Rathlin Island East Light Walk
DATE: 28 July 2023
SHORT WALK: 4 miles/2 hours plus lunch break.
LEADER: Robert McDowell, Telephone No 028 93373084 (land line)
07711 706022 (mobile)
MEETING POINT/TIME: At the Quay in Ballycastle at 10.45am (for the 11.00am sailing)
BY CAR: (Note that travelling by public transport is not practicable)
As the distance from Belfast City Centre is approximately 55 miles, you are advised to allow up to 1.5 hours for your journey. Take the M2 north, exiting at the junction which is signposted Antrim/Ballymena/Coleraine. Take the A26 road towards Ballymena/Coleraine and, on approaching Ballymena (at the Larne roundabout), rejoin the M2 signposted Ballymoney/Coleraine. After 13 miles, take the road to Ballycastle – the A44/Drones Road. On approaching Ballycastle, follow the signs for the Seafront/Harbour and park at the ferry terminal car park (far end of public car park just beyond the Rathlin Island Ferry Company office). This car park is free for ferry travellers and there are toilets at the far end of the car park.
Outward Journey by ferry from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island:
I would advise booking your outward (11.00am – vessel Kintra 11) and return (3.00pm – vessel Spirit of Rathlin) ferry crossings as soon as possible as the ferries book up well in advance, especially at weekends. Although holders of Northern Ireland Smart Travel Passes travel free of charge, reservations are still required. Return tickets can be booked only on- line at the following website: www.rathlin-ferry.com
When booking, the ferry company will require your name, contact telephone number, the date/times of both sailings and the number on your Smart Travel Pass, if you have one. If you do not have a Pass, the return fare is £12.00. You must present yourself, along with your Smart Travel Pass and your booking confirmation at the departure point at least 15 minutes before sailing time – i.e., by no later than 10.45am.
ARRIVAL ON RATHLIN ISLAND.
We should arrive at the harbour at Church Bay, Rathlin Island at around 11.30am, when we will begin our walk. The walk is on tarmac and gravel and is generally dry underfoot. After the initial steep hill, it evens out with some smaller undulations. On the return journey we will avid the steep hill.
THE WALK:
We will walk to the East Light, which will take us about an hour. After pausing to admire the views, we will return via a slightly different route, which will lead us back to Church Bay.
LUNCH AND OTHER FACILITIES ON RATHLIN ISLAND:
You may purchase food at the Manor House, McCuaig’s Bar or the adjoining café at Church Bay. There are picnic tables at Church Bay for those who choose to bring a lunch. These are in the open air and there is no covered area to eat, except in the above establishments.
TOILETS ON RATHLIN:
There are toilets at Church Bay, as well as at the above establishments.
RETURN FERRY JOURNEY FROM RATHLIN ISLAND TO BALLYCASTLE:
We will meet at Rathlin Island harbour at Church Bay at 2.45pm, to catch the 3.00pm ferry to Ballycastle, to arrive in Ballycastle at approximately 3.30pm. You will need to retain your ticket for the return journey.
EATING IN BALLYCASTLE:
For those who want an early evening meal in Ballycastle, there is a wide choice of eating establishments. Near the harbour is the Marine Hotel, Morton’s Fish and Chip Shop and the Promenade Café. On the way through Ballycastle, there is O’Connor’s Bar in Ann Street, the Cellar Restaurant at the Diamond and Anzac Restaurant in Market Street (turn right at the Diamond).
NOTE: I can offer 2 seats in my car, should anyone want a lift (pick up Carrickfergus/Whitehead area).