Still cold today but a very different situation. The sun was shining and I was actually able to stay in it for a while and the wind had dropped. A quick taxi ride to the start, a big loop of Fairhead and then a straight run back into Ballycastle with a hopefully open lunch stop at Ballyvoy, is the plan. My feet aren’t brilliant and I find myself at least 0.5 mph off my normal pace.
AV Dún Mór, an old fortress, Have to say it looks like a natural hill to me.Up the hill to the cliffs we go.Back towards Ballycastle and in the distance the chalk ciffs of Carrick-a-rede. On the left the coastal path is in shade and will no doubt still be when I get thereRathlin still in sunshine and you can clearly see the underlying chalk in places.First bit done, now up to the highest part of the cliffs.Lough Doo, A mountain tarn if you like.The path so far.The other lake, Lough na Cranagh.I’ve rounded the north-eastern corner of our little island. The Mull of Kintyre again.Didn’t see the large crevice until I stepped onto the little bridge.A chimney that is not long for the world and in the distance, Islay. Don’t think I’ll ever get to the West Highland Way now, you need to be able to manage high teen days at a time.Is it only me that plays at seeing things in the rock. This is a grumpty Red Indian Chief.The coast down to Torr Head but no contiguous path again. I think that the crown should compulsory purchase the first 10 metres of the foreshore as has happened in parts of Portugal for instance, then a round Ulster coastal path becomes a reality.Nearly at the end of the loop. The crannog in the lake, A great place to feel safe from the local thugs and ne’er-do-wells.Back down to the coast and as I suspected still in shadow. Temp drop making me cold. Miserable place to put a caravan park.Ballycastle beach and the last mile. Lunch wasn’t open, so hungry until dinner.
I am a bit disturbed by my slow pace but I suppose I should be glad that I was able to come on this trip at all. My feet have held up mostly, suffering with only 2 episodes and both late at night. My hands though, very different. It might be that it is the constant exposure to the cold. Not a memory stirred from the last time I was here but for a viseral dislike of the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, which I remember leaving the first night of our stay without paying on account of the noise and lack of service.
