After visiting Ballycastle on the North Antrim coast it was time to turn southwards. The Causeway Route, which started in Derry, continues on to Belfast around the brilliant coastline of Co Antrim.
The first part of today's journey was inland for a while. There is a second road around Tor Head, but I choose the more inland route to see the Vanishing Lake at Loughareema. This is not a tidal lake - it is a freshwater lake that disappears when a "plug-hole" that often gets blocked with peat (thus filling the lake) clears, and all the water flows away. The "lake" was empty when I passed. Apparently when the water does drain away it does so very rapidly. There is also a lot of forest in this region which gives the bleak landscape a lusher feel.
The next part of my journey was on the road which runs right along the coast all the way to Larne. This has to be one of the best bike rides in Ireland though the road is quite narrow and there are not that many places to stop and check out the scenery.
My next stop was at Carnlough where there is a picturesque harbour. This was built using stone from local quarries which was carried across a bridge which still stands. Carnlough is also where the current Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, is from! The town lies at the foot of Glencoy - another of the nine Glens of Antrim.
Also note-worthy on this detour is that you get to see Slemish Mountain where it is reputed that St Patrick tended sheep and where he also found God. The mountain is part of an extinct volcano and dominates the surrounding landscape for miles. It is also a popular place of pilgrimage on St Patrick's Day.
The road from Glenarm to Larne is literally on the edge of the coast, with only a small wall to separate the road from the Irish Sea/North Channel. This was of course part of the 2014 Giro d'Italia cycle race and there are several old bicycles painted in pink along the route, including the statue of a fisherman and his bike near Cushendall. The Giro really showcased Northern Ireland's scenery to the world and it is clear that the locals along the route welcomed the riders with open arms and pink paint.
Tomorrow - on to Belfast and to Co Down!
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