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From Whitehead carpark I turn left and left again onto the B150 then look out for another turning on the left onto the Middle Road. An interesting feature to visit is ‘The Lord’ basalt sea stack. This is a towering formation of basalt rock formed by the result of years of erosion from crashing waves. It has been nicknamed ‘The Lord’ due to its powerful prominence standing alongthebatteredrockyshoreline.To access it, look out for Port Road on the left, a short distance along Middle Road. There is a small layby outside house number 38 and beside this is a natural dirt track that leads all the way down to the stony beach shore below. On the left is an old thatched cottage and on the right is a short grass path leading to ‘The Lord’ sea stack. However, the grass path quickly ends and the rest of the journey is over the rocky beach shore. It is advised to only make this journey during low tide times and wearing appropriate footwear.
Time for refreshments again and luckily a short distance along the Middle Road I reach The Rinkha. This is a family owned general store, well renowned for its delicious handmade ice-cream. Takeaway coffees and teas are also available. Kids will love the huge selection of toys available in the shop.
Feeling totally rejuvenated, I continue a short distance along Middle Road
and arrive at The Gobbins Visitors Centre on the right. The Gobbins is a dramatic, two mile long cliff-face path which includes spectacular tubular and suspension bridges, a staircase, caves and tunnels carved through the rock. The views are absolutely breathtaking. You can only access The Gobbins path by pre-booking your guided tour online or by phoning The GobbinsVisitorsCentreon0289337 2318. A minibus will transport you and your group plus your guide the short distance to the path entrance. It is a truely great experience and the guides are excellent.
Continuing my journey along Middle Road which becomes the Mullaghboy Road and soon narrows considerably to become the Portmuck Road. Care is required whilst driving on this narrow country road. There is a short widened section of the road on a bend where it is possible to pause briefly to take in the captivating scenery. Then resuming the short distance along the winding road to arrive at the hidden gem of Portmuck Harbour. This is a stunning little harbour and adjacent small sandy beach with fabulous views of the Antrim Coast. It is a perfect location for a picnic and for the opportunity to do some safe sea swimming. Even though it is September there are locals enjoying jumping into the sea from the harbour wall. The carpark is new and there are
several picnic tables available. A toilet block is closeby. A path, although not very long, gives safe and easy access to the rock platforms where there is a clear wonderful view of the Isle of Muck, an uninhabited nature reserve.
Then it’s back up the narrow, twisty Portmuck Road turning left onto the Browns Bay Road. At this point there is a choice of two routes to take; one signpointsto‘BrownsBayScenic Route’. However, unless you wish to have a close view of Ballylumford Power Station, I consider the ‘normal’ route more scenic.
Browns Bay is a popular sandy, safe beach located at the northern tip of the Islandmagee Peninsula nestling in a horse shoe shaped bay. The relative remoteness of this site gives it a real ‘away-from-it-all’ feel. The beach is 600m long with rocks and loose boulders around the edge. It has been awarded the Seaside Award for its high standard of bathing water quality. There is a toilet block in the carpark which was closed on the day of my visit. Care is required on busy days when crossing the road from the carpark to the beach.
Well, that is the end of my short road trip. It has been thoroughly enjoyable withsomuchtoseeanddoonsucha relatively short drive along a beautiful section of our country that is often overlooked.
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Portmuck Harbour
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Carrickfergus Marina
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OUR VIBE NI - AUTUMN 2020