With the majestic Mourne Mountains sweeping down to the sea, the promenade at the County Down town of Newcastle is a favourite seaside walk for me all year around. The starting point is the car park beside the Percy French Restaurant. Head towards the sea where you will see the start of the promenade toContinue reading “Newcastle Promenade”
Author Archives: theramblerni
Happy new year!
The turkey is a distant memory, the Christmas tree is back in the attic and it’s back to work for everyone. But it’s also back to rambling for me and the start of my 2022 rambling challenge. This year I have upped the stakes and I’m aiming to complete 200 rambles (each at least 30Continue reading “Happy new year!”
My #100 Days of Walking is complete!
I finally did it! I completed my #100 Days of Walking Challenge on Sunday 12th December at the North Down Coastal Path! Starting on 1st January 2021 in Knockmany Forest near Augher, I made the bold decision to walk for at least 30 minutes for 100 days in 2021. I even announced this on myContinue reading “My #100 Days of Walking is complete!”
£6m mental health benefit of visiting NI woodlands
Visits to the UK’s woodlands boosts mental health and is estimated to save £185 million in treatment costs annually according to a landmark report published by Forest Research in December 2021. The report, published during ‘National Tree Week’ is the first time the health and wellbeing benefits of the UK’s woodlands have been quantified. ForContinue reading “£6m mental health benefit of visiting NI woodlands”
Please don’t feed bread to the ducks!
During my rambles, I have spotted many people feeding the ducks and swans. Bread seems to be the most popular food item being carried to the lakes but I have also spotted some signs indicating that bread isn’t good for the ducks. So what’s the real story? What do wild ducks eat in nature? Let’sContinue reading “Please don’t feed bread to the ducks!”
North Down Coastal Path
The North Down Coastal Path starts at Holywood Esplanade in the east and finishes at Orlock Point which is east of Groomsport. Even though the whole path stretches for 16 miles, my regular walk starts at the Seafront Road in Cultra near the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club. Keeping the sea on your left,Continue reading “North Down Coastal Path”
Stop littering the countryside!
One of the things I have observed from my recent countryside walks is litter and I have been shocked by the quantity and diversity of discarded items from coffee cups to hats and dog poo bags to disposable masks. There is little worse than visiting a beautiful place and seeing litter; it detracts from theContinue reading “Stop littering the countryside!”
Moira Demesne
Moira is a busy Co Down village which is famous for McCartneys butchers with its award winning sausages as well as a wide array of delicious eateries. But behind the bustling Main Street lies Moira Demesne or Moira Park as the locals call it. It’s a quiet oasis to escape to after some shopping, theContinue reading “Moira Demesne”
Hillsborough Forest
Located just off the Main Street in the picturesque Georgian village of Hillsborough, Hillsborough Forest is a great spot for a ramble in nature. It’s a popular choice among bird-watchers, dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers as well as romantic couples, keep fit enthusiasts and families. The forest covers an area of almost 200 acres andContinue reading “Hillsborough Forest”
Why walking is good for you
How many times have you heard that walking is good for you? If you are anything like me, you have heard this hundreds of times whether it’s on the news, on Facebook, from friends as well as the medical profession. So before you invest in a new Fitbit and aim to hit that utopia figureContinue reading “Why walking is good for you”
