RANDALSTOWN VIADUCT AND RIVER MAINE WALK

SHORT WALK: 2.5 miles/1.5 hours plus lunch break. DATE: 30 June 2023

LEADER: Robert McDowell, Telephone No 028 93373084 (land line)

07711 706022 (mobile)

MEETING POINT/TIME: Park & Ride car park, New Street, Randalstown at 11.30 am

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

Note – as the Translink timetables have changed from 1st June, the bus/train connections are not compatible with the timing for this walk. I would therefore be willing to give a lift in my car to 2 or 3 people. If you would like to arrange a lift with me (pick up Carrickfergus/Whitehead area), please telephone either number, as above.

BY CAR:

Randalstown is approximately 35 miles from Belfast city centre. Take the M2 motorway north. Pass the Antrim/Ballymena/Coleraine A26 turnoff; pass the first Randalstown/Portglenone A6 turnoff; take the next Randalstown West A6 turnoff and follow the signs to Randalstown at the roundabout. Drive down New Street for a mile towards Randalstown. Just after the Spar shop and petrol station, turn right into New Street Park and Ride Car Park (free parking).

THE WALK:

The walk will start at 11.30 am at the New Street Park & Ride Car Park, Randalstown. We will walk to the path leading to the nearby viaduct, from which you will have a “bird’s eye” view over Randalstown. The viaduct opened in 1848 and closed in 1950 when the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway closed the line to Randalstown and Cookstown. In 2002 the viaduct was re-furbished/re-opened and in 2022 a community garden was planted. We will enter the viaduct at New Street and exit it at Station Road. We will cross the bridge over the River Maine and do the linear fisherman’s walk along the riverbank. Returning via the river walk, we will have lunch in Randalstown and go back to the car park via the town centre. The walk is flat and well surfaced and encompasses the community garden.

LUNCH:

Both Heffron’s Bar at 34 Main Street and Truffles Café at 50 Main Street are possibilities for lunch and are en route to the New Street car park. There are plenty of benches near the centre of Randalstown and at the riverbank for those who wish to bring a packed lunch. There are toilets in the pub and in the café and also in Moore’s Lane, just o