Down and Connor Ventures Hold a North Antrim Coastal Hike on Saturday 16Th April

DOWN AND CONNOR VENTURES HOLD A NORTH ANTRIM COASTAL HIKE ON SATURDAY 16TH APRIL.

After weeks of planning the day had arrived and the group of Down and Connor ventures with leaders left Belfast at 8.00 in the morning and headed to the world famous Giants causeway. At 10.00 the bus dropped us off and after the usual starting point photos we headed down the path to the magnificent hexagonal steps of the Giants Causeway. This was to be the starting point ofour 8 mile hikehike which took us along the meandering path, zig- zagging along the edge of the famous cliff.We marvelled at the seagulls as theyrode the thermals at the cliff edge and their ability to skim the cliff face by inches whilst travelling at enormous speeds.

In contrast our pace was a little more gentle and relaxed and it was hard not to stop at every bend to soak in the magnificent scenery and jaw dropping views. Daly was on point duty keeping an eye on the soaring Buzzards as they swooped down to examine whether we had food in our hands.We followed the meandering path for a few mile eventually stopping at DunseverickCastle for lunch. Then we continued over to the picturessDunseverickHarbour, climbed up the next hill and around the peninsula to Portbraddan where we dropped into St Gobhan's church reputed to be the smallest church in Ireland.

As we walked along the shore, the tide was out, and we saw the magnificentWhitepark Bay and in the distance we could seeRathlin Island. Most of us peeled off our walking boots and walked barefoot across the golden sands occasionally dipping our feet into the incoming tide. As we came to the end of the beach we finished the walk by crossing the bay to gain access to Ballintoy harboursixhours after we started.

After the copious amounts of ice cream in the local café we dandered up to steep road to the SheepIsland view hostel where we had arranged to stay the night. A warm and hospitable place with owners Josie and Seamus doing all they could to make us feel welcome.

That evening,following a magnificent meal in a local hostelry we came back to the hostel and chatted late into the evening, A fine ending to a great day and one that we promised to repeat some time in the future.

Michael Daly

CPC Down and Connor Venture scouts

It’s never too cold for a dip.

Pat on the Causeway.

Waiting for tea!

The Group on the Causeway.

A cliff top lunchbreak.

The Group on the cliff top.

At the base of the Organ Pipes.