The hotel last night was pretty good – interesting to compare the prices / standards of accommodation as we move across the country – dearer does not always mean better. We had Helena and Hugh joining us for the longest walking day. The forecast was no rain and sunny spells along the whole route.
Established as an English settlement early in the 17th century, Belfast’s growth was driven by an influx of Scottish-descendant Presbyterians. Their disaffection with Ireland’s Anglican establishment contributed to the rebellion of 1798, and to the union with Great Britian in 1800 — later regarded as a key to the town’s industrial transformation. When granted city status in 1888, Belfast was the world’s largest centre of linen manufacture, and by the 1900s her shipyards were building up to a quarter of total United Kingdom tonnage. We walked northwards through the city, past a long queue for an anime convention at Queens University and then caught a glimpse of Belfast Cathedral as we headed back into the docks, past a noisy trio of baby gulls annoying their parent.
We then had a nice walk through Giant’s Park where we could see occasional glimpses of Belfast Castle. The path in the park ran along side the busy M2 and continued that way as we walked along the shoreline. As we got to Hazelbank Park we could see rain falling on the opposite side of the lough and, trusting the forecast, thought we would keep dry.
Then the heavens opened and the temperature really dropped. For about an hour and a half the rain was relentless and rendered the views of the lough meaningless. The rain was so heavy that the roadside drains couldn’t cope meaning passing cars had no alternative but to shower us as they passed by. A pretty miserable, wet and cold trudge into Carrickfergus where the rain mercifully stopped. A stop for a hot lunch and hot drink was very welcome.
The walk out of Carrickfergus was an unexpected hill, just what we needed with sodden shoes/socks and a full stomach! But sun was making an appearance and the views from the top were spectacular. The road also was very quiet which made a welcome change from the busy roads earlier.
Now the weather was behaving as per the forecast and actually felt like a summer day for the first time on this trip. The rolling country side made for some lovely viewing and the sheep and lambs in the fields were enjoying the warmth. We climbed a few hills, including an extra one due to a navigational error, and enjoyed a very welcome ice cream from a farm shop in the middle of nowhere as we then made the long descent into Larne and checked into our B&B. A very long a tiring day and after, hopefully, a good rest we head to Carnlough tomorrow.
