we were protected from the westerly wind by the wall and we made good time to reach the bog of Donard before the rain started. After a short break it was time to head to the summit and boy were we glad to have the protection of that 100 year old Mourne Wall.  The wind and rain were fierce and soon we found ourselves in mist as we neared the top.  After a quick lunch at the top it was time to make our way down but that involved stepping out into the gale. This was the scary part trying to keep our balance as we had the full force of the wind on our backs.  Every so often we had to brace ourselves as even stronger gusts threatened to bowl us over. But we all managed to hang on and as we descended further we found ourselves protected from the worst of the wind by Slieve Donard itself.  Eventually we were relieved to make it to the quarry and follow the shelter of the forest back to our cars.

​Although we all found the walk challenging we were all pleased that we stuck to our plan.  Of course it helped that we walked in the right direction for the westerly wind and had the protection of the wall. Marian

Sat 29th Jan 2022
Slieve Muck



​The forecast predicted correctly that the wind would be strong and gusty. We were very lucky because the Mourne Wall gave great shelter and also that when we were exposed to the gale, it was behind us so, all in all walking conditions were quite pleasant.
We progressed steadily to the top of Slieve Muck. The descent down to the Miners’ Hole track is much eroded in places and ascent to Slievenaglogh steep but once on top there are spectacular views across to the Ben Crom Dam and Binnian. A series of quarry paths took us to the finish.

Irene

Sat 22nd Jan 2022
Lamagan



​Starting at Carrick Little Walkers car park which is about 0.5km off the Head Road we walked to the outcrop of rock before the Blue Lough to climb up to the Percy Bysshe Cave. Some shrapnel was a reminder that the area had been used during and after WW2 as an artillery firing range
We skirted around the base of Lamagan , climbed to the col between Lamagan and Cove and enjoyed the view back down the Annalong Valley. Lunch was in the mist on the top but coming down we were treated to  magnificent views of Ben Crom Mt which took our minds off the steep and rocky terrain.
Fourteen satisfied walkers reluctantly left the Mournes after a great day.
Barbara

Sat 15th Jan 2022

Sat 8th Jan 2022
Slieve Roosley



​6 intrepid Spartans gathered at Hilltown for the Slieve Roosley Walk. The weather was being kind and gave us a beautiful cold winters day. We travelled in cars to Carmeen where we commenced the walk. We first climbed the small hill at Carmeen to what may be the remains of a passage tomb. Then we headed across the Gruggandoo plateau to the Gruggandoo top itself. After this we followed the Slieve Roosley ridge over Wee Slieve Roosley, Slieve Roosley and Leckan More and Down through Ballymoney wood to Rostrevor. We had wonderful views all day of the Mournes, Slieve Gullion and Carlingford Lough.
A taxi took us back to the cars to “ the top of the world” as the taxi driver called it. This was after refreshments in Rostrevor. 

David