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After a night of variable sleep on the
ferry passenger deck floor I woke to yet more football on the TV
screens, even at 6am. I was able to see a gloomy view of the Belfast
docks on our final approach and our planned arrival at 06:30am was a
few minutes late. I was hoping to catch what I thought was the 07:10
train to Londonderry but realised I’d not be able to cycle the few
miles to the railway station in time. When unloading started I
returned to the lower deck. There was the trailer and bike area
waiting. |
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It was easier to put my bike in the box compartment area,
which I did. A jeep vehicle with tow bar arrived and towed it away.
The bus came and I was driven to the terminal to reclaim my bike.
With panniers back on I set off along the busy harbour roads towards
the Belfast Yorkgate railway station. I reached the station to see a
train just leaving. It was the one I’d hoped to catch but missing it
turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The next rain was in less
than 2 hours so I headed for the shipyard area to check out where
the Titanic was built. At the river I stopped and spoke to another
local cyclist and we chatted about various cycle routes. I continued
by pushing my bike over a pedestrian bridge over the river where
many padlocks had been locked to the side grills. They had names
written or etched on to declare the devotion or love of both
parties. |
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Over the bridge I cycled on to the
Titanic building, but it was too early for it to be open. I cycled
on to see the derelict HMS Caroline, the last Royal Navy ship from
WW1. She looked very sad but money is being sought to restore her.
The whole area was deserted as I tried to get some photos of her
behind the close woven mesh. |
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HMS
Caroline,
the last Royal Navy ship from WW1. |
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I returned to the Titanic exhibition
hall but it was still closed. The dock area where the magnificent
ship was built was marked out adjacent to the building. The whole
area was deserted so I took the opportunity to ride my bike around
the perimeter of the construction site. I cycled back to the railway
station and bought an £11.50 single ticket to Londonderry. |
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HMS
Caroline,
the last Royal Navy ship from WW1. |
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My Senior Railcard didn’t work so I
had to pay the full price. Then train arrived on time at 09:24 and I
was surprised how clean it was inside. Part way through the journey
a man got on and sat next to me. He was heading for his home town of Ballymoney further along the line. We had an interesting chat and he
recommended the Morton Fish Shop for a meal in Ballycastle. I
reached Londonderry at 11:24 and got off the very busy train. I
wheeled my bike through the crowds and on to the road. Then I set
off on my journey headins SW along the A5. The going was
surprisingly easy but as I suspected the traffic was busy. There was
a lot of sea mist as we approached by train and the sky continued
overcast and occasional fine drizzle showers. |
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I was heading for Strabane but on the final approach the road was closed for surfacing
works. The diversion was no problem and not much further. Strabane
was quite busy as I passed through and on to the N15 to Ballybofey.
The road was still busy and there was no alternative. Leaving
Ballybofey I stopped at a Lidle shop to buy some biscuits and a
banana. As I am now in the republic I needed to use Euros as my
currency. The roads have all road makings in Km and speeds shown in
Km per hour. The climb out was steady and steepish near the summit
but a nice day with little wind helped the final few miles. Over the
pass I descended a short way to the river by the Barnesmore Gap. An
old bridge crossed the river and lead to a small area by a long
abandoned quarry where I was able to pitch my tent. |
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Whittle Wanderer
