Local ride & some local history.

[Flintlock]

So, had an hour to kill yesterday evening, sun was out so headed out on the GS.
1st stop,the Newry Canal, opened in 1742, it was the 1st Summit Canal built in the British Isles. Its purpose to link the Tyrone Coalfields to the Irish Sea.

Sadly now, no longer navigational.

 

[Flintlock]

Through Banbridge & a stop at the Crozier memorial, Polar Explorer.

 

[Flintlock]

On to Poyntzpass & a stop at a plaque in memory of Rear Admiral Charles Davis Lucas VC

 

[Flintlock]

Next stop Scarva, and one of the many Pillboxes constructed along the Bann Valley in WW2

 

[Flintlock]

Last stop Gilford
The entrance to Gilford Castle

Nothing unusual to see at 1st look- however the castle was occupied by US troops during the preparation for D Day in WW2 & soldiers guarding the gate were regularly seen sharpening their bayonets on the stone pillars - the results left to see.


So, one hour and about 30 miles.