Our walking group’s outing on Saturday 20 August did not have the most promising of starts with the rain coming down like ‘stair rods’ as we met in the church car park. However, undeterred, we set out on the drive to Donaghadee where we re-grouped at the area known as ‘The Commons’ on the North Down Coastal Path. While the rain had thankfully stopped by this time, we were wary of the possibility of further heavy downpours and so decided to take the opportunity to explore the environs of Donaghadee itself rather than the exposed coastal path.
Our walking trail took us past the very small Copelands Marina towards the main harbour area and out along the south pier to Donaghadee lighthouse with the RNLI lifeboat moored nearby. Retracing our steps along the pier, we passed the lifeboat station itself, the site of the old railway station and the premises of the more recent Copeland Distillery from which several members of our group were seen to emerge after claiming they had taken a wrong turning!
Further along Shore Street we turned up towards the Motte, climbing to its top to take in the view of the town below. We were also able to visit the only accessible Camera Obscura on the island of Ireland in the recently restored old gunpowder store on the top of the Motte. Our return route to The Commons took us past the old Manor House and through the grounds of Donaghadee Parish Church and its ancient graveyard.
Special thanks to Emma and Graham for providing the guided tour and to Audrey for the wonderful refreshments and hospitality.
Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday 17 September 2022 (route to be confirmed). All are welcome to join us – check out https://stmoluasonline.com/walking-group/ for more information and updates.
