HOW does this sound? A five-mile walk from the ruins of Dunseverick Castle to a World Heritage Site that takes you along the top of towering cliffs where you’ll pull in lungfuls of fresh air and wonder why on earth you don’t do things like this more often.
That’s the Giant’s Causeway Clifftop Experience in a nutshell. The walk is a collaboration between the National Trust and tour company Away A Wee Walk and If you’re lucky enough your guide will be owner Eimear Flanagan who will entertain you with mythology along with facts on maritime archaeology, geology, fauna and flora and everything in between.
You’ll see Rathlin and Scotland and perhaps spot seals sprawled on the rocks far below like they’re poolside on a sun holiday.
At Port Moon you’ll learn about the evolution of the fishing industry and the revitalised red-roofed bothy that sits snug in the bay.
Another point of interest is Lacada Point where churning seas claimed a Spanish Armada vessel in 1588.
All 1,300 souls on board the Girona perished and the ship lay undiscovered for almost 400 years. Today you can see artefacts recovered from the wreck in the Ulster Museum in Belfast.
For me the Giant’s Causeway never loses its magic no matter how many times I visit and it was an unexpected delight to approach those polygonal stones from a new direction.
The Giant’s Causeway Clifftop Experience is a manageable walk that will blow the cobwebs away and when you’re done you can treat yourself to a cup of tea and scone in the Causeway Hotel.
What you need to know:
Cost: £30 per person which includes entry to the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre, Rambler bus service to Dunseverick Castle and shuttle bus up from the causeway to the visitor’s centre/car park.
Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a waterproof coat. Over 12s only.
www.giantscausewaytickets.com
Telephone: +44 (0)28 2073 3419
