It’s a Saturday so that can only mean one thing – Parkrun. We decided to run at Bangor as it was the most local. So up at 7.45, down for breakfast at 8.00 for Dave to have his porridge and just a glass of water for me. 

Parkrun start at 9.30 in NI so it was a leisurely drive down there. A fairly pleasant location but wow soo busy, about 450 runners. Dave finished 90th in under 25mins and I came in 351st at just under 35mins.

Back to the B & B for a shower and change and we were off out for the day.

At 11.30 we arrived at Mount Stewart, a National Trust house on the banks of Strangford Lough.

After a walk around the impressive house and then a walk around the lake we stopped for a bite to eat in the cafe. We then went back to walk around the gardens and I think they were probably the best gardens we’ve ever seen, quite formal, very well stocked but with a sense of abandonment with their slightly unkempt look. We then had a final walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Lough. 

Next stop a little walk around at Groomsport. We saw the Cockle Row Cottages, walked along the harbour wall and even along the beach. 

Then onto Orlock Point where we had a very short walk along the coast edge. 

We then parked up at Donaghadee, took the obligatory walk along the harbour wall before finding Pier 36, the only pub here on the pier for some liquid refreshment! Interesting fact Donaghadee is only 22 miles off of the west Coast of Scotland! 

Following Caitlin’s suggestion we had an early dinner booked at Grace Neils, the oldest pub in NI, established 1611 and the food didn’t disappoint. 

A short drive back to the B & B we freshened up and walked into Bangor for some Saturday night fun.  

First stop The Hop House where there was a live band playing a mixture of rock music, when that finished we managed just across the road to Donegans where there was another band playing a mixture of slightly lighter music. The atmosphere was fab with everyone up dancing so of course we had to join in.

Even with the half mile walk back (including the 54 steps up the hill) we were tucked up in bed at midnight.