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There was low cloud cover as I packed
the tent away and hardly any view of the mountains to the east that
I could see last night. I set off along the B202 towards Portstewart.
I soon reached the large grim Magilligan Prison with high fences &
walls. As I passed the entrance a few cars were approaching to drive
in. It was just before 8am so presumably they were workers on their
way to the next shift. |
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As I continued a constant stream of
cars were approaching. The road passed between some interesting
fields that looked like they were the largest lawn I’d ever seen. I
wasn’t surprised to see the sign saying it was turf for sale. At the
main A2 road I turned left and continued along the busy main road.
Several armoured police land rovers approached. Further on there
were several more, even a convoy. At a point where the road reached
the coast there was a railway bridge which I rode under to get
access to the beach. A couple of horses were being exercised in the
sea by pulling small carriages. |
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Up a long climb I had a quick look at
the Mussenden temple area. The low cloud was now mist and the
visibility was getting worse. I reached Coleraine and the main
Bridge over the river. There was a nice shiny steel pedestrian
bridge adjacent which I used. At the other side I saw a brief
glimpse of a cyclist riding over the road bridge. He seemed to be a
police man and although my view was brief seemed to be carrying a
gun on his belt. I left the town In the A2 heading for Portstewart.
The visibility was even worse. I stopped at a shop on the outskirts
for something to eat then descended into Portstewart. I rode along
the front but barely saw the sea. Along the coast it was frustrating
not being able to see anything. |
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Giant's
Causeway gift shop |
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Through Portrush the road ran along
the top of the cliff edge and for most of the way I could ride on
the footpath. Through Bushmills I started the long climb on the
rough and busy A2. I turned off to see the terminus of the Bushmills
railway near the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre. It was closed and
deserted. The nearby Giant’s Causeway was the exact opposite. Coach
loads of people were arriving into the huge car park. I rode to the
hotel which was surrounded by people. I was disappointed to see an
£8.50 entry fee advertised. It is a National Trust site with a huge
visitor centre by the car park. Fortunately there was a group of
children about to go round and their leader was an outward bound
guide. He was Robin Ruddock who told me it was possible to access
the site by the public footpath for free. |
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Giant's
Causeway and bike |
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Giant's
Causeway and bike |
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He even got me a free ticket to the
information centre with the group he was leading. Afterwards I
wheeled my bike to the causeway bus area and cycled down to the
stones by the shore. It was still misty but clear enough to get a
feel for the area. There seemed to be even more people around than
at the visitor centre. I cycled and pushed my bike back then along
the coastal path along the cliff top. It was wide enough for a while
but soon became too narrow to ride so I decided to abandon my plan
to ride the coastal path and followed a track signposted to car park
3. |
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I reached the road and continued
towards Ballycastle. Dunseverick Castle was on my left so I had to
stop for a quick photo. I rejoined the A2 for a while then left it
for the B15 coast road. It was less busy but had lots of hills. At
the Rope Bridge area I stopped at the car park to investigate. |
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There was a long queue to pay the
£5.30 fee to walk to and over the bridge. I didn’t bother so
continued to Ballycastle. I’d been recommended Morton’s Fish Bar and
its fresh cod. The sun appeared as I rode through the town and found
Morton’s chip shop by the harbour. The cod was £5 and worth every
penny. I had cod and chips for £6.10. An American woman was sat
inside enjoying the same meal. She was touring Ireland by bus and
was also recommended it, this time by a bus driver. I ate the fish
and most of the chips in the sunshine outside. It was windy and a
bit chilly. |
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I continued east on the A2 then after
a few miles turned off left to start a long climb of the Torr Road.
It was a long climb and I’d planned to camp near the summit near an
old ruin. When I got there the ground had been reduced to mud by the
animals so I left and continued towards Torr Point. After a long
descent I wheeled my bike into a field and up a small hill which was
exposed to the wind. I pitched here as the wind would make sure
there would be no midges. Nearby was a grotty looking stream but the
water was surprisingly clear, though I still boiled it. |
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Whittle Wanderer
