An Autumn Walk along the Quoile

AN AUTUMN WALK ALONG THE QUOILE

At 2.00pm sharp on Tuesday 2nd October a group of well wrapped-up Amblers gathered near the Quoile Bridge for a riverside walk. Rain had been forecast, but did not arrive until our walk was over.

Some of us stood briefly on the stone Bridge and looked upstream and down. There’s a wonderful view of the river in both directions; but it was dangerous to stand there. Heavy traffic roared past with little room to spare.

Upstream the river curved away to the left. The water meandered down towards the bridge over submerged greenery. Soon it reached the impressive arches of the bridge. There were tall trees on both banks stretching away into the distance. Downstream the river narrowed somewhat and turned off to the right.

For self-preservation we left the bridge as soon as possible. We climbed down some steep steps and had a good look at the six large stone arches that support it. The autumn sun was shining through the arches.

The whole group set off downstream and passed a lone fisherman casting his line. We approached the Old Floodgates where more fishermen were at work. We did not know what they were trying to catch; but were aware that there are Pike, Perch, Eel, and Trout in the river.

We followed a riverside path that runs for almost 1.5 miles from the Old Floodgates to Steamboat Quay. The Old Floodgates were made of grey concrete and had clearly seen better days.

Six mute swans swam sedately away from our bank towards the centre of the river. They were looking for food, but did not stick their tails in the air. They ended up on the far bank beside some reeds.

We came across a rather old fishing platform and spent some time looking out at the river. Near the middle two ducks were making their way slowly downstream. A wider path took us further down the river bank.

We arrived at a substantial modern platform. Nearby there was a sharp bend to the left in the wide river. More swans were feeding near us in calm water. They glided across the river and disappeared around the bend.

This area is called Quoile Quay. There are some modern three/four storey flats here, as well as other buildings. There is also a V-junction in the road to Strangford.

The general area is known as The Pondage. It is rich in plants, fish and birds. The combination of river and woodland is ideal for otters, but the Quoile is better known for wildfowl –ducks, geese and swans. Up to 2,000 birds spend the winter here; and many stay on to breed in summer.

To understand fully this part of the Quoile you need to be aware that for many years it was a river estuary full of salt water from Strangford Lough. It was also a busy trading route for timber, coal and slates supplied to Downpatrick.

In 1957 a Tidal Barrier was built downstream and the water above it became fresh water. The former sea shore changed to river, marsh, grass and woodland. It is now a wetland area of regional and perhaps national significance.

We walked on beyond Quoile Quay in bright sunshine. Then we retraced our steps back to our cars near the Quoile Bridge. Most of us agreed that this was the most enjoyable Amblers’ walk so far.