Sat 7th Sept 2024
Slieve Gullion



Saturdays walk took place in and around Slieve Gullion, a mountain with ancient history, beautiful views all around and offering a variety of routes to the top! (as long as you can find them!).

​12 Spartans met at Killeavy Castle Hotel and then made our way to the very old Killeavy Church which is very peaceful and holds the remains of St Monnina, a contemporary of St Patrick and St Brigid! We found our way up a loanin between blackberry laden brambles (kindly cut back earlier by John with his secateurs!) up to a well and altar to commemorate St Monnina. We then climbed a wall into a forest and did a steep walk through until we emerged into hot, sunny conditions!

​We followed a mixture of terrain and wove our way to the top, fighting off a newly invigorated plague of flying ants and local midges in their thousands!! All great fun, until the next day and you realise you have been bitten by the thousand midges!!

We had lunch at the top and had a chance to chat to some other friendly walkers from Dublin and we also took shelter in the cool, mysterious underground chamber which is a fine feature of Slieve Gullion.

We worked out way down off the mountain and on back into Killeavy Castle Hotel and back to our cars. Most of the group then met up in Johnny Murphy's in Meigh for refreshments and to relax and chat in more sunshine outside.....summer was still in the air.

Thanks to all who came along.
​
Elaine Peile

Sat 31st August 2024
Slieve Moughanmore, Eagle Mountain and Pierce's Castle

Sat 24th August 2024
​Spelga to Leitrim Lodge

A small but "elite" group of 6 Spartans assembled at Spelga Car Park on a beautiful morning. A day of Blue skies and fluffy white clouds. We descended below the Spelga Dam and then climbed Cock Mountain where we had a short chat with another small group. We then made our way over to Pigeon Mountain and at the top stopped for our lunch. We met another Dublin group on the way to Pigeon and had a short chat.

From Pigeon we followed the wall down to the col between Pigeon and Slieve Moughanmore. We then went down the valley and over Rowan Tree River and up the col between Tornam Rock and Rocky Mountain. Tired legs arrived at Leitrim Lodge Car Park were a car was waiting as this was an end to end walk. A coffee was had from the coffee van at Spelga  Dam where we collected our cars. A 10 km through walk with about 450 metres ascent on a beautiful day.  

David

Sat 3rd August 2024
Slieve Binnian

Sat 27th July 2024
​Mournes

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12 of us had a great walk up to the Hares Gap, along the Brandy Pad to the col at Donard, then back over Commedagh, along the ridge, and back by the green road. We returned by the right side of the wall - much easier descent down Commedagh, and great views!

Weather was damp and misty in the morning, then the mist and sun alternated the rest of the day - stunning views at times!

A great day for all!

Nonie

Sat 6th July 2024
Ott to Silent Valley

We (10 of us) met at Deers Meadow to do an end to end walk. We climbed up Slieve Muck and had a nice rest at the top!

Then we headed along the wall towards Carn and after down towards the Miners Hole River valley and along the Lough Shannagh track for a lunch break.

After lunch, we headed back along the Mourne Wall up to Slevenaglough and then back close to the Mourne Wall to the Head Road to our cottage for tea and scones.

After a clean up, a group of 6 of us had a good meal at the Annalong Harbour Inn.

Rachel

Sat 29th June 2024
Kilclief to Ardglass
A group of 7 Spartans gathered in Ardglass and made their way to the start point at Kilclief, for this section of the Lecale Way, to walk back to Ardglass. It was a bit of a drizzly start but the weather did improve over the course of the day thankfully and we even saw the sun as we got closer to Ardglass.  We started out left along the road from the car park taking the first left towards Ballyhornan for the first section of the route until we reached a more manageable section of off-road terrain.  Low tide was around 11.30am which permitted us to walk along the beach pretty much all the way to Ballyhornan where we stopped to take advantage of the marble but wet picnic table for lunch and the public toilets located just around the corner. The coffee van was open also. After lunch the walk pace was steady and the views were good over the water and open countryside.  
 
It is always a good sign to make it to the wooden cross at St Patrick's Well and you leave the open countryside soon after via a slightly overgrown laneway to join a minor road.  Taking a left, we soon passed the ruins of Ardtole Church and walked straight ahead, rather than take the road which turned to the right, passing through a farmyard and a rough lane before joining the main road into Ardglass.  Most of us had some refreshments in the coffee shop on Ardglass before going our separate ways.

​Jo

Sat 15th - 22nd June 2024
Summer Trip - Ballyconneely

Sat 8th June 2024
Slieve Donard and the Brandy Pad







​​11 of us had a great walk over Donard and back along the Brandy Pad.  Weather was perfect apart from “Baltic” temperatures descending from the summit!
​
Nonie

Sat 1st June 2024
Cushendun to Ballycastle

We all met up in Ballycastle and got taxi’s to Cushendun. Eleven of us managed to get going just after 10am heading up the road and eventually onto the old drovers road. A pleasant enough day though quite a strong northerly breeze. After a break at the usual location we headed up through the Heather arriving in really good time at Carnanmore and the glorious views over Tor Head with the Mull Of Kintyre in the distance. As we made our way above Murlough the wind began to ease and we began to feel the heat from the warm early summer sunshine, and so it stayed that way along Fair Head, down the field with the beware of the bull sign, further on down the steep zigzag path and along the wild but beautiful coastal section, emerging at Marconi’s cottage and back to civilisation in Ballycastle at 7.10pm, not forgetting the traditional  stuffing of ourselves with fish and chips at Morton's. Thanks to everyone who survived the annual slog and for the great craic and another magical days walking.

​Jack 

Sat 25th May 2024
​​Ballyboley to Cairncastle

This walk started on the Ballymena A36 road, following the Ulster Way, covering Shane's Hill, Agnew Hill, Star bog, Sallagh Brae, branching off at Robin Young's Hill to Knockdhu Souterrain, then a laneway to Cairncastle. The weather stayed dry all day - sunny intervals with a moderate breeze.

Ten of us made it to Knockdhu Souterrain, an underground stone lined cellar,  apparently dating back to the iron age, most likely used for hiding, or possibly storage. Several intrepid explorers with head torches ventured in to be amazed at the construction of this tunnel, widening into a bigger chamber.

We are grateful to the farmer, whose land Knockdhu Souterrain is on, who gave us permission to enter the Souterrain. Crossing two fields to escape the presence of a Charolais bull, we wandered down a laneway to the road leading to Cairncastle. We enjoyed a cuppa tae/ coffee at Mattie's Meeting House (pub) where musicians were practising traditional music.

A dry day, scenic views of Slemish, across Sallagh Brae to the twin sisters lighthouse, a cooling off underground experience, and good craic. A grand day out in the Antrim Hills.

​Noel

Sat 18th May 2024
​The Cooleys

A small group of 7 Spartans plus a guest Dubliner who joined us making 8 walkers altogether started from Lumpers pub in County Louth for a walk into the Cooley mountains. The day was dry but cloudy and warm. The sun was attempting to break through the clouds. However after about half an hours climbing we disappeared into the mist and cloud on the top of the mountains. There was some tricky navigation ( not helped by me not having my usuals aids). Eventually we reached the summit of Carnawaddy mountain. On a good day we may have gone further but given the conditions decided to return the way we came. After a short while however we came out of the cloud which lifted off the mountain. It was now a glorious warm and sunny day. We finally adjourned to a table and seats outside Lumpers pub and sat in the beautiful sunshine. Sadly after much chat it was time to go home. The walk was 9 miles long and with the ascent our legs felt. This area was surprisingly quick to get to from Belfast via the A1 and N1 Dublin Road.

David

Sat 11th May 2024
​Spelga Circuit

Sat 4th May 2024
​Mournes


​What can I say, we had a lovely few days of weather this week. Well until today and as it was one of my walks we had fog, mist and drizzle all day, normal service some might say!!

​Not to be deterred 10 Spartans met at Meelmore Lodge to tackle Bearnagh, NaGlough and Luke’s Mountain. We set off towards the corner of Spellack and after a brief stop to greet the Mournes Mummy we fjorded the Trassey River and headed up to the col between Meelmore and Bearnagh. Then it was off over Bearnagh and up onto NaGlough where we stopped for lunch. Next up was Luke’s which in the weather required a bit of navigation work to make sure we made it safely. As we reached the small lakes on Luke’s summit we veered left on our descent and again fjorded the Trassey River returning to Meelmore lodge.

Graham

Sat 20th Apr 2024
​Lamagan



​17 Spartans gathered on a beautiful day at Carrick Little. Once we had sorted who was in which Car Park we started walking. We ascended Lamagan via the easier col between Cove mountain and Lamagan which necessitated a walk up the Annalong valley towards Cove mountain. We had two lunch stops with one on the top of Lamagan where we enjoyed the views and the sun. The walk was about 5.5 hours at a reasonably leisurely pace. We retired at the end to the Harbour Bar in Newcastle were refreshments were enjoyed on the terrace outside the pub.
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David

Sat 13th Apr 2024
Carn Circuit

A good turn out of 20 Spartans set off up the Banns Road track on  a  bright but somewhat breezy morning. At Miners'  Bridge we left the track to follow the river NW towards the coll between Muck & Carn. Then it was a steady 200m ascent up Carn, protected by the wall from some sharp showers. 
Lunch at top allowed us to enjoy great views of the surrounding Mournes. We then followed the wall to the stile at the foot of Slieve Loughshannagh before descending to the shores of Loughshannagh.From there it was back down the Bann Road track to the finish, 13km (8.1miles) completed. 
Most of the  group enjoyed well deserved refreshments in Hilltown afterwards.  A great day in the Mournes.

​Joan

Sat 6th Apr 2024
Slieve Donard



​4 of us climbed Donard yesterday. Despite the high winds, it was quite an easy ascent, and the wall protected us all the way to the top. Unfortunately the wind veered round and made the descent between the wall and the quarry really hard going, but we got back all in one piece apart from quite a few bruises!! Definitely a day to remember!!

​Nonie

1st - 5th Apr 2024
Easter Trip, Cairngorms



​Despite the weather we had three good days of walking.
Day 1:  Meall a' Bhuachaille and Jim lead us around Loch Morlich covering around 20km.

Day 2:  A group walked Loch an Eilein and a smaller group made it as far as Coire na Lochan before turning back.

Day 3:  Jim lead a group along the spey side way and Andrew lead a walk up to the snow covered Carn Ban Mor. Others went on the steam train.
​
Over all a great trip. Many thanks to Frank for organising.

Sat 30th Mar 2024
Spelga

Sat 23rd Mar 2024
​Sallagh Braes
We had 8 participants for the Sallagh Braes walk in non-ideal weather conditions - persistent rain/hail and strong north westerly winds. Going was soft with lots of surface water. Comments from the walkers included 'Wild and windy', 'Bracing', 'We're all mad' and 'Enjoyable in a strange sort of way'.

​Davy

Sat 16th Mar 2024
Donaghadee to Hollywood

An early start for this walk, we caught the 9.55am bus from Bangor bus station to Donaghadee arriving there at 10.15am. The nine of us
started almost immeadiately to make the best of the dry start. It was probably best to do the walk this way round as the walk out of Donaghadee 
is not that interesting. We were rewarded with at least with views of the Copeland Islands. Not too many cold water swimmers out today not 
surprisingly.  We reached Orlock still dry and walked out towards the headland. It was a bit soggy underfoot but passable. Shortly after 11.15am, the rain
started. Fortunately at this stage it was light and not too bad. We walked on going around the caravan park to reach Groomsport in time for 
an early lunch. The walk around Ballymacormick Point was particularly muddy and it involved going off the path to avoid flooded parts. Just
before Ballyholme Beach was extremely muddy.  At 2.00pm we arrived in Bangor where some walkers left us. We had a well earned coffee in the Pickie Pool restaurant and were kindly allowed to finish our sandwiches. By this time the rain and wind had picked up, which to be fair had been forecast. We had at least half of the walk completed.  It was hard to drag ourselves from the restaurant, but we bravely faced the weather to Crawfordsburn Park, Grey Point and Helen's Bay.  Needless to say we came accross very few others, save for a couple of dog walkers. The rain continued for the rest of the walk. Eventually the bright lights of Hollywood appeared after passing Cultra. It seemed a long slog into Hollywood but we arrived at the train station at
5.30pm on schedule and in time for the Belfast train or the Bangor train. Five of us did the whole 29km so I think we all deserved a good excuse to put our feet up and watch the end of the rugby.

​Richard

Sat 9th Mar 2024
Slieve Foy, Carlingford
On a misty, moisty, windy day 14 Spartans met in Carlingford to attempt the ascent of Slieve Foye.  We followed one of the new way marked paths through the forest and along the base of the mountain. Then we climbed up to the north end of the ridge and navigated along the ridge past the trigpoint in the mist. We descended to the col between Slieve Foye and Barnavave and made our way down to the village.  We managed to find a place in McKevitts pub for us all to have a beverage and watch the rugby.  We all were pleased to have accomplished this walk!

​Rachel

Sat 2nd Mar 2024
​Carnlough Horseshoe
I woke up on Saturday morning with the wind howling outside and thinking what the heck will it be like up at the Trosks!! As it turned out when we eventually got up there the wind had died down and even the sun appeared through the drizzly sky. What followed was a glorious early spring tramp across the heather and along old bog roads stopping for lunch among the ruins of the derelict stone building. It’s always tricky crossing that stream and getting over those two Barb wire fences but a bit of fun as well. Very clear and sunny in the afternoon, the Scottish Islands especially clear and cloud shadows passing along the distant hills that we crossed earlier. Eventually we reached the steep lane and back down to Carnlough followed by tea and beer at the Londonderry Arms! Thanks to Nonie, Patricia, Ed, Angela, Anne Marie, Fiona, Helen and Barbera for what was a great days walking.

​Jack.  

Sat 24th Feb 2024
Bannagher Glen
The Bannagher glen walk in the Sperrins gave us a chance to walk through one of the largest and oldest ancient woodlands in the north, at the start of the hike.  It was a real delight to walk through this fascinating woodland, with a thick carpet of Bluebells beneath the trees. It was too early in the year for Bluebells to be in flower. It is a protected area being designated a National Nature Reserve with many Oak and Ash trees, what would have been the natural vegetation of the area, before the large area of coniferous forest was planted by the Forest Service.
​
We covered about 18Km going from the car-park aiming to make a circuit of the glen, coming back by the dam and Atlnaheglish Reservoir to the car park. Unfortunately, forest clearances had taken place near where we were to join up with the return path to the reservoir and dam. After searching in all directions, we could not find the path and decided to retrace our steps back the way we came. We were rewarded with good views over to the Foyle estuary and the snow covered higher peaks of the Sperrins.

Donald

Sat 17th Feb 2024
​Commedagh

A not very promising weather forecast did not prevent five brave souls from today's walk. We proceeded up the Glen River and followed the
much improved track. There seemed to be more people coming down than up. What did they know we didn't? Despite the forecast we managed to
make it to the Ice-House before the rain started. Even cowering in the trees to put overtrousers on did not shelter us from the rain.
We carried on up the main track with the various streams and riverlets filling up fast. This did not prevent us crossing the streams as 
the stepping stones were still prominent. At the Mourne Wall we stopped for lunch. Rain continued to fall heavily so it was soggy sandwiches
all round. Democracy and Common Sense prevailed and we decided to turn back without summiting Commedagh. The intended route down the ridge
from the top would have been impossible and downright dangerous due to the low cloud cover, wind and rain. There was noticeably more 
water in the streams coming down but as we were wet anyway, it did not really matter. 
Of course when we reached Donard Carpark, the rain stopped. One of our group declared that she had never been so wet on a walk. Still it
was a good test for our wet gear. Arrived just in time for a coffee at the coffee shop. Much deserved by all.  

​Richard Middleton

Sat 10th Feb 2024
Dungonnell Way
There were 8 Spartans turned up for the walk.  It was a beautiful sunny day and all the lying snow added to the atmosphere.  We had to negotiate a few fallen trees across the path but not enough to stop this intrepid bunch. A really enjoyable walk.

​Derek

Sat 3rd Feb 2024
​Clough to Newcastle
22 of us took the bus to Clough and walked down to the old railway track.  It was a wonderful sunny day, and everyone enjoyed the walk along the railway, round Murlough , and along the beach back to Newcastle. 
​
The last mile was difficult, over large pebbles, but otherwise the walk was great.  We stopped for coffee at the Percy French restaurant.  I’m afraid we didn’t feel very welcomed, but at least we had a refreshing drink before heading home. A great day out!  

​Nonie

Sat 27th Jan 2024
​Chimney Rock

We left a very busy car park at Bloody Bridge and headed up the well worn track towards the old quarry building’s, stopping off there for a tea break. Too windy and cold to hang around so we pushed on to the wall, then followed one of the many tracks leading up to Chimney Rock. It was a lovely ridge walk to the cairn. We dropped down the steep slope and lunched in a little calm oasis before crossing through very rough and boggy ground eventually meeting up with the path again and back down to the car park. Thanks to everyone for a great day’s hike.

​Jack

Friday 26th Jan 2024
Annual Dinner



​A total of 43 Spartans turned up for our annual dinner which was held at Neill's Hill in Ballyhackamore. There would have been 45 if 2 others - who shall remain nameless - had not got their dates mixed up!! Those who were there enjoyed a lovely evening of good food and company.  Thanks must go to Helen for organising.

Sat 20th Jan 2024
Rocky 

The weather forecast was looking grim but it didn't put off 11 determined Spartans from their Saturday walk.  We parked at Dunnywater and headed off towards Rourke's Park where we climbed steadily up to Round Seefin followed by Long Seefin.  We were actually very sheltered from the wind at this stage and in fact got quite warm at times.  However, as we crossed over the style towards Rocky, we felt the icy blast of the wind and our visibility decreased dramatically.  Thankfully our leader remembered most of her navigation skills and put these to good use to guide the group up to the summit of Rocky where there was zero visibility.  We dropped down the leeward side to have a quick lunch and before we got too cold we headed off again on a bearing towards Hare's Castle.  As we dropped down towards the path the eerie outline of the 'Castle' appeared and we were able to find our way back easily enough to the weir where the Binnian tunnel enters.  From here it was a simple walk back along the road to our cars at Dunnywater where we then headed to Annalong for some refreshments at the Harbour Inn.  Distance walked - approx 10km, Time approx 4 hours.  

​Marian

Sat 13th Jan 2024
​Doan, Carn and Ott

11 hardy Spartans arrived to a misty and busy Ott carpark. The skies opened up at our lunch stop on the top of Doan. We returned via Carn and Ott mountain meeting a number of walking groups along the way.

​Frank

Sat 6th Jan 2024
​Pierce's Castle circuit

​
​17 Spartans assembled at Yellow River Car Park on the Hilltown /Rostrevor Road for a start at 11am. The start was slightly delayed due to one member coming via Kilkeel!

It was a beautiful winter’s day with blue sky and hardly a breeze. We walked up the Yellow River Valley/ gorge to Tievedockdarragh. 
Here the view to Carlingford Lough was lovely. Lunch was had on Pierce’s Castle. We then walked via TornamRock to Rocky Mountain col. Here most climbed Rocky to avail of the late afternoon sun and views.

We then walked back to Leitrim Lodge and back along the Ulster Way/ St Patrick’s trail to the Yellow River Car Park. The whole walk was about 4.75 hours. Some adjourned to Hilltown for a coffee and craic.  

David