Wednesday,
20th November 2013

Lagan-side walk.

Wednesday, 
6th November 2013

Today, nine of us enjoyed the autumn colours along the Lagan as we undertook a pleasant two and a half hour walk along the towpath and through Belvoir Forest before returning for lunch at Belfast Boat Club.

Wednesday, 
28th August 2013

      A new season of Spartan Red Sox Wednesday daytime walks kicked off in perfect conditions in the Mournes on August 28. Ten members met at Newcastle bus depot in time to catch the 11am Mourne Rambler bus, disembarking at Trassey Road.
      The objective from there was to follow the path up to Hares’ Gap, and then proceed via the Brandy Pad to the col between Commedagh and Slieve Donard, prior to descending down the Glen River valley to Donard Park, and thence along the promenade back to the bus depot.
      The peaks of the Mournes were clear as a bell, and the forecast was as good as its word – no rain and just a very slight breeze on our backs. We enjoyed sunny intervals, one of which coincided with our lunch stop just inside the Mourne Wall. We took a well earned break and were able to savour a marvellous view across the Mournes.
      Hopes that the Brandy Pad might be fairly level evaporated as we looked ahead to see the path leading up inexorably towards the shoulder of Slieve Beg. But the footing was good and the view down over Ben Crom reservoir more than compensated for the rising gradient. Indeed, such was the visibility that we could discern the distant outline of Howth Head, due south.
      We were impressed by the repairs to the footway, which made the going easier and helps to prevent erosion. Along the way, we were pleasantly surprised to meet quite a few walkers, including some from the Republic. Presumably a lot of people were taking advantage of the benign weather – and getting out before the new school term started.
      The Castles soon hove into sight and we marvelled at the rocky outcrop before swinging left to the col and up and over the Mourne Wall. We felt like we had joined the major thoroughfare and even though it was a Wednesday, a lot of people were going to and from Slieve Donard.
      Refreshed by a further meal break we then descended, the going again made much easier by the new stone path. The purists object to this change but I confess I find it a major advantage, particularly during the descent.
      We were impressed to see some young people bathing in the undoubtedly chilly waters of the Glen River as we made our way down the path along the river bank, pausing to have a closer look at some of the pools and 
waterfalls which are such a feature of this majestic stretch of waterway. For once, the ground was bone dry which meant no slippery rocks or tree roots to worry about.
      And suddenly we found ourselves in Donard Park and on Newcastle Promenade, where the tide was in and an impressive number of day-trippers were taking a stroll. What an asset this new prom, and much Newcastle has improved in recent years.
      Over a cup of tea we analysed the statistics: Total length of walk 8.3 miles. Departure time 11am, arrival back 4.30pm. Average moving speed 2.2mph. At this rate, the Wednesday walkers will soon be giving the Saturday walkers a run for their money!

Robin Morton

Wednesday, 
21st August 2013

Whitehead
      The sun set on a successful season of Spartan Red Sox Wednesday evening walks on August 21 when Gerard O'Sullivan led an intrepid band of six Spartans on a walk along the coast at Whitehead. We gathered at the Rinkha on Islandmagee, which offered the chance of an ice cream before we car-shared round to Whitehead. 
      The route started along the popular Blackhead path, now much enhanced by new information boards and an outdoor gym, and then along a series of Gobbins-style footbridges across rocky inlets at the base of the Blackhead cliffs. A popular spot for fishermen, trying to catch a few mackerel for their supper.
      All pretty tame so far but then we got the lungs exercised with a swift ascent to the landmark lighthouse, from where we savoured spectacular views across the mouth of Belfast Lough to the sun-bathed Copelands.
      Down at sea level again, we then diverted north along the coastline for a bit of rock  
scrambling, pausing along the way to focus on asurprisingly tame or perhaps injured bird, which might have been a young buzzard. We never quite caught up with it, but, keeping its distance, it flew from rock to rock ahead of us.
      Soon we turned left up a rather nettly and overgrown bridleway to reach Port Road, from  
where it was a short walk back round to theRinka, arriving just as the light was fading around 9pm. Time for a reviving refreshment in the Rinkha cafe, and then home.
      Thanks to Gerard and to all those who organised and led the various Thursday evening walks over the summer.

Wednesday, 17th July 2013

Divis 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).

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 
was down to the riverbank again and around a winding loop which encompassed waterway and then lovely mature woodland. Chief attraction was a silver birch which had contrived to plant itself in the shorn off trunk of an oak tree and now looked like part and parcel of the same structure. Thanks to John Jeffares for pointing that out. Happily Frank Hughes knew which path to take to regain 
the car park and from there we headed down to the bridge and so strolled around the meadow, hugging the river bank all the way back to the Boat Club where a pleasantly cooling pint of shandy proved to be the top attraction. Seldom can there have been a more welcome opportunity to quench our thirst. Thanks to all who took part for their company and craic.

Wednesday, PM
26th June 2013

Gobbins

Wednesday, AM
12th June 2013

The Granite Trail.
The view from Lindsay's Leap and at the crash site of a WWII Wellington bomber near the 
Glen river.

Wednesday, PM
29th May 2013

Tollymore Forest Park via wild forest lane.

Wendesday, AM
15th May 2013

      As best kept secrets go, Cregagh Glen is hard to beat. The entrance is through a fence and under a discreet archway at the Knock dual-carriageway, at the top of Cregagh Road. As you ascend the path, the roar of traffic is quickly replaced by the noise of birdsong and the tumbling stream which flows down the glen. In May the bluebells are at their most magnificent and the nine Spartan Red Sox members who took part in the expedition on the sunny but fresh morning of May 16 were well impressed. 
      The waterfall, which is probably the centrepiece of the walk was impressive, so much so that we encountered a photographer recording it for posterity. The pathway has  
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

Wendesday, PM
15th May 2013

Helens Bay and Crawfordsburn 
by Field & Wood

Wednesday, 1st May 2013

We enjoyed a varied walk through the beautiful countryside of Drumee, outside Castlewellan.  Seven Spartans enjoyed the six-mile trek through public footpaths with good views of the Mournes.

Audrey

Wednesday, 
20th March 2013

      Unexpectedly there was quite a lot of snow in Dromara on Wed morning - too late to contact everyone. The walk was low level so no safety worries. To my delight 9 of us set off to Darby's loanan. Unfortunately it was very wet and muddy underfoot on the bridle paths (last week it was dry- trust me!) At one point, David, helpfully led us along a hedge to avoid a large muddy puddle. The branch he held on to broke and down he slipped - up to his knees. We turned back and did that part by road. 
      All agreed that the countryside looked very pictoresque and peaceful. At the end of the walk we changed out of wet boots and 4 of us retired to Village Grill for lunch.
      Thanks to all who came. Next time hopefully it will be drier underfoot! 
Marie

Rescue Emergency Care First Aid Training

Four 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!

Wednesday, 6th March

Slieve 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

Wednesday,
20th February

      North Down Coastal Path was the destination for the Wednesday walk on February 20. A total of 10 Red Sox mustered at Carnalea railway station at 10.35am, some having arrived by train and others by car. Our objective was to walk the eight miles back to Holywood, and we were pleased to find that the coolish wind was on our backs. That said, it was a dry but cloudy day, just the odd glimpse of the sun, but good footing and no need for wet weather gear. Our company comprised Stephen Pearson, Stephen McBride, Pat O'Neill, Ian and Linda McDougall, Noreen Wright, David Wiggins, Gordon Hull, Stephen Gilmore and Robin Morton., a.  
      Our first port of call was the Woodlands Cafe in Crawfordsburn Country Park where we partook of coffee etc to sustain us for the challenges which lay ahead. Our numbers increased to 11 with the addition of local guide Doug Ferguson who accompanied us from Crawfordsburn to Grey Point, where the statutory team picture was taken.
      Although the Co Antrim coast was shrouded in mist, we paused along the way to note various ferries - we clocked the Liverpool and Stranraer Stena boats. We also scrutinised the widllife enjoying close-up views, thanks to
David's binoculars, of curlews and Brent Geese. The tide was out, so the shoreline was busy with waders. The low tide also meant we did not have to ascend the steps at Rockport but were able to continue along the shoreline.
      Inevitably, we lost Ian McDougall along the way - he went off at Seahill in search of a geo-cache evidently located in a tunnerl dug by Italian nationals who were held in a camp there during part of World War Two. When he caught up, he told us he had located the tunnel, but not the cache.
      Approaching Cultra we encountered Mary Pearson, who was happily reunited with her 
husband Stephen, who had been with us from the start. Mary had had another appointment but parked at Holywood and then headed along the path to intercept us and do an about turn.
      The chat was good but tummies were rumbling as we drew closer to Holywood, and the Dirty Duck hove into sight. It was coming up to 2pm so some of our number had to head on, but a hard core of five of us repaired to the upstairs restaurant. There we enjoyed a fine repast and much learned discussion.
 
Thanks to all who took part,
Robin Morton

Wednesday,
23rd January

Six Spartans enrolled on the "Community Walk Leader Course" on 23 January co-ordinated by the Belfast Hills Partnership. The training was delivered by Venture Outdoors at the Belvoir Activity Centre. The training was very useful with a focus on developing skills in preparing and leading in lowland countryside walking. 

Wednesday, 
9th January 2013

Giant's Ring
It was a beautiful morning for a walk!
The photo of the female sculpture was at the Rose Garden and the other sculpture was at Minnowburn pond.

Wednesday, 
2nd January 2013

There were eight of us and we enjoyed a good two-hour walk on the recent National Trust path then onto the new Belfast Hills partnership path which finishes at the summit;  then down by the road. Visibility was so poor we never saw more than the first 20 ft of one of the 500ft masts!

Ian.