Sat 25th Nov 2023
Meelmore & Meelbeg



​​19 Spartans were treated to a lovely day in the Mournes.  
The frost was still lying and it was cold at Happy Valley but we soon warmed up as we climbed the steepest route to the top of Meelmore. The leader aka Barbara needed a sugar fix to get her to the top.
Wow -  it was beautiful looking over the mountains.
We followed the wall down and up to the top of Meelbeg lunching at the top.
After lunch  we went off the top and down the ridge back to the cars. 
An early finish allowed for a long coffee at Meelmore lodge.
Thanks all for being such great Spartans
Barbara

Sat 11th Nov 2023
Butter, Carn and Ott



​6 Spartans assembled at Spelga Car Park on a lovely sunny autumn morning. We climbed Butter mountain along the nice green soft and lush track. This was followed by the descent to the road and then up to the Mourne Wall next to Carn mountain. We climbed Carnmountain and then followed the wall to the rocky col before Muck mountain. From here we descended a bit and then climbed Ott mountain. From Ott we headed back to the cars by contouring round Butter mountain again. Total walk was four hours. A reasonably gentle walk on a lovely day.
David

Sat 28th Oct 2023
Castlewellan Forest Park

Sat 21st Oct 2023
​Kilbroney



​Babet relented and we had a lovely Autumn day. Up via the Cloghmore stone to the summit of Slieve Martin. Due to the strong NW winds we decided to leave out the Knockshee ridge and went Northwards from Slieve Martin along the new path through the forest which winds back to the foot of Slieve Martin. Back via the windy forest path to the top car park and then down the river path to the start for coffee and scones. David W

Sat 14th Oct 2023
​Slieve Croob



​16 Spartans gathered on a cold but beautiful day at Dromara. After leaving cars at the end of the walk at Seeconnell we proceeded to Windy Gap where we started the walk. We followed the loanan to LegananeyDolmen and then up Slieve Legananey mountain. We had our first coffee stop on the top of this mountain. Then we proceeded to the top of Slieve Croob. We had lovely views of the whole Mourne range the whole way. We sheltered in the rock shelter at the top of Slieve Croob just as we were hit by a sudden hail squall. It passed quickly and we walked down the ridge to Seeconnell without further inclement weather. Some went for coffee after whilst the leader rushed off to get his Covid jab!

David F

Sat 7th Oct 2023
​Slieve Donard

5 Spartans met at Donard car park in Newcastle on a dry and exceptionally mild Saturday morning. We headed up the Glen River track to the summit of Slive Donard. Where we were met with a strong but warm wind. After a lunch stop we made our way down past the lesser cairn and north ridge, quickly getting shelter from the westerly winds, and an afternoon break in the valley between Milestone and Thomas mountains, with views looking down on Newcastle. Continuing past the quarry at Linseys Leap and then the granite trail.  Andrew

Sat 16th Sept 2023
​Commedagh






5 of us had a very enjoyable walk up the green road and along the wall to Commedagh.  It was misty most of the way, so we kept to the safest route, down to the col and back by the Brandy Pad.  A few glimpses of the castles of Commedagh and of Silent Valley in the cloud breaks were very dramatic!  The Mournes were extra busy with the Mourne Marathon, as well as over 100 doing the 7 7s for charity, and some Duke of Edinburgh campers!  Finished with a welcome cup of tea in meelmore lodge at the end. Nonie

Sat 2nd Sept 2023
Meelbeg/Meelmore


3 Spartans met at Ott car park on a misty but very mild Saturday morning. We headed up the Ott track and over the Meelbeg Ridge. By the time we were having lunch at the top of Slieve Meelmore we were basking in glorious sunshine. We made our way down Spellack where our scrambling abilities got a bit of a challenge but we all made it down unscathed. The sun continued to shine as we made our way back to the car park & we had a post walk coffee sitting outside Meelmore Lodge.
Terry

Sat 26th Aug 2023
Pigeon Circuit
14 Spartans met at the Deers meadow car park in the Mournes on Saturday with a changeable weather forecast. As it turned out we were lucky with the weather. We climbed to the top of Pigeon mountain and then down the long ridge to Slievemageogh at the southern tip of the ridge. Here we had lunch with lovely views over to Binian and to the  mountains surrounding the Ben Crom Reservoir.
We then descended into the Attical valley and joined the track up to Windy Gap. Here another break was had before we headed home over Slievemoughanmore and Pigeon to Deers meadow. We just got hit by a shower at the end of the walk. 14.6 kilometres walked in about 5.5 hours including stops. A few joined for a coffee afterwards in Meelmore Lodge.  David

Sat 22nd July 2023
​Kilbroney Forest

On Saturday 22nd July a small group of Spartans met at Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor. They were not put off by the terrible weather forecast. We managed to complete the Cloughmore Trail including a summit to Slieve Martin with only a light shower. We then had a nice coffee in the coffee shop at the park to finish off the day. Rachel

Sat 15th July 2023
​Divis




​5 of us walked the Divis/Black Mountainroute in record time - just over 2 hours!!  Possibly explained by the constant heavy rain for the first 2/3 of the walk!  Luckily the rain eased off and after a welcome coffee at the cafe, we arrived back to the cursory.  Always an enjoyable walk whatever the weather!  Nonie

Sat 8th July - Sat 15th July
Kerry Trip



​A large group of Spartans descended on the town of Kenmare in Co Kerry to enjoy a week of various activities.  The weather forecast was a bit grim for our week but it surprised us and we managed to complete our activities in mostly good weather.  Everyone enjoyed the walking, cycling, golf, swimming, outings to Garnish Island and Skellig Michael. Of course none of these activities would be possible without the people who organised them for everyone to enjoy.  Special thanks to Gerard (former Spartan) for leading us all in our first walk to Torc Mountain and the Kerry Way and to everyone else who helped to make our trip so successful.  Thanks to the walk/cycle leaders, the drivers, the chief cooks and bottle washers, the shoppers and meal organisers.   But above all thanks must go to Carrie for organising the trip in the first place and for finding such fantastic accommodation.  Well done Carrie!!

Sat 1st July 2023
​Binnian

Sat 17th June 2023
​Lecale Way

Sat 20th May 2023
Knockcree
20 Spartans arrived at the Woodland Trust Car Park  for Mourne wood adjacent to Kilkeel golf club. We were blessed with a nice dry day but with some high cloud and a bit of mist at times on the Mournes.
We walked into Mourne Wood next to the Whitewater river. We had a brief look at the river and then proceeded to climb into the forestry plantation on the side of Knockcree mountain. We had a break when we reached the northern side of the mountain and experienced  beautiful views of the southern Mournes. We climbed Aughrim hill first and then had our lunch on the top again with beautiful views of the Mournes. We then walked back to the adjoining Knockcree mountain and climbed to the summit through glorious sots pines. On the top we could look out over Carlingford Lough. On way down
We enjoyed lots of bluebells before reaching the car park. Finally we adjourned to.
The Kilmorey Arms where the hotel had set aside a room with tablecloths for us to enjoy scones and coffee/ tea.! David

Sat 13th May 2023
​The Binnians

Seventeen of us met at Silent Valley car park and made our way up to Moolieve in the mist. I was hoping that the mist would have cleared by the time we got to the top of wee Binnian, but we at least got some lovely views of cloud inversion and brief glimpses of the tops of the other peaks, while we enjoyed our first lunch break.

As we continued up the south face of Binnian, the mist began to clear and the Silent Valley below came into view. The approach to the top of Binnian from this side requires a bit of scrambling and is a bit more tricky than the popular route, but it is well worth it when you get there to join the crowds arriving from the other side on what turned out to be a beautiful day.

After our second lunch and a bit of sunbathing, we descended via the north face, taking in the magnificent views along the way. We turned left at the col between Binnian and Lamagan and made our way down to Ben Crom Dam and back to the starting point of the walk. Unfortunately, the cafe was closed by the time we got there, but we all had a most enjoyable day despite that.  Robert

Sat 29th Apr 2023
​Pierces' Castle Circuit



​The bank holiday  weekend saw 22 Spartans meet at Leitrim Lodge for a walk up Rocky (for half the group) and then rejoin the main walk over Tornamrock and onto Pierces Castle where we had a stop for lunch. Weather was beautiful, with some warmth and great views. The rain clouds threatened but we were very fortunate to continue our walk to Tievedockaragh where there was time to enjoy the views over Carlingford Lough. Then down into the forest following a little stream  before walking back to Leitrim Lodge via the Ulster Way.  Stats say  13kms/8.25miles with total ascent of 490 metres. Afterwards it was off to Hilltown and some well deserved refreshments.  A lovely day in the Mournes. 
Joan D

Sat 22nd Apr 2023
​Slieve Gullion

Eight of us braved the weather and assembled in Slieve Gullion Forest Park. It was raining but not much wind so that the clouds did not move much all day. It was impossible to see our route or the top of the mountain. However as we had come so far we might as well do something. We agreed climb Slieve Gullion and when we reached the top we would decide what to do after that. It is the job of the leader to make the group feel that "democracy" has made the decision, but I could not possibly comment.

We walk up through the soggy woods, past the wood sculptures and magic items. We then made a right turn and on to the road which leads to the upper car park. From there we took the well worn path to the summit, pausing only for a while in the shelter to imagine the lovely views. At the summit, it was not surprising that we could see very little due to the mist and rain. There was enough visibility to find the entrance to the tomb. We all squeezed into the tomb and despite the rain pouring through the hole in the roof, we had a dryish lunch. The tomb was renamed, rather unfairly I thought, the "Tomb of Doom" as it did provide us with a little respite from the weather.

Crawling back out off the tomb, it was difficult to avoid banging heads on the roof but we managed it. It was too foggy to see the lake at the other summit, so we decided to return just the way we came. The journey down was easier and quicker but it was agreed we would leave the rest of the planned walk for another day. Welcome tea, coffee and scones etc. in the cafe at the car park. Richard

Sat 15th Apr 2023
​Spelga Circuit

Sat 8th Apr 2023
​Eagle



​17 Spartans met at Attical for the walk up Pigeon Rock valley to Eagle mountain. The day was kind to us as we went in convoy to the car park up the Sandy Brae track. We walked up to the Shanslieve Ridge and along to Eagle mountain summit and then down the steep descent to Windy Gap and back along the valley floor to the starting point. We retired at the end ( all 17) to our cottage at Ballinran in the Mournes for tea.
A lovely day which all seemed to enjoy.

David

Sat 1st Apr 2023
Doan & Carn



​8 Spartans set off from the Banns Road on what was an overcast morning. After stopping at the Miners Hole river for a short tea break we headed off towards Loughshannagh. The only rain of the day was brief and light just before we ascended Doan. After taking in the panoramic views on Doan summit we headed across to what was a bit of a metropolis at Ott stile with a number of DoE groups congregating. This was lunch stop and with everyone refuelled it was up and over Carn and back across the Miners Hole river to join the Mourne Wall which lead us back to the Banns Road and out to the cars. Graham

Sat 25th Mar 2023
Carnlough Horseshoe

Sat 18th Mar 2023
​Divis



​16 of us had a very soggy walk over Black Mountain and Divis, but it was good to be out and we finished with a very nice coffee in the much improved NT cafe.  Today was definitely a good test of how waterproof our gear was!!  Nonee

Sat 4th Mar 2023
Sallagh Braes

Had to contend with a few hairy monsters on Saturday, one a real punk with a ring through its nose.  Luckily they didn't appear to have any eyes, so we were able to slip past without being noticed.  Great views of the Paps and Arran.  Davy

Sat 25th Feb 2023
Slieve Foye



​On Saturday 17 Spartans set off from Carlingford village to climb Slieve Foye.
We followed  the Tain Trail along the side of the mountain through the forest. At the forest car park we started our climb up the side of the mountain towards the Eagles Crag. We then ascended to the ridge and climbed along the length of the mountain to the trig point. Following that we descended to the coll and down into the village. The weather was sunny with a chilly wind, a good February day with great views. We then popped into PJ O’Hares for a beverage before we went on our ways. Rachel

Sat 18th Feb 2023
​Rocky



​13 Spartans set off from Dunnywater up through Rourkes Park to take on the Seefins. Light rain stayed with us until we had reached the top of Long Seefin with the sun making a brief appearance as we ascended our next mountain, Rocky. Half way up we decided to use one of the old stone quarry huts to our benefit and shelter from the increasing wind for what was an early lunch. All suitably nourished we climbed to Rocky summit and headed off towards the Bog of Donard following the Mourne Wall. After a short walk along the Brandy Pad we veered off onto the ridge of the Annalong Buttress which we followed down into Hares Castle stopping for a short tea break in the quarry. To finish we headed down to the Binnian Tunnel and off out the forest road back to the cars. A blustery but great day was had by all. Graham

Sat 11th Feb 2023
​Commedagh

​The day was mild but cloudy with very little wind. Sixteen of us assembled in Donard Carpark for the trek up Commedagh.
We took the main route up the Glen River which was not as busy as the crowded carpark suggested. There had been a new path created up the mountain which was a definite improvement on the old tree root infested route. The stone blocks were much easier to climb and apparently based on the paths in the Lake District.
Mountain Rescue vehicles arrived at the second bridge up the Glen River path, so we looped out a bit into the forest so as not to get in their way. Path up made easier by lack of wind and we got up to the wall and the saddle between Donard and Commedagh on schedule. On climbing on up we heard and saw the helicopter attending the Mountain Rescue Incident. Lunch at the top where we met the Mountain Rescue coming down. Fortunately the casulty had only a lower leg injury, so was not
life threatening. It was not a day to linger too long at lunch, so we headed up to the actual top of Commendagh and then down the ridge towards
Donard Wood. Views all the way down to Newcastle make this a pleasanter but steeper way down.
 Despite the leader not being able to find the style into Donard Wood, we all made it down and tramped through the half made path. We arrived back in Donard Carpark at 3.30pm. Members of the group were torn as to wether to watch the last bit of the rugby in Newcastle or proceed to watch it recorded at home.  Richard

Sat 4th Feb 2023
​Chimney Rock

Eleven of us set off from Bloody Bridge in calm, dry conditions knowing that the forecast was for gales and heavy rain by mid afternoon. So it was a pleasant start and before long we had reached tea break time by the ruined buildings at the quarry. As we approached the wall the mist was down and the wind was beginning to really get going. So it was a tough few minutes just getting to the ridge at Chimney Rock and a tricky walk across to its Cairn in ferocious conditions!!  Anyway, we eventually made it back down to the wall and had our lunch. We didn’t hang around and quickly headed down amidst the gathering rain clouds. The really heavy rain didn’t arrive till near the end of the walk. For all the gloomy weather we agreed that we had all enjoyed the climb up to Chimney Rock and of course the tea and coffee back in Newcastle!!    Jack.

Sat 21st Jan 2023
​Lagan Towpath


​All credit to the Met Office. After a five day cold snap, the thaw finally took place precisely as forecast during the early hours of January 21. Although it was a pity to wake up and find clouds overhead rather than the beautiful blue skies of the past week, it was good to find better conditions underfoot. 
Suitably invigorated by the most enjoyable SRS annual dinner which had taken place the night before, 12 Spartans reported to Lockview Road car park at Stranmillis for the 10.30am start. Although the temperature was set to rise to 8 degrees it was still a fresh but calm morning, and we had to take care on some of the more sheltered sections of path, where vestiges of ice posed a hazard. The risk assessment had to be hurriedly updated.
Plan A had been to use the wooden bridge across to Belvoir Forest but it is closed for repairs. So we completed a couple of loops off the towpath and worked our way into the forest, where Ray Smyth led us through undergrowth to the oldest oak tree in the park, which reputedly dates from 1640. Despite suffering from fungus it is evidently still budding every year.  
Our first refreshment stop was around picnic tables at the forest car park where multiple bananas and several flasks were produced. From there it was back down to the river bank and onward to the Lock Keepers' Cottage where we availed of the facilities before proceeding to Shaw's Bridge.
Our route took us left up a hilly path first located by Marian which brought us through an attractive section of woodland and back down to Minnowburn bridge, where the river looked as pretty as ever. Tummies were rumbling by this stage and there was considerable relief when we reached the National Trust's Terrace Hill Gardens for our promised lunch stop and even more joy to find specialist coffee and tea available from Martin in his French style catering van. To his disappointment Martin has been relocated from his usual pitch at the Minnowburn car park, which is currently being resurfaced (due to re-open February 10). So he was doubly pleased to see the group.
A remarkably tame robin ambushed us at the picnic tables and gratefully scooped up a few crusts which were on offer. Along with the robin we found Dorothy waiting patiently to rendezvous with the group. She walked with us up to the impressive Giant's Ring where the views over the fields to the Belfast hills are always spectacular, even on an overcast afternoon. Amazing to think this Neolithic "henge monument" that we take for granted is believed to date from 2700 BC. Even older than that oak tree.

​
​Our route brought us back down to the Minnowburn and along the river bank, across Shaw's Bridge, through Clement Wilson Park - and then, finally, finally, back to the Lock Keepers Cottage. It was third time lucky as on this occasion we actually pulled in at the very busy cafe to enjoy further refreshments. The fact that we had already passed the place twice without pausing had been remarked upon and a mutiny within the ranks was only narrowly averted by this belated decision. 

Admittedly it had developed into a longer walk than anticipated but the chat was good and the exercise very welcome. We finally arrived back at the Lockview car park at 4pm and everyone was relieved to change out of their boots. The GPS showed that we had covered an impressive 11 miles and 26,000 steps. The Lagan Valley Regional Park is indeed a valuable green lung for Belfast - and all so accessible to the city. Great to see the towpath being so well used.

Thanks to all those who took part in the walk and lessons learnt - on my next walk we'll stop first time round when we see a coffee stop. 

ROBIN MORTON

Sat 7th Jan 2023
Yellow Water



​15 Spartans gathered at Yellow River Car Park on the Hilltown / Rostrevor Road. We ascended the yellow river glen with the yellow river in full spate. We then paused for coffee on the edge of the forest before ascending to the Tievedockdarragh Ridge. We traversed the red bog to Pierces Castle where we had lunch. By now the sun was making an appearance and the high cloud left the summits. Lovely views of Pigeon mountain, Windy gap , Eagle and Slievemoughanmore etc appeared. We continued to Tornamrock Rock and finally ascended Rocky Mountain for the view down to Carlingford Lough. The top of Rocky Mountain was very windy so we did not linger. We descended into the valley and followed the Mourne way track along the valley bottom back to our start point. We had been lucky with the weather and some retired to Hilltown for refreshments.  David