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Wednesday, 17th July 2013Divis Mountain
9 of us enjoyed a walk round Divis Mountain, despite the obstacles trhown up by road works and blockages delaying our arrival. We savoured the summer sunshine and the profusion of wild flowers (particularly bog cotton), insects and skylarks soaring overhead. Feeling motivated, we compelted the circumnavigation of the mountain and continued on the the Black Mountain trig point , still managing to get back to the cars in daylight (just). |
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Wednesday, 10th July On a gloriously sunny summer's evening the Lagan Valley Regional Park was looking at its best as a party of eight Spartans undertook a two and a quarter hour walk from Stranmillis via Bladon Drive across the Lagan to Belvoir Forest and home again via Lagan Meadows to the Boat Club.
Although our starting point was just a stone's throw from the buzz of traffic we soon found ourselves immersed in the most bucolic of surroundings - from the sparkling river with its flotillas of ducklings to meadows where cattle were grazing and then through dark forests where shafts of bright sunlight cut through the branches. Heading along the up and down treelined path from Bladon to the towpath we paused to take in the view across to Harland & Wolff's cranes, trying to work out if we or they were at a higher altitude. Then it was on down the recently re-opened and still steep descent to the river, making use of the newly installed flight of 80 steps. Having ascended to the Belvoir Forest car park, we stood in warm sunshine to gaze across the valley and Belfast to the Belfast hills, picking out Divis and Black Mountain. The only noise to disturb the blissful scene was yet another incoming aircraft to Belfast City Airport! Then it |
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recently been undergoing welcome improvements under the auspices of the Natonal Trust and the footing is good throughout. It is a stiff enough climb in places, but the walk levels out when it burrows its way under Manse Road by means of a short tunnel. We emerged adjacent to Lagan College and then headed along a hedge-lined path with fields on either side, overlooking Mount Ober golf course.
One further short ascent brought us up to a field, accessed by a stile and mercifully bereft of bovines. From there the view across to Divis and the Belfast hills was majestic. To our right we could gaze past H&W and down Belfast Lough, so we spent a few minutes picking out landmark buildings down in the city. Our ultimate destination was the former |
rath which is located at Lisnabreeny (Fort of the Fairies), just short of a small car park at Lisnabreeny Road. At the rath, which is encircled by trees, we took a breather and the little people made us welcome as we enjoyed our refreshments. From there it was downhill all the way and after a satisfying walk of two hours, we repaired to the Boat Club for a well deserved bite of lunch accompanied by plenty of chat and a little learned discussion. Thanks to all who took part.
And for those who missed the walk but would like to try it for themselves....here is a link to the Belfast City Council guide to Cregagh Glen...www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces/cregaghglen.pdf Robin Morton |
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Rescue Emergency Care First Aid TrainingFour Spartans attended a REC Emergency Rescue course organised by Belfast Hills Partnership as part of their Community Walk Leader Training Pilot Award … these were Frank, Ian, Marie and Audrey. Despite the photos, we all passed!
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Wednesday, 6th MarchSlieve Croob
On a very misty morning 12 of us met at Peter Morgan's Cottage, just outside Dromara. At 11.00 am, fortified by hot drinks and fresh scones we set off, by road ,towards Slieve Croob car park. After a brief stop to lament the lack of views because of the mist, we set off for the summit, which locals refer to as 12 cairns. As it was windy and cold we descended to a sheltered spot for a short break. Then on down towards Pass Loanen and back to the cottage.We managed to escape the rain which began just as we finished at 1.30. approx. 8 of us then retired to Village Grill in Dromara village and enjoyed a pleasant lunch. Thanks to all who came - a very pleasant day out. Marie Mc Neill |
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