Another perfect day

Keep safe, keep well, keep walking.

Another perfect day for enjoying the woods, the weather and the walks at Knockmany, not forgetting the company and the bluebells!

Bluebells carpet the woodland floor
packed so tightly that insects tip-toe
softly and quietly between them
their beauty unlocks a woodland door
from Emily Brontë

Mullaghcarn
Gosford Forest
Gosford Forest Park was showcasing the beauty of Spring this week for Cedars Walkers with bluebells, primroses and wild garlic in abundance and even the rare parasitic toothwort. We checked out everything from Birdsong to the local herd of deer, one of which got very friendly with Ruth, our Leader. The sun shone and it was just lovely to sit outside, chat and eat lunch without the prospect of a downpour! A great walk and a great Forest Park which is just on our doorsteps.
Cave Hill
Viewed from across the city, the profile of Cave Hill is often referred to as the "sleeping giant" and it has been suggested that it inspired Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. In 1694, at age 27, Swift was ordained as a priest in the Church of Ireland and appointed to the prebend of Kilroot in the Diocese of Connor. During his time there, he often visited Belfast, which was then a small town.
Oxford Island
Great walk at Oxford Island with Ruth. If you go down to the woods today you're sure to find: lots of muddy paths, a few diversions and the odd obstacle! But ... you couldn't miss the countryside bursting into life - the carpet of yellow celandine, pussy willow catkins, bluebell flowers just opening. But did you see the Great Crested Grebe from the bird hide? The first brood of waterhen chicks and the cowslips just outside the coffee stop? A great morning despite the rain shower. Many thanks Ruth
Broadwater
Broadwater
John and Harry make a new friend at Broadwater.
Kilbronney
Carnavaddy
Alison led a high speed loop in the Cooleys, perfectly timed to get back to the cars before torrential rain.
Hen and Cock
Another great walk. Thanks Shirley.
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Cave Hill
A very happy group of walkers turned up at Belfast Castle for the planned walk at Cave Hill. With glorious sunshine in abundance, we enjoyed every step of the way up to Napoleon's nose AKA McArts fort, named after the 16th century Ulster Chieftain Brian Mac Airt Uí Néill. We lingered to identify many familiar sights. Cautious and content we headed back down to find an ideal spot for our picnic.
Shane Barnagh's Stables, Dooncarn
Lowland walk in area of Bogland on a day fitting for this unusual but challenging walk. Visited Shane Barnagh's Stables, Dooncarn, three counties. Found a lovely sheltered spot for lunch; stretched it out a bit to walk off the lunch. A team effort.
Newry Canal
There's life in the old canal yet.
 Starting off in Scarva, Cedar’s Spring Walk alongside Newry Canal was just as described. We were surrounded by birdsong, primroses, golden dandelions, ducks, mayflowers (blooming slightly early), tree buds bursting to get out and swans, one sitting on her clutch of eggs, waiting for the miracle of life just like the miracle of nature all around her. A great walk full of craic and surrounded by friends finished off in Sinton’s Restaurant. Many thanks to Ruth our leader for making the walk possible.
Didn't we have a lovely time the day we went to Bangor, a beautiful day we had lunch on the way and all for under a pound - thanks to our smart passes! As promised, it was another perfect day for our walk along the North Down Coastal Path from Helens Bay to Bangor. Thanks Edna.
Happy Valley to Meelmore
A great walk past Meelmore Lodge, round the back of Bearnagh returning to Happy Valley via the col between Meelbeg and Meelmore. Thanks Gary.
Yellow Water to Red Bog
Gordon led a great walk from Yellow Water to Red Bog, returning trhough Kilbroney Forest.
Leitrim Lodge to Eagle
John O. led a tough trek of 10.6Km from Leitrim Lodge up to the summit of Eagle Mountain and back via Tievedockdaragh. All four seasons in one day - glorious sunshine, driving wind and hail, topped off with a sprinkling of snow. Altogether a great walk.
Broadwater
It was a perfect day for a leisurely stroll from Soldierstown car park along Broadwater to Aghalee