A beautiful coastal walk in Northern Ireland

As heavy rain was forcast for later in the day, we chose to head out in the morning. I was dropped off (or “dropped” as my 4 year old said!) at Carrick-a-rede to commence my walk.
There is a small section of the Causeway Coastal Path between Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and Ballintoy which I really wanted to explore.

As I started off, I had some lovely views of the rope bridge, with Fair Head in the distance. A few intreprid tourists were crossing.

This is Sheep Island

Scotland in the distance with part of Rathlin Island in the foreground (not able to get all of it in the one photo due to it’s L-shape and position from my view point)

and some thistles to match the view 🙂

The path is a gentle walk along a grass path, a beautiful place on a sunny morning. Just beware of the cliffs!
Some more views of the coast from the path.

Many of the fields around here are long narrow strips, and the cottage in the distance is a traditional cottage, but few of these remain today. As a student at university, my Dad was employed one summer to measure all these fields around this part of the coast by the Department of Agriculture. He travelled by bicycle, and had a tent with him – there are lots of hills – not sure I could have done it!

My initial destination was Ballintoy church, which I could see ahead of me nearly the whole time.
I had spent quite a while exploring this church and it’s grounds last summer, however as a grave digger was at work, I chose not to enter the church grounds. It can be quite an atmospheric place.
Here are a few views from outside, including some beautiful old roses.

I then walked down the twisty road to Ballintoy harbour – it includes a number of hairpin bends. These lovely horses came to their fence to greet me.

I somehow managed to stumble on my way down, so had to limp the final few hundred yards, and still have a swollen ankle to remind me.

Here is one of the glimpses you get of the beach on the way down.

Fancy a new house with this wonderful view? Start saving.

This is a derelict house is for sale, with outline planning permission for a stunning new home, but the price, just for the building site (without any house) is £595,000! (about $970,000!!!). You would certainly end up with an amazing house with an amazing view, but you would definitely be paying for it!

Finally I made it down to the harbour to meet up with the family, and to enjoy a reviving ice-cream from the wee shop/cafe.

Could not resist a final few photos of these large daisies on the rocks just above the rocky shoreline.
So…… this is definitely one of my favourite walks – what/where is yours?

This week I am adding the post to Beautiful Life Carnival at The Inspired Room and Hooked on Houses weekly Hooked On,,,, Carnival as I’m hooked on taking time to enjoy the beauty of nature right on our doorsteps.

Check out these great blogs and carnivals for some wonderful blogs to visit.