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[Arthurwaythere]

It is easy to forget what is on your doorstep.

I have lived in Portstewart for a year and most days walk the length of the strand if I don’t go further afield. Last weekend for the first time (much to my shame) on reaching the Bann mouth I took a longer walk heading towards Coleraine up along the river.
I discovered that this was a very good move, as it soon became apparent a short distance later I found a perfect spot for a crafty overnighter.
So last night I headed out, very light, bivi, tarp and swedish  army trangia.
Must say a very nice night, all I could hear was wind blowing through long grass and a rustle of leaves. Woken by the sound of water foul, and a great sunrise.
Have felt chilled out all day and only a walk from home.

[Glenn B]

Nice one on finding your wee spot and even better for actually using putting it to good use

[Rumblebum]

Hi Arthur, I couple of weeks ago myself and a few friends camped at Kinbane castle which is between white park bay and baldly castle, you should give it a go, we had a brilliant night.

[whoRya]

Hi Arthur, I couple of weeks ago myself and a few friends camped at Kinbane castle which is between white park bay and baldly castle, you should give it a go, we had a brilliant night.

I think the man means Ballycastle

Sounds like a good find Arthur!

[Arthurwaythere]

I know Kinbane and saw the write up. You might think I'm a bit odd, but was planning to wait for some wild weather and doing it then. I assumed Baldly Castle was home to the follicly challenged.

[whoRya]

.....to go baldly where no man has gone before.

[Rumblebum]

Hi Arthur, I couple of weeks ago myself and a few friends camped at Kinbane castle which is between white park bay and baldly castle, you should give it a go, we had a brilliant night.

I think the man means Ballycastle

Sounds like a good find Arthur!

Ahhh damn it and the curse of predictive texting. 

[Dowser]

It's definitely worth exploring your local surroundings...  I lived in Belfast for 25 years and had never canoed on the Lagan, even though I only lived 5 minutes from Shaw's Bridge, and was trailed around the tow path every week with my parents for a walk before Sunday Lunch.



I finally got a paddle on Saturday, launching from Minnowburn, and it was awesome!  Took the three kids and the paddled up to Gilchrist Bridge for a picnic.  It was so peaceful and relaxing on the water and there's no risk of being run over by the numerous bikers that race along the path.  I know this sounds crazy, but it was like paddling down the Amazon with high vegetation on either side blocking out the dog walkers and cyclists.

This is where we tied up to disembark for our picnic at Gilchrist Bridge:



I've also found a couple of wee paths and areas on Google Earth around Killyleagh, where I'm currently living, that I plan to explore by mountain bike and will prioritise this now that I've read this thread.

[velvetmonkey]

Dowser,

Looks like a lovely stretch of river. May investigate it this weekend.

I'm assuming you put in at the National Trust place @ Minnowburn?
If so, how far up is Gilchrist Bridge?
I'd be bringing my wooden canoe, so want to avoid any moving water.

Thanks

PS.
Will probably make this trip on Saturday - paddle for a few hours and stop somewhere for lunch.
It's an open invitation to anyone has a canoe who wants to come along

[Dowser]

Dowser,

I'm assuming you put in at the National Trust place @ Minnowburn?
If so, how far up is Gilchrist Bridge?
I'd be bringing my wooden canoe, so want to avoid any moving water.

Hello VM,

It was the National Trust spot that I put in.  My canoe is quiet heavy and I have to say I wasn't impressed with the access to the river.  I have a wee trolley for my canoe but there is no path down to the river that doesn't have about 30 steps. Good old Belfast City Council with no idea how to promote water based activities :-(

Gilchrist Bridge is only about a mile up the river and you could paddle it in about 20-25 mins.  I was just taking it slow and enjoying the scenery as I had the kids with me.  The flow of the river will not cause you any issues, as it's not fast.

If your planning on getting out of the boat for an explore bring a line with you to tie your canoe up to a tree or bush and leave it in the river.  Access to the river away from the launching platform at Minnowburn is extremely limited and there is probably no chance of you getting your canoe up onto dry land. There would only be one or two gaps in the river bank and they are very muddy and steep and a scramble is required.

There really should be a few landing platforms scattered about but unfortunately there isn't.  Perhaps further up the river there is somewhere to land but I stopped at Gilchrist Bridge and met my parents for a picnic with the kids.

Great to hear you've been inspired by the post.  Enjoy your paddle on Saturday.

[RedLeader]

The lagan is lovely, the towpath is well worth a dander on a nice evening. That said, once when I was paddling alone some of the local yoofs who were fishing on the bank did see fit to chuck a few stones at me. Luckily their aim was on a par with their IQ. It was an isolated incident and I've been on the lagan many times with absolutely no trouble.

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