WI Walkers!

Posted September 2, 2021 by WI Staff in Local Areas

During lockdown, the simple pastime of walking become a national hobby, as transport was shunned and people escaped the confines of their homes for allocated daily exercise. As restrictions began to ease slightly earlier this year, many of our Institutes, although unable to gather indoors at this point, were able to form walking groups and meet together outside, enjoying nature, fresh air and, of course, the company and camaraderie.

Broughshane WI

Here are the ladies from the Broughshane Institute’s walking group, pausing for a photocall at Glenarm Harbour, before the start of their summer stroll around Straidkilly Nature Reserve. Annie Davison led the walkers as they left Glenarm Marina and proceeded along the coast road in the direction of Carnlough, before taking the zigzagged path up the steep slope to Straidkilly. Margaret Logan told us, “The only noise (apart from the chatter of the ladies) was the occasional flapping of wings from birds taking flight unseen among the hazel trees. We fully explored the wood, admiring the trees and flora, before returning to the marina for light refreshments in the open air, overlooking the harbour and bay.”

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Eglinton WI

Ladies from the Eglinton WI walking group took the train from Londonderry to Castlerock on a sunny Tuesday morning. After a lovely walk along the beach, they had lunch alfresco, followed, of course, by the trip to the seaside tradition – ice-cream!

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Kilrea WI

For the June meeting, over twenty members of Kilrea WI met up for an evening walk and chat. It was a very soggy evening but that did not dampen their spirits! The power walkers covered the 5.5km round walk to Moneygran Forest, the strollers went to Hutchinson’s Quay and back, while the danderers took in the magnificent scenery of the River Bann around the floodgates at Portna! It was a great chance to meet up in person and catch up on lots of news. The ladies are looking forward to meeting up again for more walks over the coming months.

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Maghaberry WI

The members of Maghaberry WI were reunited recently for a group walk through Moira Demesne.

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Portrush WI

Our ladies from the North Coast braved the elements at Ramore Head, Portrush to enjoy a windy afternoon coastal walk together.

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Slievenaman WI

Here are our Slievenaman ladies, pausing for a photo call after their leisurely summer stroll in Tollymore Forest Park!

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Waringstown WI

The Waringstown walkers enjoyed a ramble around the extensive gardens of Waringstown House on a lovely summer evening. Their well-informed guide (Michael) was on hand to share the history of some of the trees and flowers, as well of the building itself. After their walk, the group returned to the lawns for a rewarded tea and sweet treats. This was the first time some of the members had seen each other in close proximity in 15 months, so as well as the walking, there was plenty of chat and catching up!