We are on tour this Sunday August 3rd, and are heading to the Causeway Coast, where we will take in 2 stages of the Causeway Coast Way. In all we will walk just over 17 km, from the Causeway Visitor Centre to Ballintoy Harbour.
The Giant’s Causeway is Ireland’s only natural World Heritage site. Some 40,000 hexagonal columns were created here during a period of intense volcanic activity some 60 million years ago and we will be allowing time for everyone to explore these phenomenal features.
Then we will be following the cliff path eastwards along the sea, passing above a series of precipitous coves. The second of these is known as Port na Spaniagh and contains the wreck of the Girona, one of the ships from the ill-fated Spanish Armada. The Girona was one of 24 ships from the 1588 Spanish Armada that were wrecked along the Irish coast. Of the estimated 1300 people on board, less than 10 survived. In the 1960’s a team of divers investigated the wreck and salvaged the greatest haul of Armada treasure ever recovered, which is now on display in Belfast’s Ulster Museum.
Following a steady descent south-eastwards, we will pass above Port Moon to reach Dunseverick Castle. Little remains of this ancient promontory fort, which is reputed to have been at the end of one of the five roads emanating from Tara. Later St Patrick was to bless the castle, although it was eventually sacked by Vikings and fell into ruin, before being replaced by Dunluce as the local strong hold.
From Dunseverick we will drop onto the rocky shore and turn right towards White Park Bay. Access to the bay is protected by limestone cliffs that rise from a jumble of slippery boulders. At high tide these boulders may be impassable, but if the tide is in our favour then a few minutes of careful boulder hopping will carry us onto the 2 km sweep of golden sand. From here we will walk to Ballintoy Harbour where the bus will pick us up and take us to Ballycastle for dinner at the Marine Hotel.
Everyone with their name on the list for Sunday please note the bus is leaving from the Gap car park at 7.30 am. It will be a long day so bring plenty of snacks along with your normal lunch. Whilst most of the walk is on paths in a couple of places you would need boots. Forecast is for sunshine and showers so bring a waterproof jacket. Any member wishing a place there are 3 left if you get in contact with asap!