THE BIG WALK continued

I think we all revealed more of our personalities than we had done before. But those little details you'll just have to guess at, because all group members are loyal to each other! Anyway the topics of conversation are far too numerous to remember in any detail, but all were enjoyable, and hysterical laughter was in ample supply.

During this particular walk we gained much useful knowledge as to what to wear, how much to carry, how often to rest etc. Generally speaking the weather was much better than predicted and our faces were well tanned by the sun despite us taking all the proper precautions. The walk was finally completed on the Sunday evening only 45 minutes behind schedule. Of course, we can only give you a tiny sample of all the experiences we had on this our longest, and most important, walk to date. Suffice it to say that we all found the experience good fun and well worthwhile especially when we got our certificates to prove it !

FIRST WALK OF NEW SESSION PROVED EASY FOR WALKERS

A walk of only eleven miles along the Lagan Valley was tackled by our valiant band - some had felt that the break in training for a few months might set them back a little. But in fact the walk took place without so much as a whinge from anyone. The taste of tea in a vacuum flask has always been a serious drawback for our walkers. Some have tried soup, others coffee - on one occasion a walker even brought hot chocolate. However, on this trip one member definitely outdid all the rest, his flask contained hot water to which was added a selection of herbal teas (not all at once I hasten to add). The rest of us were treated to various aromas - first mint and then camomile - while we tried to swallow our own disgusting brews and keep smiling at the same time.

Jaffa Cakes are a must on any St Molua's Walk - and our provider on this trip produced the new completely chocolate-covered variety. These, together with an addictive sugar-coated jelly sweet, helped us to keep to a brisk pace, to complete our walk in good time. The main arguments of the day were over whether bottling of locally sold Coca Cola takes place at Belfast, Lambeg or Dublin, and whether Belfast was built on the River Lagan or the River Farsett.

WALKERS IN HIGH CLIFF STRUGGLE

A gruelling nine-mile hike over cliff tops and through valleys in the area of the Giant's Causeway on the North Antrim coast proved to be one of the most daunting escapades for our courageous and determined band. Even so, this walk, just like the others, was characterised by joviality in the extreme. Members again pushed themselves to the limits of their ability and were rewarded by beautiful scenery below sun-split skies, and much mist in between the two. As the various cliff tops were traversed, members commented on how much the Holy Week services had meant to them, and pondered on the uncanny ability of "Star Trek" actors to keep their wigs on under water. Margaret Thatcher's period in office as Prime Minister was carefully analysed and assessed, and the quality of the latest PCs, their printers and software, was called into question.

The Giant's Causeway

The dunking of biscuits was discussed, (some members did and some didn't), and the effects on the body of certain new extra fizzy drinks on the market were diligently pondered upon. Ordinary drinks - not the extra -fizzy kind - were downed more rapidly than usual (due to the heat and burden of the day), and attempts by some members to discover the digital combination of the engine immobiliser on the Rector's car proved futile - although it was a near thing! The Rector was also taught things about his car that he didn't even know. Members retired after ten hours in each others' company with much banter, but with never a cross word passing between them. The fellowship and friendship of our little group has developed far beyond what we originally hoped; we look forward to our next venture with true anticipation and excitement.

RETURN TO NORTH DOWN

The Walkers took a whole hour off their time for traversing the North Down Coastal Path from Holywood to Bangor - which shows how fit they've become since starting their valiant efforts just two years ago! The climatic conditions, however, were diabolical, and several heavy downpours quickly transformed their appearance to that of drowned rats. This turned to their advantage in the end though, because fits of the shivers on the approach to Bangor necessitated an immediate trip to McDonald's in order to heat up the innards.

One walker was advised that he should look on this walk as a penance for his recent sins, far too serious to mention in these pages - we wouldn't want to shock any reader of a delicate disposition. As always, much fun was had, and quite a lot of it at each other's expense. An argument about the best way to connect up audio loudspeakers followed much reminiscence about childhood television programmes by the older members, while the younger ones listened on in amazement. These programmes included classics such as "Bill and Ben", "Andy Pandy", "The Woodentops", "Torchy the Battery Boy", and 'Rag, Tag and Bobtail". Everyone, however, was able to discuss the genius of Gerry Anderson of "Thunderbirds" fame, and as always one member managed to squeeze in a couple of sermons.

During a short tea break at Cultra, members idly mused about the distance to the horizon and one member's hands inexplicably turned yellow for about an hour. On this trip, two members failed to bring sustenance of a particular nature to share with the others; this was duly noted and recorded in the minutes. Much more will be expected of them in this respect on the next walk. At one point it was thought that one member had decided to grow a beard, but it turned out that he had just forgotten to shave that morning (such was his haste to get out walking). All members marvelled at the ability of one of our company to keep his jeans completely free from mud splashes no matter what he walked through, while they were splattered from head to foot. As yet, no satisfactory explanation has been found for this unusual phenomenon. More walks are planned!

FOURTEEN MILES IN ARCTIC (?) CONDITIONS

With six inches of snow on the ground, and in the biting cold of the last days of 2000, the walk had begun at the Stranmillis area of Belfast, on the gently sloping lane down onto the Lagan towpath. Progress was slow, but the scenery was heavenly - real Christmas Card stuff ! A trek through the Barnett Demesne provided a change from the well-trodden path by the river, although we joined it again after mile or so, heading on past Shaw's Bridge, Edenderry, Drumbeg, and almost to Lisburn, before returning via the same route.

One walker observed that a robin seemed to be following us, dashing in and out of the hawthorn hedge just a yard or two in front. Another walker quickly informed him that they were all different robins. Well, if this was the case, there must be an awful lot of robins on the towpath. One walker cracked his head on a low-hanging bough and saw stars before it got dark. Another had the strange experience of having his hat removed by a seemingly lifeless twig hanging from a tree. This brought to mind the biblical story of Prince Absolom, rebellious son of King David, who got his hair caught in a tree before being run through with a sword. Our walker was lucky it was only his hat that got caught !

Part of the River Lagan was frozen and reminded walkers of the legend of King Arthur. One member wondered if his wooden sword of childhood days, thrown into the river by mistake, would be returned by the "Lady of the Lake" - the rest of us put this notion down to the effects of the cold. All members came with sustenance in abundance, and all eagerly shared their divers rations. Even the, now legendary, Jaffa Cakes made a guest appearance. A Good King Wenceslas joke went down like a lead balloon. The walker who usually fell, fell yet again, and was offered the use of a walking stick on the next engagement. The same walker came without headwear and received many a shower of cold white stuff down the back of the neck as the thaw set in causing snow to fall from overhanging branches.

We've now traversed the Lagan towpath in all four seasons - a lovely place for a walk at any time of year.

A LEISURELY STROLL DOWN LEAFY LANES

In complete contrast, a later walk took place in early summer, with temperatures and humidity levels soaring - not ideal conditions for a walk, but good training for those of our members who were preparing for "The Challenge" sponsored walk in aid of the organ repair fund. The starting point was Audley's Castle, on the shores of Strangford Lough, County Down and the route skirted the perimeter of the nearby Castleward Estate taking in a variety of forest tracks, main roads and leafy lanes. One walker got mixed up between Audley's Castle and Killyleagh Castle (I ask you ! ) and another took a look across the lough to Portaferry and thought he was near Greyabbey (10 miles to the north). Clearly those who taught geography to our walkers have a lot to answer for !

The Ruins of Audley's Castle

Sweets came out in abundance, as no one wanted their names mentioned in the parish magazine as being reluctant to share their goodies - in fact, members were quite staggered at the generosity of their colleagues. As well as the now legendary Jaffa Cakes, we partook of mint humbugs from a very posh looking bag, Edinburgh Rock-like cubes from Marks & Spencer, fruit drops from Tesco and Cadbury's chocolate eclairs from the Ardcarn petrol filling station. To these luxuries were added cherries - yes, cherries ! - the stones of which we politely disposed of with the manners of the aristocracy, as you can imagine. Inevitably the heat of the day meant that numerous stops had been made to consume vast quantities of water enroute. To the satisfaction of our environmental stewardship correspondent it was noted that this was fresh tap water carried in reused plastic bottles.

One member received several mobile phone calls from someone who (we think) must admire him greatly. The main topic of conversation centred around computers, and one member was ridiculed for not keeping his anti-virus software up-to-date. Another member, observing a herd of cows in a nearby field, wondered aloud if there was any comparison between IQ level and the size of the brain, at which point yet another member replied using awe-inspiring biological jargon, leaving the first member totally gobsmacked.

Strangford Lough near Castleward

Septic tanks - and the disastrous consequences of what happens when they go wrong - also got more than a brief mention in the afternoon's conversation, but it didn't put us off our food. Back at the carpark, the Rector's car (once more) came under scrutiny as the bonnet was lifted and several members stared at the innards of the diesel engine, desperately looking for a recognisable part which could be commented upon in a knowledgeable way. Nothing was forthcoming and an embarrassed silence was only broken when one member mentioned that the Reliant Robin was making a comeback - some claimed that this revelation was the highlight of the day.

On the return car journey, a detour was made close to the village of Saintfield, so that members could see the unusual example of a BCDR* signal box built in stone to match the nearby station and stationmaster's house - all still intact despite the railway having been closed down in 1950. Members were fascinated beyond
belief !

* the Belfast & County Down Railway served the south-east corner of Northern Ireland from 1848 to 1950. Locals of the time often claimed that the initials actually stood for "Be Careful Don't Rush", an undoubted reference to the less hectic days of steam.

WALKERS PREPARE FOR "THE CHALLENGE"

This walk proved to be the big rehearsal for those taking part in THE CHALLENGE. Covering about twenty miles, it took in part of the main Belfast Ring Road, the picturesque village of Edenderry near the banks of the River Lagan and the mysterious Giant's Ring (of which more later !).

The weather was not good, and everyone received several soakings during the day - we'd just got dried out from one downpour, when the heavens would open again, and we would be back to square one. Those who have been in such a position will easily imagine the effects of this upon the spirits of the walkers, so conversation was somewhat sporadic - although when it came it was usually banter-filled and provocative, to say the least. One blister-prone walker had "splashed out" on expensive socks, guaranteed to give "blister-free" walking. Unfortunately his feet received a good soaking not very far into the walk which rendered the effect of these socks null and void. Even the parish doctor, who had to be called upon later in the day, was shocked into silence when he saw the blisters upon this walker's feet.

Probably built about 2500 BC the Giant's Ring is the largest prehistoric ritual enclosure in Ireland. A circular earthwork up to 4m high surrounds an open space nearly 180m in diameter and some 7 acres in area. Five 'entrance' gaps, not all of which are thought to be original, give access to the interior of the ring. A few lone trees break the skyline along the rim of the bank. Placed slightly off centre in the ring is a megalithic chamber with passage-tomb affinities, consisting of five uprights supporting a tilted capstone. If there was a covering cairn no trace of it remains. It is by any reckoning a tremendously impressive place, a silent arena which holds the secrets of forgotten ceremonies of 4,000 years ago. From the top of the bank one has extensive views across suburban countryside to the high-rise buildings and shipyard gantries of an industrial city; but from the floor of the enclosure the sights and sounds of modern day life are shut out and the only sense of movement is from the clouds overhead. Here endeth the archaeology lesson !

The Giant's Ring

When we reached the Ring, a close inspection of the stones in the centre was not possible, as a man in a kilt had gathered around him a large crowd, who appeared to be involved in a mini version of the Highland Games. Great debate then ensued about whether we should walk clockwise or anticlockwise around the Ring, remembering that it was usually good to walk anticlockwise - unless you were Scottish, in which case to walk "widdershins" would make you disappear ! We decided on an anticlockwise walk, whatever the consequences might be.

A small, black version of man's best friend then decided to join us for part of the walk, darting in and out of the walkers' legs along a narrow path. We had just got used to his company when he suddenly disappeared, prompting one to think of a similar human incident at a chemist's shop, not too far from where we were walking. During a sustenance break, one walker's metal flask came under intense scrutiny, imaginative colleagues comparing it to an old-fashioned hot-water-bottle or even an oxygen cylinder. Mind you, the dents in it caused one to wonder if he had ever used it in anger to hit someone over the head. While examination of each other's "rations" on this walk didn't reveal anything particularly interesting, we were glad for what we had, and Jaffa Cakes were, as usual, in ample supply. However, for major sustenance on the way home, and in the interest of scientific research, we decided to try out the new Burger King at the Forestside Shopping Complex which met with general approval.

All-in-all an interesting day. Now we're ready for the big one!