Wed 18th June 2025
Killyleagh and Delamont
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Wed 11th June 2025
Donard Wood
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Eight of us met punctually in Donard Park for a walk through the forest. We had a stop for a snack at the Blue Quarry which would have been the terminus for the proposed gondola. There were great views of the spectacular quarry and further afield to St John's Point. We took the Granite Trail and encountered three National Trust Volunteers levering huge boulders into place to improve the path, then followed the forest paths back to the car park. Irene |
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Wed 4th June 2025
Glenariff Forest Park
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This walk took place during UFRC Walk Week. Seven people expressed an interest in joining us and five turned up on the day. The seven Spartans and five guests set off up the ravine towards Ess Na Laragh Falls which given the recent rain was in full flow. It was clear from the level of chatter that the guest walkers were fitting in from the start and by the end it seemed like they had been Spartans for years. The day was a mixture of showers and sunshine which resulted in multiple changes of garments but didn’t suppress the chat. A short snack break during a sunny spell allowed views down Glenariff and across to the Mull of Kintyre. |
My original planned route to the finish was blocked by multiple fallen trees as a result of the winter storms but a short detour got us to the Ess na Crub Falls just beside the Laragh Lodge restaurant where we sat down for some well earned refreshments. Our guests all seemed to have enjoyed their day out and I would be hopeful that we will be seeing some of them again on our future walks.
The walk was just over 10km with a total of about 340m climbing.
Kyle
The walk was just over 10km with a total of about 340m climbing.
Kyle
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Wed 28th May 2025
Broadwater
On an overcast but warm and dry morning, a grand group of 14 Spartans met at Moira Train Station to walk the Broadwater towpath to Aghalee along the long abandoned and now beautifully overgrown former Lagan Canal which used to link Lough Neagh with Belfast Lough before the construction of the M1 motorway.
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Despite the proximity to both the M1 and the Belfast to Dublin railway line, the canal towpath is an oasis of calm with an abundance of plant greenery and wildlife. On reaching Aghalee the group had an early lunch at the village green where sadly the rain started to make an appearance.
However, thanks must go to the few who donned their waterproofs as no sooner were they togged up, the rain stopped and the brief and light shower passed!
However, thanks must go to the few who donned their waterproofs as no sooner were they togged up, the rain stopped and the brief and light shower passed!
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The return walk was via some quiet country lanes and roads overlooking the canal with some attractive houses and gardens vying for our attention. Dropping down on to the towpath at a popular anglers spot close to a sadly crumbling lock and lock keepers cottage, we passed the Broadwater Lake once again which was covered in water lilies which must look magnificent when in full bloom. Reaching the end of the walk after 7 miles at Moira Station, most of the group adjourned to Cafe Cairo’s in Moira for a warm welcome and tea, coffee, scones and tray bakes. Thanks to all for participating and for the great chat as always. Paul |
Wed 21st May 2025
Three Woods Walk, Newcastle
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16 of us set off from Donard Car Park and wound our way through Donard Wood alongside the Tullybrannigan River. This led to Shepherd's Lodge where we crossed into Tollymore. After a short section of forest on a deer track we emerged close to the top of Curraghard Viewpoint for a break. From here, there was a panoramic view of Newcastle and the mountains and the descent began. Exiting Tollymore, the last wood, Tipperary, was reached and from there it was a short jaunt along the prom for an ice -cream. The beautiful weather made it a most enjoyable walk. Irene |
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Wed 14th May 2025
Loughnatrosk
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Great weather! 18 of us ambled up through the quarry to picturesque Loughnatrosk and on up onto Little Trosk to enjoy the views of Carnlough and the Bay. We took in Cranny Falls on our way down to enjoy tea and cake in a lovely little cafe by the harbour. 7 miles 1,300 feet and taken in everyone’s stride. Isobel and John |
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Wed 7th May 2025
The Moat Pad and Adder's Loanin'
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Nine of us met at the Lighthouse Road car park.
The weather was kind and we walked a circuit of about 5.5 miles – along the Moat Pad , Rathfriland Road, Ballymackilreiny Road, Millvale Road and back up Adder’s Loanin’. There are some lovely views of the Mournes and a few fixer-upper properties on splendid sites. Adder’s Loanin’ was lovely and dry this year.
Then we went along to the Turnip House for lunch. They are not usually open on Wednesdays but opened just for us. We enjoyed their usual soup/ homemade wheaten scones straight from the oven, cake, tea/ coffee – all yummy.
Jessica
The weather was kind and we walked a circuit of about 5.5 miles – along the Moat Pad , Rathfriland Road, Ballymackilreiny Road, Millvale Road and back up Adder’s Loanin’. There are some lovely views of the Mournes and a few fixer-upper properties on splendid sites. Adder’s Loanin’ was lovely and dry this year.
Then we went along to the Turnip House for lunch. They are not usually open on Wednesdays but opened just for us. We enjoyed their usual soup/ homemade wheaten scones straight from the oven, cake, tea/ coffee – all yummy.
Jessica
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Wed 30th Apr 2025
Randalstown Forest and Viaduct
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A good crowd started in Randalstown forest and headed to the shores of Lough Neagh to enjoy the views. Onwards to see the fallow deer and then into Randalstown to take in the viaduct and planted areas.
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Tea and cake on the lawn completed the outing with one member celebrating the big 70!
Isobel and John |
Wed 23rd Apr 2025
Tollymore Forest Park
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A group of twenty Spartans met in Tollymore. The walk meandered through the forest to the boundary wall where we split up with some crossing the wall and others opting to remain in the forest. Following the wall to eventually re-enter the forest there were clear views to the Isle of Man and fab scents off the gorse. It was quite tropical in the warm sunshine. All that was left to make the perfect day was a long lunch under the trees. Irene |
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Wed 16th Apr 2025
Cairn Wood, Craigantlet
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Despite a ‘yellow’ weather warning, 5 Wednesday Spartans met in the car park of Cairn Wood to complete the perimeter walk of the forest. Conditions were anything but perfect what with torrential rain but at least the wind strength was not a problem. Cairn Wood had been closed for a number of weeks following Storm Éowyn the effects of which soon became apparent. The storm got its name from a list of suggestions previously provided by the public and struck on the 24th January 2025. Hundreds of trees fell in the storm and before the forest could be reopened the paths had to be cleared. Despite this there was a warning not to stray from the main tracks as there were still a number of precariously hanging branches. |
As usual the intrepid 5 had a banana break at the highest viewpoint. If the weather had been better they could have enjoyed views towards Scrabo and Strangford Lough. After the walk we retired to McKees for a delicious lunch. Thanks to all for turning out today. Walk statistics: distance 4 miles - time walking 2 hours.
Ray
Ray
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Wed 9th Apr 2025
Cave Hill Country Park
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A classic walk on a classic day. Under a bright sun and a cloudless sky of deep blue, conditions on this windless morning were perfect for the familiar ascent. Convenient to Belfast and yet a world apart from the hustle and bustle.
All told, 20 Spartans took part in the walk although there was a bit of mixing and matching as we caught up with each other. Still, Cave Hill is not the sort of walk where anybody gets lost. We approached the hill by means of the traditional anti-clockwise route. Mercifully the woodland had so far remained untouched by the scourge of forest fires although we couldn’t help noticing how parched the ground was after several weeks of little or no rain. Still, we weren’t complaining about the weather or the visibility as we paused for a breather and admired the views down across Belfast and Newtownabbey. A ferry heading up the lough for Scotland looked like a toy. |
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A banana stop was called at Napoleon’s Nose, where we were impressed by the number of picnickers and sun worshippers basking in the warmth. Time for the Spartans to have a sit down and enjoy a catch-up. We returned to base along the shorter route beneath the quarry, meeting a lot of walkers heading uphill. We had earlier encountered two Belfast City Council litter pickers who were keeping the paths tidy, and a great job they were doing. But what a pity that such services should be required – why can people not take their litter home with them? Back at Belfast Castle (1870, designed by Charles and John Lanyon), we recovered our picnics from the cars and went down the stone steps to the Castle gardens. We’d enjoyed a gentle circular walk of just over three miles with an elevation gain of 260m, so we were all ready for our lunch. |
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The picnic tables were already spoken for, so we sat round the fountain and admired the colourful flowerbeds. There are reputed to be nine cat sculptures, mosaics or topiary in the garden, a nod towards the love the Donegall family had for felines, and white cats in particular. Sure enough, one cat sculpture was curled up beside us on the low circular wall surrounding the pond. Too soon it was time to return to the cars and head home. Thanks to everyone who participated in this rather hastily organised walk – it would have been a shame to have missed out on such a marvellous day. Robin |
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Wed 2nd Apr 2025
Clare Glen
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How fortunate we were to enjoy a beautiful sunny day walking in Clare Glen, just outside Tandragee Co Armagh. 16 sprightly Spartans met up and walked around the perimeter of Clare Glen first and then a circular route along the pretty river banks. The leaves were just beginning to spring out so we had blue sky to brighten our path. We saw a variety of flowers, a bumble bee and 2 woolly llamas amongst sheep, donkeys and goats to make us imagine we were in Peru!!
We came to our senses when we arrived back in the carpark, but the afternoon finished on a high note with a welcoming and tasty lunch in Gilberry Fayre. A fine day out!
Elaine
We came to our senses when we arrived back in the carpark, but the afternoon finished on a high note with a welcoming and tasty lunch in Gilberry Fayre. A fine day out!
Elaine
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Wed 26th Mar 2025
Peatlands Park
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19 Spartans gathered at Peatlands Park, near Dungannon for a walk through this mixture of bogland and native scotch pine and birch forest. We covered over 10kms over 2.5 hours in pleasant sunshine on a delightful morning. There were intermittent small ponds and lakes and we stopped for a snack/ lunch opposite the largest of the lakes about half way round the walk. After the walk some of us drove to a café in the delightful village of The Moy. We even managed to check out perhaps the largest antiques shop in Ireland there! David |
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Wed 19th Mar 2025
North Down Coastal Path - Holywood to Crawfordsburn and Bangor
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On a bright Wednesday morning 19 Spartans gathered at Holywood Railway Station to walk the North Down Coastal Path in the direction of Bangor. The walk offers great opportunities to spot an abundance of wildlife including seals and seabirds. The walk started at Holywood Esplanade. Before long we reached Coopers Bay and onwards to Seapark Recreational area. Our route took us past the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club formed in 1899 when the Ulster Sailing Club and the Cultra Yacht Club merged.
When walking the Coastal Walk it is all to easy to forget to make a slight detour inland to visit places like the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. The Folk Park has over 50 major exhibits dating from the 18th century. The Transport Museum houses a wide range of transport through the ages including horse drawn carriages, steam locomotives, and the part played by ‘Northern Ireland ’ in airplane and ship building development and construction. The group stopped at Rockport School for a group photograph and a banana break. Another place of interest on our route is Grey Fort Point. This is a war time relic built to protect the Lough and Belfast from invasion. Today the fort contains a museum but unfortunately operates under quite strict opening times so this needs to be checked out before visiting. Just beyond the fort is the sandy beach of Helen’s Bay. This is a popular attraction for families and all year round open water swimmers. By now the group were feeling a bit peckish and headed to the Woodland Café in Crawfordsburn Park for refreshments. After lunch some Spartans headed back to the railway station at Helen’s Bay and the rest walked on to Bangor.
Walk statistics: Holywood to Crawfordsburn 6.5 miles - duration 3hrs and Holywood to Bangor 9 miles - duration 4.5 hrs.
Thanks everyone for the company.
Ray and Hazel
When walking the Coastal Walk it is all to easy to forget to make a slight detour inland to visit places like the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. The Folk Park has over 50 major exhibits dating from the 18th century. The Transport Museum houses a wide range of transport through the ages including horse drawn carriages, steam locomotives, and the part played by ‘Northern Ireland ’ in airplane and ship building development and construction. The group stopped at Rockport School for a group photograph and a banana break. Another place of interest on our route is Grey Fort Point. This is a war time relic built to protect the Lough and Belfast from invasion. Today the fort contains a museum but unfortunately operates under quite strict opening times so this needs to be checked out before visiting. Just beyond the fort is the sandy beach of Helen’s Bay. This is a popular attraction for families and all year round open water swimmers. By now the group were feeling a bit peckish and headed to the Woodland Café in Crawfordsburn Park for refreshments. After lunch some Spartans headed back to the railway station at Helen’s Bay and the rest walked on to Bangor.
Walk statistics: Holywood to Crawfordsburn 6.5 miles - duration 3hrs and Holywood to Bangor 9 miles - duration 4.5 hrs.
Thanks everyone for the company.
Ray and Hazel
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Wed 12th Mar 2025
Ballygally to Carnfunnock
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Brilliant blue skies greeted the 14 Spartans at Ballygally for the walk start. A cold northerly wind from the sea encouraged us to head inland on Croft Road towards Daffodil Lane where the wind thankfully was blocked by the terrain. We walked up Daffodil Lane with only a few flowers showing, and through Chaine’s Wood at the top of the hill to the back of Carnfunnock Park. A slight detour took us to the remnant mound of the 12th century Norman defence Droagh Motte with great views of the Sallagh Braes to the west, and the Scottish coast to the east. After a pause at the Ice House at the top of Carnfunnock Park we walked to the wind-free walled Time Garden and enjoyed the warm sunshine as we had our snacks.
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Our route then took us past the visitor centre (closed apart from the toilets) along the path at the edge of Carnfunnock Park to Drains Bay car park. A short excursion on the beach completed the outward journey – the cold wind reminding us of its presence again. On our return journey we took the steeper path along the southern edge of the park past the lime kiln to the rear, and covered the rest of the reverse walk back to the cars. We covered about 11km, and 215m of total ascent in the pleasant sunny conditions. Thanks to Damian and Lorna for the images. John |
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Wed 5th Mar 2025
Orlock to Ballyholme
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12 Spartans enjoyed a 5 mile walk from Orlock to Ballyholme – on a gray spring day (with a little rain). We arrived by bus and train and enjoyed the coastal path views to the Copeland Islands and eventually to Belfast Lough. We stopped at Groomsport for lunch. We finished at the popular Star Fish Café in Ballyholme where traybakes and tea/coffee were enjoyed before leaving for home.
Jackie
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Web 26th Feb 2025
Stranmillis to Giant's Ring
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East, west, home’s best and with that thought in mind the Spartans set off from Lockview Road Car Park to explore the delights of the Lagan Valley Regional Park. First, though, we paused at Belfast Boat Club to admire the three recently opened Padel tennis courts, which are proving a big attraction.
From the towpath we soon swung right up a narrow path to pass Lester’s Dam, an historic dam and spring which was the source of Belfast’s first piped water supply 200 years ago. On up and left along a wider path with a few ups and downs which brought us to a set of recently renovated steps and back down to the towpath. The mandatory photo stop was called on the pedestrian bridge leading to Belvoir Forest Park. We took a right and followed the path on the Co. Down side of the Lagan, continuing down to Lock Keepers and then past Shaw’s Bridge to the Minnowburn. |
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After a coffee/banana stop at Martin’s horsebox (well, French van actually) we continued along the riverside path, taking a sharp left at a signpost which was helpfully marked “Giant’s Ring”. From pretty woodland we emerged into more open countryside skirting round past fields towards the celebrated earthwork circle with its “henge” Neolithic (2,700BC) monument. The helpful notice board says the five upright stones are the remains of a passage tomb. And happily, the much photographed sycamore tree standing guard up on the bank had survived recent storms.
After food for thought it was time for food for the stomach and we adjourned to the Terrace Gardens where we formed our own human circle admiring the view over to Barnett’s House and the Belfast Hills beyond. Suitably refreshed it was time to descend to the picturesque Minnowburn River and back via Shaw’s Bridge and Clement Wilson Park along the towpath to Stranmillis. |
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Our four-hour walk had cover 8.86 miles and we’d done more than 13,000 steps at a reasonably leisurely pace. Although the forecast had not been encouraging we’d enjoyed a dry day with some patches of blue in the sky. A pleasant temperature and almost a flat calm, which made a nice change. Altogether 15 Spartans participated in the walk. It was lovely to renew our acquaintance not just with each other but also with this beautiful area. The paths were thankfully open for business but we couldn’t help noticing the large number of fallen trees and branches along the route - the result of Storm Éowyn. Lagan Valley Regional Park is a gem in our midst, so close to suburban Belfast but a million miles from all that traffic and congestion. A breath of fresh air, indeed. Robin |
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Wed 19th Feb 2025
Cregagh Glen and Lisnabreeny
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12 Spartans met at the entrance to Cregagh Glen to walk at a leisurely and social pace uphill to the Lisnabreeny Rath. The wooded glen is all that remains of a 1,000 acre forest containing a mature mix of broad leafed trees like sycamore, oak, beech, and ash. In the spring the sides of the forest are carpeted in bluebells but none today.
Our walk took us up the glen alongside the river which was punctuated by waterfalls and small rapids. Along with waterfalls and rapids come steps, 83 of them in one stance. After about a mile we reached Church Road on which stands Lagan College, the first Integrated school in Northern Ireland. The field adjacent to the American Cemetery has been designated a no go ‘nature reserve’ but it is still possible to access the cemetery via Rocky Road. From Church Road we followed the path to Lisnabreeny Rath. This is a circular depression surrounded by an earth bank beyond which is a ditch. The Rath is over 1,000 years old and once provided protection to a family and their livestock from raiders. We returned to our starting point via the Lisnabreeny Road. |
Normally I would not advise walking on roads but the Lisnabreeny Road is broad, relatively quiet and has good visibility for walkers and drivers. Nevertheless we placed walkers in high visibility jackets at the front and rear of the column. At the end of the road we turned left and walked on to Lagan College before descending the glen to our cars. After the walk we retired to Cafe Zero at Forestside for some well earned refreshments.
Many thanks to all the walkers. Walk statistics: total distance 4 miles, time taken 2hrs 30 mins, ascent 200 metres.
Ray
Many thanks to all the walkers. Walk statistics: total distance 4 miles, time taken 2hrs 30 mins, ascent 200 metres.
Ray
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Wed 12th Feb 2025
Falls Park, Bog Meadows and Belfast City Cemetery
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25 Spartans arrived at Falls Park by Glider, bus and car to explore a new area to the Club. After an short loop through the lower section of Falls Park, exiting by a side gate the group crossed the road for a contrasting loop around Bog Meadows, the noise of the M1 in contrast to the tranquility of the nature reserve. Crossing back to the City Cemetery there was a brief stop in the Visitors Centre before a tour of some significant features and graves led by Sandra. This included a walk on top of the underground wall built to segregate Catholics from Protestants and graves of famous industrialists including Thomas Gallagher and Sir Edward Harland. The tour through the City Cemetery concluded with a walk through the large Glenalina extension and the Belfast Blitz Memorial before returning to Falls Park via a gate to finish with a loop around the upper part of the park and the wooded glen of the Ballymurphy Stream. |
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Seven Café provided tasty fare to conclude but unfortunately the establishment was rather busy, so several Spartans took the sign on the café door literally; “Away round your own door! Mucky pups this way”!
Stephen
Stephen
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Fri 7th Feb 2025
Annual Dinner
La Mon Hotel & Country Club was the venue for the 2025 Spartans Annual Dinner. A great venue with lovely food and superb craic and conversation as always.
Many thanks to Helen for organising, and to Lorna for the photos.
Many thanks to Helen for organising, and to Lorna for the photos.
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Wed 5th Feb 2025
Woodburn Forest and Knockagh
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12 Spartans gathered at Woodburn Forest on a beautiful winters day. There was not a cloud in the sky. Unfortunately the Leader had a knee injury so the walk was led very ably by Rachel. The group walked round the middle Woodburn Reservoir and then through the forest to the Knockagh Road. Due to many trees being down the route had to be altered a little through the forest to reach the road. The group then proceeded to Knockagh Monument for a snack. After this the group returned the way they had come to the beginning of the forest. David |
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Wed 29th Jan 2025
North Down Coastal Path - Bangor Marina to Crawfordsburn Country Park
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A walk from Bangor Clock to Crawfordsburn was organised on the spur of the moment as the proposed walk in Cairn Wood Forest had to be cancelled because of the damage caused by storm Éowyn which battered the province on 24th January. The severity of the storm had rarely been experienced before. Thousands of trees were blown over and hanging branches above the paths made for an extremely dangerous environment.
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Thirteen Spartans met in Bangor and in glorious walking conditions set off along the Coastal Path to Crawfordsburn County Park. Here and there we witnessed fallen trees but these had been cleared from our route. At the Park we retired to the cafe for refreshments and a convivial chat after which some walkers who had pressing engagements headed to Helen's Bay Station to catch a train home. The remainder returned by the same route back to the Marina Car Park. Many thanks to all the walkers. Walk Statistics:- 6 miles return journey or 4 miles for those who went to Helen's Bay. Walk time:- 3 hours for the return journey. Ascent:- 157 metres (route undulating). Raymond |
Wed 22nd Jan 2025
The Clandeboye Way from Conlig to Crawfordsburn
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A group of us met at the Woodlands Café Crawfordsburn and transferred cars and walkers to the Somme Centre. 18 walkers set off. It was a lovely day – dry, sunny and a bit nippy but great for walking.
From the carpark we headed off up through the Lead Mines and across the Clandeboye Golf Course up to Helen’s Tower. Then the route was down past the ponds and along a short bit of the Crawfordsburn Road - with care as it is very busy! From there we followed the track through the woods, past the Blackwood Golf Centre and across the Ballysallagh Road to join the Clandeboye Carriageway as far as the Belfast Road. Then we walked into Crawfordsburn Village and down through the Country Park to the Woodlands Café for a bite of lunch.
My phone says we walked 12.7 kms (nearly 7 miles) and 18,200 steps in about 3 hours. Thanks to everyone who took part – it was a fun day out.
Jessica
From the carpark we headed off up through the Lead Mines and across the Clandeboye Golf Course up to Helen’s Tower. Then the route was down past the ponds and along a short bit of the Crawfordsburn Road - with care as it is very busy! From there we followed the track through the woods, past the Blackwood Golf Centre and across the Ballysallagh Road to join the Clandeboye Carriageway as far as the Belfast Road. Then we walked into Crawfordsburn Village and down through the Country Park to the Woodlands Café for a bite of lunch.
My phone says we walked 12.7 kms (nearly 7 miles) and 18,200 steps in about 3 hours. Thanks to everyone who took part – it was a fun day out.
Jessica
Wed 15th Jan 2025
Dundrum and Murlough
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John
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