It’s been a very long time since my last blog post. But, after reaching new heights, I thought it was worth creating a post to share my latest adventure.
My friend Bronagh has compiled a 40 before 40 bucket list. One of her to dos was the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail – also nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven Walk – in Co. Fermanagh. I have seen this walk on social media and really was keen to give it a try so I jumped at Bronagh’s offer to accompany her on the trek. Hikes aren’t in my comfort zone and I usually opt for the sea over rugged terrain, but with a well established path, I felt this trail would be a good introduction to the mountains.
After close to two hours driving, we reached the car park and got our bearings. The route, which meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, started with a gravel trail which leads on to a boardwalk and finally a staircase.
The trail alternates from gentle inclines to a few steeper climbs. The scenery throughout is majestic with signage to highlight wildlife you might see on your hike and a view point to showcase the focal points of the stunning skyline.
The climax of the trek is a steep staircase which leads to the peak of Cuilcagh Mountain. It’s a steep climb – which resulted in lots of huffing and puffing from me – but it was worth it to reach the viewing platform at the top, which provides breath taking views of the surrounding vista.
Whilst we were absolutely knackered by the time we got back to the car, we both were extremely proud of reaching the peak. It was a truly memorable experience and one item of Bronagh’s bucket list well and truly ticked off.
Lockdown has rapidly become the new normal. One of the things that has got me through the pandemic panic is my daily walk and rediscovering the beauty that exists on my doorstep. As my phone is filling up with little snapshots of these excursions, I thought I would share a few of my favourite snaps with you – I hope you enjoy.
This Christmas my sister and I opted to gift each other a shared experience which could double up as well needed girls’ day out. After much deliberation, which saw concerts, boozy afternoon tea and cooking classes thrown in to the mix, we finally decided to try Bannatyne Spa, Holywood, for some relaxation after the hectic festive season. Our package included two treatments and use of the facilities so we arrived early so we could fit in some lengths of the gorgeous pool before relaxing amidst a sea of bubbles in the jacuzzi. To finish off we tried the sauna and steam room to really get the circulation pumping.
As our treatment time arrived, it was time to make use of our spa bags which contained robes, towels and flip flops. These require a £16 deposit at reception on arrival but you get £10 back and you get to keep the Bannatyne emblazoned bag and flip flops. Wrapped up in our fluffy robes, we made our way to the spa where we were shown to the relaxation area. As well as loungers, guests can relax on heated water beds listening to soothing music whilst waiting for their therapist to arrive.
After a brief wait I was welcomed by Rachel, who showed me to an opulent treatment room. After explaining the treatments – I was booked in for a facial and a back, neck and shoulder massage – she left me to get changed. Once I was comfortable on the heated treatment bed, Rachel returned and explained she would be starting with the massage before carrying out the facial. The massage was heavenly; I have a lot of tension in my back and the pressure throughout was perfect – I could feel the knots loosen and fade away.
After I felt thoroughly relaxed, it was time for some TLC for my face which has definitely been feeling the effects of winter. From being dry to suffering a breakout, Rachel promised a treatment which would hydrate and sooth – and she certainly delivered. My face felt soft and looked brighter.
After my treatment, I was presented with a gorgeous Bannatyne Spa toner and hydrating mask to keep. The packaging is classic and stylish and I’ve already had the chance to sample both in my daily routine and would certainly recommend them.
As our spa day came to an end I was thoroughly impressed by Bannatyne Spa. The only fault I could find was that we hoped to toast the day off with bubbles or a coffee but the cafe – which is owned by a different company – had already closed when we had finished our treatments. However, that was soon rectified back at Gail’s house where a bottle of Prosecco was chilling in the fridge. As we sipped on cool bubbles, we swapped notes about why a return trip to Bannatyne Spa was definitely on the cards; the professional and friendly staff, spacious and clean changing facilities, fabulous pool and treatments that bring pampering to a new level, ensured that from start to finish it ticked a lot of boxes.
The swimming facilities at the new look Olympia Leisure Centre.
I am a fully fledged water baby. Since I was a kid I have loved swimming. My summers were spent, from dawn to dusk, at the beach near my parents’ house. From the sun drenched to the more common rain soaked summer days, nothing could keep me away from the ocean, whether it was jumping off rocks, swimming into waves or trying to perfect the ultimate underwater handstand.
As I got older and moved to Belfast to study and then work, I got out of the way of swimming. Well, that is until a childhood friend of mine, Heather, who I spent summers with at the beach along with her sister Helen and my sister Gail, suggested we get the gang back together for weekly swims at the Robinson Centre in east Belfast. I loved these weekly swimming sessions, to be honest as much for the swimming as the gossiping between lengths, and so when news broke that the Robinson Centre was closing I was devastated. There was a pool shaped hole in my life and I didn’t know how to fill it – and then I visited the Olympia Leisure Centre on Boucher Road. Not only was I able to continue swimming, it is also located super close to the Ulster Tatler office and so it couldn’t be easier to fit a visit in.
I have been a regular swimmer there for a couple of years now and as news emerged they were building a new Olympia leisure complex as part of the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, I couldn’t wait to visit it. Just after Christmas the new facility, which opened at a cost of £21.75 million, was unveiled with a soft opening before being officially opened this week by Belfast Lord Mayor Brian Kingston. The complex combines leisure facilities such as a 25m pool and learner pool, 120 station fitness suite, spin studio, four-court sports hall and 3G pitch but also with the exciting addition of a Coffee Corner and luxury day spa, which is the first of its kind inside a council centre.
I recently visited these new premises with my desk buddy Gemma, and I have to say I was more than impressed with the new state-of-the-art facilities, which are operated by GLL, the charitable social enterprise which manages the ‘Better’ leisure centres for the council. The reception area is modern, boasting a glass frontage, high ceilings and spacious surroundings. The reception desk is easy to find and once we got our bearings it was time to head to the changing area. The gendered changing rooms of old have been replaced with a unisex ‘Changing Village’, which has single cubicles as well as family rooms for changing in as well as an abundance of lockers for storing your belongings.
Once ready to take the plunge, we made our way to the pool, which is spectacular and ultra modern. One of the major downfalls in the old pool, for me personally, was that there was only one lane dedicated for swimming lengths. The people in this lane were often very experienced swimmers so I avoided it as I didn’t want to be that slow poke holding other people up. As a result, if you were a slow or medium paced swimmer wanting to do lengths, you had to swim across the main body of the pool which, especially when it was busy, was extremely difficult as you would be vying for space with other swimmers, instructors trying to offer lessons and children who wanted to play water based games. The new pool, much to my delight, has three lanes which caters for all swimming levels; slow, medium and fast, as well as a main area catered for swimming lessons as well as people who want to relax in the pool as opposed to swimming lengths. Additionally, due to the partitions between lanes, water rippling is kept to a minimum and so the water mainly remains calm, which offers a truly relaxing experience when you are swimming lengths – this really is the spot to work off the stresses of a day in the office. The pool also has a state-of-the-art moveable floor, which allows the depth to be altered depending on what it is being used for, whether for general swimming, galas or diving.
After my first dip into the new Olympia, I can honestly say I am excited by this space, which is part of Belfast City Council’s leisure transformation programme that is aiming to reshape leisure and encourage more people to get active across the city. Although I have yet to check out the fitness suite, I am confident that judging by the pool, it will be every bit as high tech and enticing. The face of Belfast is rapidly changing and with the successful opening of the fabulous new Windsor Park, and now the cutting edge new look Olympia, it is safe to say this is one fit city.
My first time donating blood was when a mobile donation unit visited my high school. That day I felt pretty chuffed with myself for doing something that could potentially save someone’s life. After that, however, I didn’t manage to donate again for years. Then a friend got ill and it really hit home on a personal level how important blood donation is. Since then my sister and I have vowed to become regular blood donors.
We have been frequent visitors to the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Services headquarters, located at Belfast City Hospital, since. However when my ‘blood sister’ was out of action on the donation front because she was expecting, I made these visits on my own. I still got the same feeling of satisfaction, but I have to say I really missed my partner in crime. That all changed tonight, however, since Gail is now eligible to donate blood again as it’s been over a year since the arrival of the tiny human.
We met up after work and made our way to Belfast City Hospital. After checking in at reception and filling out the required form, we were taken in to see the nurse to check all was ok before being given the go ahead to give blood. The staff are all so welcoming and put you immediately at ease. Most importantly they are super skilled at distracting you and so before you know it, you are all done. Afterwards you are then offered juice (it’s always orange for me) and a biscuit; the big kid in me loves this part!
I have been giving blood for a good few years now and I honestly can’t recommend it enough. Not only can you feel epic for doing something life saving, but you also never know when you, or a loved one, may need the blood transfusion service. So to all fellow donors out there – thank you for being so generous with your blood! And for those who don’t, but want to find out more, visit:
http://www.nibts.orgA Bourbon biscuit and a cold cup of orange, my reward for donating blood.
LittleBurch 