NICS Ramblers

This page contains photos from November 2010 to 9 September 2011.

SPEYSIDE WAY 1-9 SEPT 11

Scotland/September - yet again a winning combination for the club. A week earlier or later but we picked the best week and greatly enjoyed our walk along the Speyside Way from Buckie on the coast to Aviemore at the foot of the Cairngorms with the mighty Spey River our frequent companion. A walk over 7 days of 92+ miles with a total ascent of 2424 metres and everyone finished the walk!(Thanks to Lorraine for allowing me to use some of her photos alongside my own)

SLIEVE GULLION 20 AUGUST 11

The weather was kind to us at Slieve Gullion this year but only five members turned out plus two visitors for a very enjoyable walk. This time we walked round the route in a clockwise direction, heading west initially and then climbing Slieve Gullion from the western side. We then headed north along the ridge before descending to Ballard Road and following the quiet lanes back to the centre, taking time along the way to visit St Bline's Well and Killevy Old Churches. The BBQ was abandoned due to the small turnout.

BREEN FOREST/MOYLE WAY 2 JULY 11

Ten members turned out for this walk in excellent weather for a walk; dry overhead, sunny intervals and the temperature in the 60s. We started from the car park on Altarichard Road, climbed Croaghan for views north to Rathlin and Scotland, then entered Breen Forest and eventually cut east to cross the Glenshesk River and join the Moyle Way to return south to the cars. We finished off at the Scenic Inn for an enjoyable meal.

DUNGONNELL WAY 26 JUNE 11

A good crowd met up for this Sunday walk around the Dungonnell Way. It was interesting to walk this route on a sunny day, our previous visit here had been in heavy snow and we were almost snowed in. This time we were treated to a green rather than a white landscape.

PEAK DISTRICT 19-24 JUNE 11

Ten members joined a Ramblers Holidays five night break at the New Bath Hotel in Matlock Bath to enjoy several walks in the Peak district. The walks were graded at D/D+ and ranged from 9 to 11.5 miles with a max ascent/descent of 1200 feet. We were fortunate with the weather, only a couple of showers caught us but otherwise dry. The other walkers were good company and we retired to a bar in Matlock on the first night to watch most of the last round of the US Open golf(wee Rory). Further details of the walks are given on the Gallery pages.

KNOCKLAYD(not RATHLIN) 22 MAY 11

The original intention had been a walk on Rathlin but the ferry company phoned when we were on the road near Cloughmills to say that although our morning crossing would still run, there was not a guarantee that the return afternoon crossing would operate. A few quick mobile calls and we decided to meet in Ballycastle anyway and plan what to do. The chosen alternative was to walk from Ballycastle Diamond through Ballycastle Forest and ascend Knocklayd. The weather was kind to us, very windy at times but mostly dry and we returned from the summit of Knocklayd to the forest and then dropped down into Glenshesk Valley to return to Ballycastle. We finished off with icecream and then a meal at the Central Bar.

N DOWN COAST 14 MAY 11

We organised a shorter walk this Saturday because of the evening reception at Downpatrick. The walk started at Helen's Bay, through part of Crawfordsburn Park to the coastal path and then through Bangor, Ballyholme and Groomsport to Portavo. There were a few heavy showers on the way but we were able to find some shelter each time such as overhanging trees to beach shelters or the old fishermens cottages of Cockle Row at Groomsport. The walk finished at Portavo and we caught a taxi back to our cars.

WESTPORT WEEKEND 29 APR - 2 MAY 11

Taking advantage of the extra bank holiday(those who still work) we enjoyed a 3-night break at the Westport Woods Hotel at Westport in Co Mayo. We arrived at various times on the Friday, some choosing to delay their journey and watch the wedding on the box. On the Saturday we followed the Pilgrim trail up Croagh Patrick(764m) and then tried to come down without slipping on the shale. On Sunday most travelled by ferry to Clare Island where a few completed the circuit of the island(18-20 km and a 462m ascent) whilst the rest had a gentle walk to the lighthouse on the northern coast and back before the return ferry. The non-sailors enjoyed a cycle ride on the recently opened Great Western Greenway, a converted old railway track. On the Monday we travelled home via Glencar Waterfall.

LAMAGAN, COVE, BEG 16 APR 11

Due to the path reconstructiion above Carrick Little this walk was revised to start from Rourke's Park. A group of sixteen walked up the Annalong River Valley to the weir where we crossed the river(cautiously) to wind our way upto Slievelamagan for the views and lunch. We then climbed Cove and Beg before following the valley again back to the cars and a deserved meal in Newcastle. Overall a challenging but satisfying walk.

BUSHMILLS TO BALLINTOY 2 APR 11

This Saturday walk started with a bus ride from Ballintoy to Bushmills where we walked alongside the railway track to the Giant's Causeway and then along the coastal path to Ballintoy Harbour. Along the way we enjoyed the sea views and the views of the Causeway below and admired the young lambs in the adjoining fields(we kept expecting to meet Kate Humble and a film crew). A fine day for a walk with only a couple of showers but thankfully we were back in the cars when the hail shower arrived.

BANAGHER GLEN 27 MAR 11

A dozen ramblers turned up for the walk on a dull but dry day - excellent for walking. This is a walk of about 9 miles entirely in the Banagher Glen National Nature Reserve. About half of the walk follows the shoreline of the Altnaheglish Reservoir, followed by a few miles through Banagher Forest and alongside the Glenedra Water(or Crooked Burn). Thanks to Ivan for the photos and text.

CARNFUNNOCK/GLENARM 27 FEB 11

For this Sunday walk(s) Michael had organised a sequence of walks, starting from Drains Bay and walking round Carnfunnock Country Park, then a walk round Glenarm Forest and finishing with a short walk at Carnlough(I skipped the last walk). Fourteen started the day and then some fell by the way after Glenarm but were replaced by some late substitutions who appeared for the meal at Carnlough. If you can make sense of that then explain it to me(and I wrote it). Thanks to Helen for providing some of the photos.

SPELGA SKYLINE 12 FEB 11

Ten members turned out for Colin's walk, seven undertaking the full walk and three splitting off at the Wall for a "less demanding" walk over Slieve Loughshannagh and Bearnagh. Thanks to Ivan for the photos and captions.

MOURNES WEEKEND 28-30 JAN 11

Michael organised a weekend of "fun, games, singing and self indulgence" (his words) plus some walking, staying in cottages near Newcastle. A good weekend was enjoyed by all present, plus several daytrippers who travelled to the Saturday and Sunday walks. Thanks to Aidan for photos and Ivan for photos and captions. Possibly as an antidote to all the frivolity, some of the group took time out on the walks to read DEL's Update magazine, the next issue is rumoured to carry an article on a thriving walking club.

DIVIS TO LADY DIXON PARK 23 JAN 11

This Sunday 20 ramblers including two new members and three visitors(all very welcome) met in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park and travelled by taxi to the NT car park near the summit of Divis. They then returned via Black Mountain and Colin Glen. It was an ideal day for walking being dry, still and not too cold(thanks to Ivan for the photos and narrative).

NICS RAMBLERS AGM 21 JAN 11

Nearly fifty(actually that isn't too far from our average age) members and guests gathered at the Pavilion for our AGM, a quick run through the evening's formal business, a very enjoyable meal from the caterers accompanied by the usual slide show of the year's main events, a raffle and auction which raised a praiseworthy £245 for the Prostate Cancer charity, a very interesting presentation from our secretary Jim on his Tibetan holiday(main lesson - don't drink Yak butter tea, look it up on Wikipedia) and finished off by a quiz run by Dave Millar(glad to see someone else getting barracked) and won by a team including yours truly!

TOLLYMORE LONG HAUL 8 JAN 11

Thankfully the club had decided not to be too ambitious for the first walk of the year, avoiding the exposed heights and walking at a more sheltered lower level. A reasonable turnout enjoyed a crisp walk round Tollymore Forest Park, enhanced by the fresh snow. Thanks to Ivan for these photos.

BRANDY PAD 11 DEC 10

The original plan had been to meet at Meelmore Lodge but this was changed due to the poor weather earlier in the week. It was decided that it would be safer to meet up in Newcastle on the day and then choose a walk. The small group then drove to Bloody Bridge and walked up past the quarry to the Wall, followed the Brandy Pad to Hares' Gap and then descended to Meelmore Lodge. Thanks to Ivan for the photos and the walk description.

DUNGONNELL WAY 28 NOV 10

Whilst many sporting events over the weekend were cancelled due to the wintry weather, a group of brave/foolhardy(delete as appropriate) walkers drove to Cargan to walk the Dungonnell Way. The weather started to deteriorate as we drove past Ballymena but we decided to press on and the snow was about 4 inches deep as we parked at Cargan. Thankfully the heavy snowfall soon finished and we were able to walk through virgin snow during the walk. An excellent first experience of this walk and fortunately we all safely completed out journeys home. Thanks to Mary for organising the walk and braving the return journey from Portadown.

WINTER SOCIAL 20 NOV 10

I was going to write that twenty odd members enjoyed this evening but that is too near the truth so I will rephrase that to say that just over twenty members enjoyed an excellent evening of fine wining and dining at Carlito's. It wasn't quite the Christmas fare we had been anticipating but the menu we were offered was as enjoyable. I personally chose the Pork Belly, possibly not the healthiest option but there wasn't much left on my plate and I didn't hear complaints from anyone else who attended.

BINNIAN AND BLUE LOUGH 13 NOV 10

The group was fortunate to enjoy a crisp but sunny November Saturday for this walk up Binnian. The summit was frozen in places and lunch was taken at the North Tor before descending and passing a very blue Blue Lough. Thanks to Ivan for these photos.