County Antrim
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In May 2007 the Dognappers visited Ulster and explored the coast of County Antrim.
Walking the Moyle Way gave a fine sense of achievement, but I wouldn't like to do it again. In contrast, Rathlin Island and the Causeway Coast are absolutely superb, I will go back there. |
In the east we followed the Moyle Way, a short distance inland from the coast.
It crosses the Glens of County Antrim, from Glenariff to Ballycastle.
Walking guidebooks suggest eleven hours for the 20 mile walk.
We thought we could do it faster than that, but that was before we set foot in the slippery spongy morass.
The Moyle Way has another peculiarity we hadn't seen before.
It is way-marked in only one direction.
The marker-posts guide those walking from north to south, but can mislead walkers travelling in the opposite direction.
We made better progress after we realised this, and began to navigate by map rather than marker.
Lunch stop, half-time but nowhere near half-distance.
Walking conditions improved after lunch.
There is a paved track through Slieveanorra Forest,
and through Breen Forest.
Approaching that day's destination, Glenshesk was beautiful with the gorse in bloom.
After a night in a smart but disorgnised hotel at Ballycastle, we board the morning ferry for Rathlin Island.
Our first sight of Rathlin Manor House where we were to spend the next night.
We left our bags there before setting off to explore the island.
The Dognappers are familiar with the habits of dogs on small islands. We weren't surprised to find
several dogs near the ferry landing waiting for an opportunity to escort visitors round the island.
The dog that adopted this couple set off at a fast pace, they had difficulty keeping up.
Luckily the dog that adopted us had a more relaxed nature.
It didn't object to spending the rest of the morning lying in grass watching the seals in Mill Bay.
We were still recovering from yesterday's excercise.
The seals kept a wary eye on us.
After lunch and a game of pool in McCuaig’s bar (Steve playing the winning shot),
we were ready for an afternoon walk,
via Ushet Point,
and Ushet Lough.
The next day we took the early morning ferry back to the mainland and began walking westwards along the Causeway Coast.
Here on the golden strand of White Park Bay.
For most of that day the walking was easy, but approaching Portbraddan some rock scrambling became necessary.
Bill was unable to resist an audience.
Near the Giant's Causeway the coast path takes to the clifftop.
There are dramatic rock formations at every turn.
Carl went close to the edge for a better view.
Others had a more cautious approach to the cliff edge.
There were good views everywhere,
with cliffs made of the distinctive rock columns,
and Scotland on the horizon.
On the coast path there were few people, but at the Giant's Causway it was very different.
Carl, Steve, Bill, John, The Dognappers, relaxing at the Giant's Causeway.
The Dognappers like to try alternative modes of transport,
and found the Giant's Causeway to Bushmills steam railway irresistable.
Dinner in the Bushmills Inn
had a relaxed last night atmosphere, although we still had a day's walk to do.
A dog walker on Curran Strand, on the last day of our walk.