Weds 23rd Dec 2020
Quoile River Walk

​

​5 Spartans gathered at the Quoile river near Downpatrick for a pre Christmas walk and to escape last minute shopping! We followed the Quoile river walking trail all the way to the Mound of Down. A very historical site where the first battle in Ulster between the invading Norman John De Courcey and local Irish chieftains took place. We ended at St Patrick’s Cathedral In Downpatrick. The beautiful Cathedral is on the site of a  medieval monastery at the reputed burial place of St Patrick. We returned by a slightly shorter route to our cars.

David

Weds 16th Dec 2020
​Ecos Trail



​Luckily, contrary to earlier weather forecast we walked in dry conditions! We walked on the wildlife friendly floodplain of the river Braid taking a 360 of the eco friendly solar and willow powered Ecos building. We digressed to have a good look round Harryville Motte where we had an impromptu history lesson from Moira and Marian on the settlement of Ballymena. Our walk was about 6 miles ( who's counting!) and the chatter throughout was constant and varied! 
A new location for 2020 to be revisited at some stage in the spring or summertime to get clearer views of Slemish and some leaves on the trees! Isobel

Weds 25th Nov 2020
​Parkanaur

After a foggy drive along the M1 it was a relief to see the sun shining at Parkanaur Forest Park.  This was a new venue for the Spartans to try out and we were not disappointed.  We started off by walking along a forest trail by the river which provided plenty of obstacles by way of fallen trees to clamber over and mucky stretches to negotiate. This led us to the 'red' trail which passed through a deer enclosure - a herd of rare white fallow deer - we caught a glimpse of a few. We then wandered around the outside of the manor house - a large rambling Tudor revival house which has evolved through the years - at present it is a college for special needs adults. We then followed the 'blue' trail where we passed some great tree specimens - some lovely redwoods, a Thuja and parasol beech to name a few. Then it was on to the 'black' trail which led us up to a wishing well and on out to the garden centre before we headed back to the car park for  our picnic lunch. We all agreed that this was a great venue for a Wednesday walk and it's certainly worth a revisit in the spring. Marian

Weds 18th Nov 2020
​Delamont Country Park



​Fourteen Spartans set off on the long path around Delamont Country Park in good weather, despite the earlier rain. A quick stop was made on Gibbs Island before the intrepid band re-entered Delamont but then a major obstacle presented itself. The intended path was blocked due to path maintenance, forcing us onto the foreshore [the tide was out]. The party journeyed along the slippery shore-line and eventually found a path back into the park and we continued along the planned route.
An enjoyable outing in good company.
Stephen and Mary

Weds 11th Nov 2020
Wateresk Hill, Dundrum


​The weather forecast was not good for Wednesday so I was extremely impressed that 9 hardy, waterproof souls turned up anyway. The 6-mile walk took about 2 hours. We all got drenched from above & muck-to-the-gutters from below. A considerate local did warn us that the lane was a bit mucky because the farmer had been drawing out potatoes – she was correct. There is one area that is usually muddy and it was as expected - refer to photo.
 
In order to reassure that this can be a lovely walk – I attach photos of the walk last year including distant views & a very friendly pig.
 
Thanks to those who turned up – at least we got some exercise ! Jessica

Weds 4th Nov 2020
Stormont Estate

Weds 28th Oct 2020
​Cavehill Country Park



​A very punctual group of Spartans headed off ahead of schedule up the normal route from the car park towards McArt's Fort where we had some lovely views of Belfast Lough and the City beneath us. But this was where we left the traditional route behind.  From McArt's fort we headed straight across to a path which led up to the mast at Collinward where we stopped for elevenses and to admire more great views. From here we cut down past a small wood towards the car park on the Hightown Road and then followed the path back round to the car park.  The weather was much better than we thought it was to be and it was nice to feel the warmth of the sun as we walked and talked.  Some of us stayed on afterwards to have a picnic lunch. Marian

Weds 14th Oct 2020
Hudy's Way



​A lovely autumn day found x15 of us in Moneyneany to walk Hudy's Way.  The terrain varied with roads, country lanes, farmyards, fields and forest. We encountered a very muddy section where thankfully it was only a tyre that disappeared under water!  Overall it was easy walking with scenic changing views as we looped round the area.  We had a mandatory lunch stop at the entrance to Moydamlaght forest with a Percy pig to help us on our way again!
We walked 7 ish miles and climbed 725 feet in 2 and three quarter hours   Another very sociable Spartan walk .
Isobel

Weds 7th Oct 2020
​Adder's Loanin' & The Moat Pad

​12 walkers met up at the Lighthouse Road carpark. If anyone knows why this road has this name – I’d love to know!
 
The terrain is varied on this walk – The Moat Pad is grassy lane & farm lane, then there are sections on the Rathfriland Road & the Ballymackilreiny Road & Adder’s Loanin’ is mostly grass. The distance was about 5½ miles. Some places were very damp & mucky after the recent rain but the grass had been cut on the loanins which made a great difference. The weather was warm, dry & sunny – lovely for walking. The ornithologists’ highlight was seeing red kites & buzzards. There are lots of spectacular views on this walk & the carpark has a few picnic tables taking advantage of these views. Jessica

Weds 30th Sept 2020
Gosford Country Park

Weds 16th Sept 2020
Belvoir Forest and Lagan Towpath

​On a fine dry day 9 of us set off along the Lagan Trail in one side of Belvoir Forest.  We then moved over to the Meadows Trail on the other side of the forest & entered the towpath at Red Bridge beside the Lock Keepers Inn.  We walked along the path under Shaws Bridge until we came to Gilchrist Bridge where we crossed over the river to continue back along the other side.
The towpath was not too busy although there were several cyclists out enjoying the autumn weather.  When we reached the entrance to the forest again we proceeded back to the car park where the walk ended. Norma

Weds 9th Sept 2020
​Dundrum and Murlough Nature Reserve


​10 Spartans went for a walk on a beautiful sunny day with a cool breeze blowing in from the sea.
The first part of the walk was out along Keel Point and then onto the trail leading towards the national trust car park in the direction of Newcastle. Taking short advantage of the boardwalk and then following what is part of the trail marked by yellow posts. Before our stop for lunch we went off piste among the sand dunes.
A leisurely lunch looking out to sea and at the iconic Slieve Donard that dominates the background of this walk we then headed down the beach. With the tide out it was possible to walk on the firmer sand away from the large pebbles that are tough going.
The day was going so well, and we headed into the Forest behind the large house used as a conference centre but then Robin went awol. Between turning up and then not going on a walk he now decides a quick call of nature would be okay but not bothering to tell anyone meant when he stepped out to join us again, we were not there! Better still he clearly went in the wrong direction and took a ‘short’ cut and ended up finishing the walk 15 minutes before us! He certainly takes social distancing to a new level!
Who would have thought that Robin was such a troublesome character? Marian will be keeping a close eye on him I guess for the next few walks.
But all in all, it was a good day out. John

Weds 26th Aug 2020
Trassey Adventure

Newcastle had hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons the previous day, when the Shimna River overflowed its banks and flooded houses following heavy rain. But on the day of the SRS Wednesday walk it was a different story as Storm Francis had passed on. The sun was shining, the skies were blue, the breeze was gentle, the temperature was rising and the visibility following the rain was exceptional.
Although some of the original 11 booked for the walk had cried off for a variety of reasons, six stalwarts gathered at Newcastle bus station to don masks and board the 11.30 Mourne Rambler bus. This was our traditional end of August walk and we disembarked at Trassey with the aim of returning on foot via the Brandy Pad to Newcastle.
The floodwater had left its mark, gouging out an alarming deep channel at various points on the Trassey track. The streams were flowing much faster than usual but we did not experience any trouble in crossing any of the usual waterways. 
After a steep climb up to Hares Gap, a later than usual first lunch was enjoyed by all at Hare’s Gap. Several other small groups had also chosen to sample the delights of the Mournes on this fine day, including some children who bravely had a dip in one of the rivers. Encouragingly, another group of six teenage boys were having a great day out as they descended from Bearnagh with Donard their next target. The stamina of youth! 
From there we trekked along the Brandy Pad, crossing a number of impressive cascading streams and pausing to admire the views back over to Meelmore and down across the rapidly filling Ben Crom reservoir. At the saddle between Commedagh and Donard a stop for second lunch was called. We marvelled at the number of people heading up and down Donard before starting the descent down the Glen River valley. 


​A highlight of the descent was the roar of the Glen River and lower down we enjoyed grandstand views of the various waterfalls, all in full flow. A magnificent sight and sound. Back at sea level we walked along the prom, observing all the debris left behind by the recent high tides. We arrived back at the car park beside the Percy French restaurant at 5pm. We had covered 8.3 miles, and as ever the chat and craic were excellent. Thanks to those who participated.
ROBIN MORTON

Weds 19th Aug 2020
Redburn Country Park

Weds 12th Aug 2020
​Colin Glen

​The sun shone as 12 enthusiastic  spartans gathered in the spacious car park at the bottom end of Colinglen Forest Park for the club Wednesday daytime walk. 

Finding the entrance gates was a little tricky for newcomers & even a few of those returning to this venue. 

We started our loop upwards keeping to the left side of the park and circuiting Mylas Lake on the upward leg. 

Soon after the lake visit, we marvelled are the impressive new toboggan track infrastructure which was due to be health & safety checked before opening in Spring 2020 - delayed like so many other things by the pandemic.  One wag suggested that we should have brought a tray!!  It looks like one for the thrill-seekers out there and, whilst possibly controversial due to the impact on the environment, it might attract more visitors to this much under utilised resource. 

We enjoyed leafy riverside paths and sunny open areas throughout. 

On the downwards leg we diverted to revisit the lake where we enjoyed the view while having our snacks. There were some impressive water lilies & some wildlife with their cute little babies which were quite entertaining. Some others had been there before but unfortunately didn’t take their empties away!!


​Those among the group still classified as workers got a small glimpse into the life of a retired Spartan. We also pondered on who & how long ago it had been since there was a club walk in this park. 

As we returned to the car park in the sunshine it seemed like a successful return to Colinglen - possibly it won’t be so long until next time. Jo

Weds 5th Aug 2020
Glenariff



​​Off to a good start with beautiful views of Glenariff glen and Mull of Kintyre... what visibility! We stayed high but not above cloud level!  6 miles, good chat, thundering waterfalls and some other mad walkers dotted about the place!
Picniced in 'the stables' with excellent social distancing and lovely views of our waterfall of the day!
Back to the cars with our wet weather gear well tested! 
A revisit needed in another form of NI weather! Isobel

Weds 29th July
​Bearnagh



​Spartan Red Sox Wednesday walks scaled new heights on July 29 with a successful ascent of Bearnagh (739m), one of the fabled Seven Sevens in the Mournes. A total of 12 Spartans mustered at Meelmore Lodge for an on-time departure at 11am. 
As forecast, it was a warm and calm day, with occasional glimpses of the sun, and the Mournes looked more majestic than ever. Meelmore Lodge, which now charges £4 for a parking space (including a free cuppa upon return), was a hive of activity with campers, walkers and family groups.
We headed over to Trassey track and our first stop came at Hare’s Gap (600m) where we enjoyed first lunch. The chat was good, the company convivial and the view invigorating. We felt suitably refreshed as we set off to tackle the steep stone steps which are the precursor for the climb up to the summit.
Instead of tackling the notably stiff upgrade beside the wall we contoured round the mountain, gaining height more gradually as we savoured the views down to Ben Crom reservoir and across to Slievelamagan. But there was no escaping the gradient and eventually we had to take a sharp right and head uphill to the North Tor of Bearnagh. It was a steady but achievable climb with good footing but we were all relieved when the Mourne Wall hove into sight.
The distinctive summit of Bearnagh – which of course inspired CS Lewis to create the world of Narnia for his Lion, Witch and Wardrobe book - was busy with walkers of all ages relaxing after their climb and enjoying the views down to Murlough on one side and across to Meelmore on the other. Our eyes were caught by a stylish young couple who took up various precarious positions to pose for selfies from a camera on a tripod. 
The wind was getting fresher but we all found sufficient shelter for a well-deserved second lunch. 
All too soon it was time to consider the descent and with John McBride helpfully picking out the route we found a steep but manageable slope which led to a track which zig-zagged down around the contour and avoided the steepest section beside the wall.
Everyone was glad to see the familiar coll between Bearnagh and Meelmore, and it was quickly across the stile and on down the relatively gentle stone track towards the Trassey track. We cut off to the left across a stream and carried on along a track around the base of Spellack to arrive back at Meelmore Lodge at around 3.30pm.
With no sign of the threatened rain, there was ample time to relax over our free takeaway cuppas on the terrace outside the café and to reflect on a challenging but enjoyable day. Thanks to all who participated and provided such good company.
ROBIN MORTON

Weds 22nd July 2020
​Shrigley



​When we arrived at Shrigley it was tipping it down with rain & did not look promising. So a few folks thought better of it & two of us set out on the walk. Fortunately the weather did pick up & we even got some sunshine & enough blue sky to ‘patch Paddy’s trousers’. Jessica

Weds 15th July 2020
​Carnfunnock



​12 Spartans started from Ballygally and headed out the back road to walk uphill and through the woods into Carnfunnock. Ice house, lime kilns, maze, bouncy trampolines to tempt us but we headed on to Drains bay in search of a wee picnic break by the sea. A soft day weather wise with only little waves lapping the shore. Our return took in Droagh motte with misty views of Sallagh braes.
1,000 feet of ascent and 6 miles in total we came back to Ballygally beach for our final picnic. Isobel

Weds 8th July 2020
Portaferry



'15 of us gathered in Portaferry with the intention of walking the Mountain Road / Marlfield Road / Lough Shore Road loop. We had reconnoitred this route a few weeks previously & found the Lough Shore Road to be closed to traffic but open to pedestrians - therefore lovely & quiet for walkers ! The closure was due to several holes in the road where the sea wall had suffered damage & collapsed. 

We left Portaferry walking east on the Lough Shore Road - a scenic stretch with lovely views across The Narrows to Strangford, Castleward, Audley's Castle & to the Mournes. However, on reaching the southern end of the road closure, we encountered construction work & a chap in high-viz who informed us that the road was completely closed - both to traffic & to walkers. We also learned that black guillemots are nesting in the wall so no repair work can take place until August or so. 

We turned around, re-traced our steps to Portaferry through Nugent's Wood and then continued along the shore westward towards the Irish Sea - just to get a few more paces in. The weather was lovely for walking, being warm, dry & sunny. We were lucky to get the best of the day as it only started to cloud over as we ate our picnic lunches on the sea wall.
The Covid19 arrangements for limited numbers worked well & social distancing was easy as there was plenty of room to spread out on the quiet roads.
All-in-all it was a pleasant outing. It was lovely to get out in the fresh air to stretch the legs and it was also lovely to get caught up with the Red Sox who we have not seen for months.' Jessica

Weds 1st July 2020
​Castlewellan

The first post-lockdown Wednesday walk was enjoyed by the required 10 Spartans. Despite a fine mizzle as we started our walk from the car park it soon cleared up and we headed along the red route as far as Mitchell's Lake.  Coming back round from that we crossed over to join the yellow route which took us to the summit of Slievenaslat where we enjoyed our tea-break ( socially distanced of course). After our break we set off down to the mountain lake where we admired the reflections in the perfectly still water before descending to Castlewellan lake and picking up the pink route. This took us to cypress pond and on through the forest once more where we were very fortunate to spot a little red squirrel. We then joined the brown route which led to the Moorish Tower ( originally a tea-house) where we had fine views over the lake and surrounding mountains.  We finished off our route of many colours by heading along the green route by the lake and back to the car-park where some of us stayed to eat our lunch. It was good to be back walking with other Spartans again and catching up on the gossip and Castlewellan forest park proved to be a good choice for a group walk since there was plenty room for parking and good paths to keep socially distanced.  Marian

Weds 18th March 2020
​Cavehill



​9 Spartans turned up at Cavehill for what might be the last organised club walk for a while due to C19.  We tried to follow government guidelines re walking in groups but some Spartans found it very difficult to stay 2m away from each other - too much talking!!! We did have an enjoyable walk up Cavehill and the photos show us trying to stay apart even at lunch.

Thanks to Davy Wiggins for leading.

Weds 4th March 2020
​Randalstown Forest



​20 Spartans and guest walkers met in Randalstown forest for a walk in glorious sunshine!  We walked through recently logged forest with some good views of the local deer population.  We reached the town and headed to the iconic viaduct for a photo shoot and lovely views of the Old Bleach linen mill site and River Maine. A short walk to and from the weir along the riverside path brought us back into town where a most enjoyable lunch was had.  We walked about 9 km but the great chat and banter made the 3ish hours fly by! Isobel

Weds 19th Feb 2020
​Ballyhack circuit

​"Despite the prevailing weather conditions, 5 brave souls arrived at the appointed meeting place on Sandown Road. Rather than abort the walk completely we proceeded along a section of the Comber Greenway before beating a hasty retreat to the nearest coffee shop on the Newtownards Road (SD Bells). Suitably sustained we continued towards Ballyhackamore and back to the Sandown Road. Probably one of the shortest Spartan walks on record but hopefully the weather gods are more obliging the next time this walk is organised."

Garvin Loughrin

Weds 5th Feb 2020
​Gosford Castle Park



​23 Spartans arrived at Gosford Castle Park near Markethill on a beautiful February day. We followed the woodland trails following in the steps of Dean Swift the Author of Gullivers Travels. Dean Swift stayed at the Castle which was in the hands of the Acheson family. We had a good look at the Castle which is now being converted into apartments.
After the walk we adjourned to Alexander’s Department Store in Markethill. There we had a lovely lunch. David

Weds 22nd Jan 2020
Kilaresay Church



​On Wednesday 22nd January 16 of us joined this walk 'Kilaresay Church'. We started at Killyleagh Castle, headed to the Shrigley monument and then looped over to Ringdufferin & back via Kilaresay Church ruin & graveyard - a total of about 9 miles all on country roads. The weather improved & we ended up in sunshine. Lunch was in 'Picnic@ in Killyleagh.
Jessica

Weds 8th Jan 2020
North Down Coastal Path

Small wonder that the fabulous North Down Coastal Path should feature in The Guardian’s recently published guide to 10 Best Winter Walks in the UK. And wanting as ever to be up with the times, this was our choice for the first Spartan Red Sox Wednesday walk of 2020 which took place on January 8.

For a change, we elected to start at Bangor and around 12 of us caught the Spartans Express from Belfast and beyond, our furthest flung participant having been on the train which left Portadown at 09.15. Arriving at Bangor station shortly after the appointed hour of 10.45 we met a further cluster of Spartans, and met up with more members at Pickie. By the time were striding forth along the Coastal Path, bound for Crawfordsburn, we were 26 in number.

Mercifully we had been granted a sunny, calm and mild day, remarkable really after the strong winds the evening before. We made good time and the majority of the party managed a little diversion into the forest before we all met up at the Woodlands Cafe at around 12.15 where we were pleased to find the separate school party dining room had been set aside for us.

After a restorative lunch and the usual good chat, it was time to sally forth, an hour having elapsed while we relaxed. Helen’s Bay beach looked wonderful in the sun but we were not tempted to follow the example of two brave lads who were racing down the sand for a quick dip – no wet suits!
We kept up a good pace as we rounded Grey Point and headed towards Seahill, enjoying the ever changing coastal view and trying to identify birds and ferries. One of the big plus points of this walk is that you can do as much or as little as you want. At the Seahill turn-off around 10 of the party decided to head for the train (14.30 to Bangor or 14.37 to Belfast) while the larger group determinedly set off for Holywood, about an hour away. 
A great day out and a super way to start the New Year programme. We enjoyed using the public transport option and felt suitably smug as we watched the cars furiously battling for space on the Sydenham Bypass on the way home. Our environmental credentials were intact – and how approving Greta Thunberg would have been of us!
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/dec/28/10-best-winter-walks-uk-2019 
ROBIN MORTON