UFRC news                                               

The Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs has at present 32 affiliated clubs with a total of about 1900 members .

EXPERIENCE TRANSLINK’S SUMMER RAMBLER SERVICES

Translink’s Rural Transport Unit, with support from the Department for Regional Development, operates Rambler services that offer hikers, visitors and cyclists access to many visitor attractions, natural heritage and archaeological sites in Northern Ireland.
Translink’s all year Rambler services include the Sperrin Rambler (Service 403) and Kilkeel Rambler (Service 407).
In addition the Causeway Rambler (Service 402), Mourne Rambler (Service 405) and the South Down Rambler (Service 408) operate during the summer months and all of these provide regular easy access to a number of NI’s most popular landmarks; including the outstanding Mourne Mountains, the breathtaking Sperrins scenery and the magnificent Giant’s Causeway.
These services make an important contribution to reducing the rural isolation experienced by many local residents, but also enable more people to enjoy some of the most varied and interesting scenery in the country and by doing so assists the local tourist industry. 
If you’d like to try one of the Rambler services for yourself, timetable information leaflets are available from Bus Stations or Tourist Information Centres across Northern Ireland.  For more information on any of the Rambler services call 028 9066 6630 or click     Don’t forget over 60’s travel free on presentation of a valid SmartPass.
A summer bus rambler day ticket will be available from 1st July to 31st August 2009 at a special rate of Adult - £8 / Child - £4.  This ticket offers passengers unlimited day travel on all Ulsterbus & Metro services Monday-Sunday after 9.15am.

Appalachian Trail long-distance walking route-possible extension of the trail to this side of the Atlantic-not as strange as you might think ,The close geological links between the two areas (in the geological past there was no Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachians continued unbroken through Ireland, Scotland and Norway).  
 A delegation from North America representing the International Appalachian Trail long-distance walking route visited Ireland with regard to exploring a possible extension of the trail to this side of the Atlantic and met with representatives of Fáilte Ireland, the Ireland-Newfoundland Partnership, the Atlantic Corridor, Coillte and the Irish Sports Council.
On July 1 at 10:00am, GSNI will host a follow up meeting to bring interested parties from both parts of Ireland together to discuss the proposed extension of the International Appalachian Trail to this island via an open discussion about the proposal and, if appropriate, to discuss the way forward. 

UFRC Update

COURSE--Rescue First Aid.   This will be held at the Mary Peters Track, Malone, Belfast. Dates—Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September ‘09.Starting at 9.30  each day, classroom on Sat. am and then entirely outside. Cost £75pp (approx half that of similar courses elsewhere)  UFRC will subsidise -£15 for each person . To reserve a place, please forward cheque £30 ,payable to UFRC , to Thomas McKenna 71 Cullaville Road, Crossmaglen, Newry BT 35 9 AQ,  Balance of £30 payable two weeks before course commences.  For further information, contact Thomas at 30861759 or   thomas_mckenna@btinternet.com
Successful course completion leads to award of certificate ,valid for three years and recognised as being acceptable for first aid component of walking/mountain leader award.
Last year’s course attracted 23 people and was extremely well organised/taught and enjoyable. I took part myself and found that, even after a health service career, with regular life support training, I was provided with wonderfully helpful guidance which could be used, not only for minor accidents occurring during walks but also useful in home and road traffic accidents and in cases of individuals collapsing in the street. I highly recommend this course. I would encourage you to make this course known to your club members.

A navigation course is in process of being planned and this will be posted on website, in due time. Development Officer (or similar title).  The Federation has been run entirely by volunteers but the Executive is agreed that we now need someone to provide a ‘focus’ , to handle routine business and enquiries, to develop and build links with other walking/health related bodies and to take us forward.
Three new clubs
have recently joined—Colin and Derrynoose walking clubs and Bangor U 3 A walking group.- and some others are ‘considering’, so the workload increases.
Now that the Federation has charitable status, we are working with NICVA and others to seek the quite substantial funding which would be required for a full or p/t appointment. I f you can point us in the direction of possible sources, in these straightened times, that would be so very helpful
Executive—New members.
  As ever, we seek volunteers to fill places which may become vacant at agm. Having being around UFRC for nine years, I will retire and others may also do so—hence new faces needed. In this day and age it seems as if volunteering has become less ‘popular’ –all organisations struggle with the issue.  I was walking in the Mournes with the Down Danderers last Saturday. A beautiful day with the hills absolutely full of walkers-of all ages-and I again had the thought which started me off in UFRC—these people need a local voice to protect what they enjoy. The Federation has grown to become that voice, speaking to the media, local and central government, landowners and all variety of other organisations.
The pity is that most fail to recognise the need and those who do, fail to come forward to simply give a wee bit back as tiny ‘payment’ for their years of recreation and enjoyment. One way would be to serve for a few years on Executive Committee.
AGM.
Do please remember the date>  Saturday 17th October ’09, Castlewellan Forest Park. Hosted by the Mourne Rambling Group. I know that much thought and effort has already been expended by MRG to ensure the success of this meeting. A number of walks will be organised, a meal provided, some beautiful ‘photos of birds associated with Mourne will be shown and other aspects ,yet to be revealed, will make a day designed to be one of friendship and fellowship. Do, please, remember, attend and encourage.

Contrib. by Ronnie Carser (UFRC Executive)

September 2008
UFRC Secretary Mr.R.Carser attended the launch of the new Strangford Lough Activity Map at Whiterock. The map is 1.25000 scale and is the latest in a series which already includes Mournes, Sperrins, Glens of Antrim and Lough Erne. Launch was by Mr Nigel Dodds, Minister for Finance and Personel.   
Ordnance Survery of Northern Ireland has now become Land & Property Services.
LPS is responsible for all mapping, land registration, valuation and rating revenue and benefits in Northern Ireland.


Mr.Ronnie Carser and Minister-Mr Nigel Dodds.


May 2009
Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds, has launched the latest edition of ‘The OSNI Mournes Activity Map’. with enhanced digitally derived contours improving accuracy for walkers and climbers.
Launch photo: with :
Michael Montgomery( L.P.S.), George Acheson( Mourne Rambling Gp.), Trevor Fisher (T.M.S.),
Seamus McKibben( L.P.S.)


The OSNI Mournes Activity Map provides an essential guide to the area and is designed for those who enjoy the outdoors. It is  full of  information on areas for climbing, rambling or simply relaxing,
Commenting on the launch of the map, the Minister said
“The Mournes Activity Map provides tourists and those with an interest in the outdoors with a fantastic guide to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  With summer approaching, this is an ideal time to get outside and explore this beautiful countryside. As well as being packed with popular walks and trails, the map is waterproof to protect it from the rain”.
The two sided map includes Slieve Croob, Murlough Nature Reserve, Tollymore and Castlewellan Forest Parks, and provides a detailed guide for outdoor activities, highlighting amenities and services including Mourne Rambler bus stops.
The Mournes Activity Map can be purchased now in major bookshops or online at
 www.lpsni.gov.uk  . 
Other maps in the series include the Glens of Antrim, The Sperrins, Lough Erne and Strangford Lough.

Visit Land and Property Services
 

Blackwater Regional Partnership. A newly formed partnership, made up of representatives from individual UFRC clubs within the Blackwater Region are hosting a series of walking events during 2009 . The clubs are from Dungannon and South Tyrone, Armagh City and District, and Monaghan. 
The walks will be open to all ; those who are members of walking clubs and those who are not.  Each walk will be led by an experienced guide, assisted by trained leaders. Details later.
If
you are interested in enjoying a relaxing day in the countryside, please logon to
www.visitblackwaterregion.com  to download the series of walks available. The Office may be contacted on 0044 (0) (283) 7569102.

Official opening of the Long Barn on National Trust’s Divis Property.
On Friday 27th March, Councillor Tom Hartley, Lord Mayor of Belfast officially opened this new facility. The original derelict building is beautifully restored to provide a base for property wardens and a small interpretive centre illustrating the local history. Toilet facilities are available, and a specially adapted area suitable for physically impaired. In his address to a wide spectrum of interested individuals and organisations, including UFRC reps (Ronnie Carser and George Acheson) , the Lord Mayor recalled youthful adventures on the Belfast Hills, walking up a’ loanen’ from his Falls Road home and taking ‘gulps’ of marvellously cool, clean water from springs on the route.  The National Trust is to be commended for time and effort put into ensuring that these hills remain accessible to everyone for ever.
Belfast Telegraph article and photo

 
CAAN are currently working on a project to develop trails for walking & cycling at Blessingbourne Estate, Fivemiletown.
See details:   
 

http://www.7summits2sealevel.com/navigation/view_the_challenge_map.jpg


On behalf of our members we congratulate Noel and Lynn and their support team on their magnificant achievement.


And we think a Mourne gully an adventure!!!

 
AND  AND Click for big pics.
The Summit                           The Sea                 With Lynn-Elbrus

Noel Hanna
and his wife Lynn gave an awe inspiring presentation to young Duke of Edinburgh award students and outdoor enthusiasts at a fund raising event for the Boys Brigade at
Loughaghrey Presb.Ch.Hall  on Sat 7 March 2009. Noel and Lynn  are to undertake another Everest Expedition this May-a summit attempt from the Nepalese south side.
For this man, summiting the world’s highest peaks is not enough, he then descends without motorised assistance to sea level through tribal lands and dangerous jungle. His descents include mountain biking for huge distances - over mountains and through bush and brush- often using poor tracks and barely passable roads, still carrying ski equipment.  
Noel's last successful expedition was to climb
to the summit of Carstensz Pyramid (4884mts)  W.Papua in November 2008.  
His passion for pushing the boundaries of endurance culminate in Antarctica in December 2009 on completion of seven of the world's highest peaks summits (including Everest) followed by seven arduous top-speed descents by bike, ski or trek to Sea Level.
Noel needs only the one peak to complete his Three Year Endurance Challenge and create a new world record.
He will add a new entry in the Guinness Book of Records and you can chart his progress through his blog on his website over the coming months.
Noel's efforts are targeted towards raising funds for the Ulster Cancer Foundation. 
Donations and sponsorship can be made to the Ulster Cancer Foundation through the web site 

Meanwhile, check out the  news

 Lagan Valley Recreational Forum 

Lagan Valley Recreational Forum met on 21st January ’09 This Group represents-amongst users of the Lagan Valley Regional Park .UFRC clubs often walk in the Park, so the Federation is represented in the Forum.
Interesting developments : A boathouse near Shaw’s Bridge,  will provide access to the Lagan for canoes and disabled users, with a floating pontoon within the structure.The stonework is designed to reflect that of the ancient adjacent bridge. Visitors should walk from Shaw’s Bridge downstream to Mc Cleaves (3rd) Lock where the Lock Keepers Inn provides teas/coffees and snacks and toilet facilities. Situated beside the restored lock keepers cottage, the Inn is recommended.
Later, it may be licensed and provide a resting place in peaceful ,historic surroundings. There are plans to develop the first lock-situated upstream from the Belfast Boat Club into a crossing place where walkers may cross to the Annadale Embankment. Could this spot could be used to recreate Molly Ward’s Tavern, originally situated at the confluence of the Lagan Navigation and tidal river, at Stranmillis, beside Cutter’s Wharf, where Molly and her husband dispensed ale in the 1760’s. A long, low, whitewashed building with a turf fire, despite the clean air act, would provide an ideal welcome for weary walkers.
Further marked walking trails within the Park, in association with the National Trust, are planned.

Saturday 28th March : Salt Island Volunteer Day

The National Trust needs help with maintaining Salt Island and the Bothy for visitors to enjoy.
Come and help with fence repairs,gates, levelling ground for camping, enlarging a pond, litter collection, pruning trees, laying stones on path etc .
The Bothy is booked for the Saturday night so volunteers are welcome to stay over until Sunday.
Meeting point-Killyleagh outside Yacht Club. Transport via canoe or to book a place on the National Trust boat.
Contact Craig McCoy, Strangford Lough warden at
craig.mccoy@nationaltrust.org.uk

 

UFRC has been accepted as a member of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA)  'umbrella organisation'' for the Voluntary and Community sector. UFRC will keep its members informed of issues that may impact on them. The Federation will have access to advice and funding possibilities, updates on Government proposals in several areas and a close link to voluntary organisations where ideas and expertise may be shared.
Snippets from CAAN Network News

Newcastle Challenge Trail has been approved as a Waymarked Way.This 44km long circular route runs from Newcastle -Tollymore-Castlewellan-Maghera-Murlough-Newcastle and is promoted by Down District Council
Cuilcagh Way has been completed and the official launch will be in early spring 2009 
A Mourne Coastal Walking Trail from Newcastle to Warrenpoint is being considered .  CAAN are working with Newry & Mourne / Down  District Councils to consider its potential.

The March edition of BBC Countryfile magazine will contain a feature on N.I. walking/canoeing/cycling. CAAN worked in partnership with NITB and Tourism Ireland on this.  www.bbccountryfile.com    

Volunteer Rangers.   
Volunteer Rangers were invited to
a Pre-Audit meeting on Wednesday 3 December, despite poor weather forecasts 40 Rangers attended, and a number of topics associated with the Waymarked Ways were discussed. walkni.com  web-site has a new Volunteer Rangers Section at which may be accessed under “useful information”.
C
AAN recognizes the strategic importance of the Volunteer Ranger Programme and are planning to introduce support mechanisms for volunteers including training opportunities, a reward scheme, bi-annual meetings and comprehensive forms of communication.
Cotswold
Outdoor is an official partner of the Volunteer Ranger Programme, and after the Wednesday 3 December meeting participants were invited to a late night shopping evening at Cotswold Outdoor on Boucher Crescent, receiving an additional 20% discount on items purchased
Volunteer Ranger Social Walks have also been set up, allowing Volunteer Rangers to meet twice a year and enjoy the countryside, guided by an experienced leader. The first winter walk on Saturday, 10 January 2009 encouraged sixteen enthusiastic walkers to come out, despite poor weatherPhilip Watson former Head Warden of the National Trust on the North Coast guided the group towards Dunseverick Harbour.  The day ended with a welcome lunch in the Causeway Hotel.

UFRC were represented on Thursday 6 Nov. at the official Opening of the Comber Greenway by our Chairman, Reg Magowan. This traffic free route was developed by Sustrans at a cost of £1m and offers an 8 mile route from Dee Street in East Belfast to Comber following the line of the old Co. Down Railway. Starting at the C S Lewis Statue at Holywood Arches walkers can enjoy a "green" corridor out of Belfast through Dundonald to Comber from where there is a regular bus service back to Belfast. In many places the elevated railway embankment affords wonderful views of Stormont and the surrounding countryside. Several metal bridges have been put in place to bridge farm tracks and minor roads and much thought was put into conservation with badger sets etc being protected. The route will eventually, using the Connswater Greenway (under development) extend through to the Odyssey where walkers and cyclists can pick up routes south on the Lagan towpath or along the north shore of Belfast Lough.
On Saturday there will be a carnival along the route with various events taking place culminating in Comber around 2-00pm All are welcome to attend. 
For details of this and the route go to the Sustrans web-site 

The Scout Shop have set up a new easily navigated web site. Have a look, you will find items at very competitive prices.  A brief look shows Brasher boots at a very good price.         
The Scout Shop 
 

One of our clubs, fairly recently, had the experience of an injury to one of its members after a slip.  Most of us have been in this situation at least once in a walking lifetime.  We have been provided with a number of salient points worth bringing to the attention of our members. 
You just never know when something like this might happen.

1.    The time from the emergency call to his hoist aboard the helicopter was about one and a half hours--conditions were good-- light wind, no rain and good visibility. Had they been bad this would have taken much longer and exposure could have been a problem.

2.    There were 8 phone-calls made during the rescue so a fully charged phone is essential.

3.    The fact that it was possible to give them a grid reference of  the location helped enormously. It's not always the case that you know exactly where you are.

4.    There was a good mobile signal in that location.

5.    In spite of the good weather conditions the casualty was beginning to feel cold--even with full walking gear and a survival bag wrapped round his shoulders.

All in all everything went well but even small changes to things could have made the situation much more serious.

A very good idea
We all carry our mobile phones with names & number stored in its memory. If we were to be involved in an accident or were
taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this
 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.
The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that whenhe went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with patients but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose.  In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored as 'ICE'.
Please forward this.
It won't take too many 'forwards'> before everybody will know about it. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.
For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc.

 

 





 
Photos: Ronnie Irvine and David Sloan

Morning walks. A three hour walk through forest tracks and open mountain to Slieve Gullion summit, an easier walk to the summit of Slieve Gullion and a history trail through the Gap of the North. The timing was perfect to view the wide breathtaking vista of the Ring of Gullion. Autumn colours were highlighted by the autumn sun.  This was followed by an excellent buffet lunch provided by "Wee Binnians"  at  Tí Chulainn Centre, Mullaghbawn . 
The business meeting began at 3:00PM .  Minutes of the previous AGM were passed and Chairman  Reg  Magowan welcomed  guests from WAI and MCI.
He outlined action on access and training, paid tribute to Ronnie Irvine's work with the website, and thanked the retiring honorary treasurer- Derek Matthews,-the honorary secretary-Ronnie Carser and the two retiring members of the Executive Committee. Reg outlined progress in the current year and thanked retiring Executive members for all their hard work . 
Veronica McCann, well known to all walkers and acknowledged founder of the “Wee Binnians” was the first speaker of the afternoon.  Veronica described the development of “Wee Binnians” Walking Club with humour and eloquence, from its origins in 1987 amongst a group of women who went out running together.  They had no tradition of hill-walking.
In 1994
they organized a festival of walking, and had Dawson Stelfox open a flora/ fauna Festival. The Festival led to a realization of   the vulnerability of participants while walking  and after obtaining £ 1000 sponsorship hill-walking training was inaugurated.
April, 1995 saw a formalisation of the club followed by much effort being put into promotion and training.
In 1998
policy and procedures to protect rights were adopted. “Wee Binnians” gradually developed according to its own slogan “A social club that walks”.
Veronica
said that the club had taught her that a network of people can do anything. She was very aware of life enrichment for so many from walking and that it was always important to know when to step back,and let others take control.
Seamus Murphy
came back from abroad in 1996 and began walking with the  “Wee Binnians”.  Seamus with a keen interest in history soon developed a historical specialization to his walking. Seamus described, neatly, a certain type of walking as “ Duke of York walking and this did not appeal to him.
He described
simple observations which people miss, such as potato ridges at higher altitudes during the famine, different style electricity poles defining the border, different gate styles and Booley huts.
He believed
that path conservation should be built into a club structure and relayed to his audience the damage which scrambling bikes were doing to our hillsides. He suggested that our voices were not being heard strongly enough in StormontHe worked there and would be prepared to bring points to a high level.
Simon Stewart from WAI spoke briefly on the development of our equivalent organization in the south of Ireland and with Alan Tees from MCI hoped for co-operation between our walking organisations.

There were several changes in the Executive . Neither  UFRC Secretary - Ronnie Carser nor Treasurer - Derek Matthews sought re-nomination for these posts .
All those nominated  were elected unanimously.    
Secretary :  May Walker      
Treasurer : Thomas McKenna .
Those retiring  from the Executive included Richard Lappin , Trevor Russell and Harry Goodman . 
New members of the Executive elected :
Lynne McClelland, Alan McFarland, Denis Hamill, George Acheson
Ronnie Carser re-elected to the Executive.
The remainder of the Executive were  re-elected.

UFRC thank the 'Wee Binnians' for the efficient organisation resulting in a successful AGM 2008.

If you enjoy looking at things when walking have a look at this excellent local photography site .
 The inspiring  photographs are those of Andy McInroy, a local photographer who spends considerable time photographing our north coast . 

Visit his site -well worth going to

 


To find out more about the programme can visit the USA site where the principles were developed by clicking logo.

UFRC BELIEVES STRONGLY IN TREATING OUR ENVIRONMENT WITH RESPECT,
ALL WALKERS SHOULD FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE CODE FOR OUTDOOR BEHAVIOUR.

Leave no trace principles -see 'Principles of Outdoor Ethics' 

walk to top of page. 
 
Photographs on this web site should not be reproduced without permission of UFRC.