Our walking group’s outing on Saturday 17 June took us back to the picturesque town of Donaghadee on the North Down coast (also known as Port Devine in the BBC TV drama series ‘Hope Street’ ). Following the heatwave of the previous week, welcome cooler weather made for a pleasant morning’s stroll.
Having travelled by shared cars to the area known as ‘The Commons’ , we crossed the main road to follow a path up through Hunt’s Park to the old Water Tower. This, now disused landmark structure, dates from around 1912 and provided the town with its first mains water supply.
Our walking trail then took us through the ancient graveyard of Donaghadee Parish Church and up onto the Motte to take in the view of the town below. We were also able to visit the Camera Obscura where helpful local guide, Helen, provided a wealth of information about the area.
Our descent back down to sea level brought us along Shore Street 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 and the site of the old railway station before continuing along the coastal path back to our waiting cars.
Special thanks to Audrey for the wonderful refreshments and hospitality at the end of a thoroughly enjoyable morning.
Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday 15 July 2023 through the beautiful Lady Dixon Park in south Belfast. All are welcome to join us.
Check out stmoluasonline.com/walking-group/ for more information and updates.
