Our next Sole Mates outing of the 2026 season is to The Flood Gates path at the top of Strangford Lough just south of Newtownards in County Down.
We will meet in St Molua’s Church carpark at 10.00am this Saturday 16 April and travel by shared cars to the outskirts of Newtownards.
Our walks are open to all – to church members, friends and relatives and anyone else who would like to join us. However, please note:
– Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
– All walkers take part at their own risk.
– All walkers must ensure that they are fit and healthy enough to undertake the walk they are attending.
– All walkers are advised to exercise caution and to wear suitable walking shoes/boots and outdoor clothing.
– On the walk:
- A register will be taken at the start of the walk of all participants.
- Walkers must follow all safety advice given by the walk leader.
Find updates at stmoluasonline.com/walking-group/
Looking forward to seeing as many as possible.
About
The story of the original plan for the embankment is that a Dutch engineer was employed to build it. It was hoped that this would then encourage a Dutch settlement at Newtownards during the reign of William and Mary. The present embankment was built in 1811 by Lord Londonderry of Mount Stewart and reclaimed 200 acres of land from the sea shore. This area was turned into arable farmland. This is the most northerly point of Strangford Lough, at the foot of Scrabo Hill. The flat land was later developed into an airfield. The sea defences were upgraded in 2000 to protect the town of Newtownards. Care was taken to minimise adverse effects on the environment and monitoring is ongoing.
There is a story that when the airfield was being constructed local farmers brought carts of stones to provide the hardcore for the runways. There were two entrances to the airfield; one on the Portaferry Road, the other on the Comber Road. Some of the more ingenious would bring their carts to the Portaferry Road get a ticket for their loads and leave by the other gate with the load covered and go around the block for a second ticket which meant they got double the money!