Antrim Hills and North Coast wildcamp

[whoRya]

I recently had a great wee dander over the Antrim Hills followed by a wildcamp on the north Antrim coast.

With weather forecasts warning all week of heavy rain and gales I had reconciled in my mind that "at least I would still be out there", and that was better than not at all.  As it turned out the bad weather was breaking up and the rain was only going to be patchy.  The wind would only help to push the rain clouds swiftly on through.

I planned a circular route that would take in a few hills that were new to me and with a bit of a riverside walk through a forest back to the starting point.

On the slopes of Slievenahanaghan, looking towards Altnahinch Reservoir (where I had started) and the bulk of Slieveanorra behind it.


Has the counter-windfarm revolution started already?


Whilst the experience of walking across Slievenahanaghan is somewhat diminished by the windfarm it does offer great views from it and is worth the climb for that anyway.

Looking back at Slievenahanaghan.


View from Skerry Hill


Next it was over to Slievenanee.  The summit plateau of Slievenanee is considerable and it felt like I was getting nowhere fast manoeuvering through, over and around the peat hags.

'Southern' cairn on Slievenanee with Slemish in the background


A lone pine tree growing on the summit of Slievenanee


At the summit cairn the views into Glenariff were fantastic.


After dropping down onto Wee Slievenanee I made my way into Slieveanorra Forrest where I picked up the start of the Bush River.  From here the river makes it's way through County Antrim eventually meeting the Atlantic Ocean at Portballintrae, passing though a certain distillery on the way.


The walking, through fire breaks and alongside the river was tough going at times with very tall wet grass to wade through.

The waterfalls were pretty impressive.


As time was running short I cut back out onto the road to complete my route back to Altnahinch Dam.  Whilst the views had been stunning, it wasn't all about looking out.  There was plenty to see looking down also

















Then it was into the car to meet Rumblebum and a couple of other mates for an wildcamp at Kinbane Head on the North Antrim Coast.  This place is simply stunning and had long been in the plans for an overnighter.



Kinbane Castle


The view back to the main headland


Sunset


A cracking night was spent chewing the fat around a driftwood-fuelled fire while the stars sparkled in the skies above.
 



It was a brilliant weekend sampling the best of County Antrim, with some great memories.
     

[LennyJ1]

Those red mushrooms looked tasty.

[phil_b]

Nice one! Love those coastal views.

[Rich.H]

Now that is a real day out, very envious of just about all the scenery shots. Have to agree with the comment about the boggy patches, nothing quite so humbling as putting on your manly "I'm gona climb this hill/mountain" only to find 3 hours later your not even halfway up.

Where is that spot where you took the picture back to the mainland area? The one with the ruin in it. Looks like a great spot to camp inside.

[Rumblebum]

Now that is a real day out, very envious of just about all the scenery shots. Have to agree with the comment about the boggy patches, nothing quite so humbling as putting on your manly "I'm gona climb this hill/mountain" only to find 3 hours later your not even halfway up.

Where is that spot where you took the picture back to the mainland area? The one with the ruin in it. Looks like a great spot to camp inside.

Hi Rich, its called Kinbane Head which is between Ballycastle and Whitepark bay.

Its a cracking wee spot and if you enjoy your fishing its a good place to go.

[RedLeader]

Brilliant stuff. From the pics it certainly looks like you got decent weather in the end! I've been to Kinbane Castle a few times and always fancied it for a sneaky overnighter, will have to check it out again.

[whoRya]

Thanks for the comments.

Those red mushrooms looked tasty.

It always amazes me when you see such strong colours in the natural world.  I bet they taste of strawberry   

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[Windy]

Whorya where was the actual camp ?

[whoRya]

Hi Windy, it was Kinbane Head between Ballintoy and Ballycastle.

[Windy]

I'm from  the North West was just wondering wear the actual site  in Kinbane was as it looks to be in a good place, with views etc

[Rumblebum]

Hi windy, if you drive past carrickareed rope bridge heading for Ballycastle, you'll see a sign for Kinbane head on your left, take this road and drive down to the car park.

You then follow a footpath down to the head. It's a great spot for fishing too.

RB.