26th June 2021
Absolutely my favourite hike of 2021. It was one of the hikes which Macmillan had to cancel due to NI government Covid constraints, but undeterred myself and Ninja hiking buddy Sue McPherson travelled over to complete the hike by ourselves – or so we thought!
Sue’s husband Ian dropped us off bright and early at Carrick-a-Rede for a 6am start. The day was looking perfect for hiking – dry and clear but not too hot.
As we headed out along the road we received a constant stream of waves, cheers, and car horns from the many people in Macmillan shirts heading to the start to complete their own hikes! Not only were there loads of people doing the hike, but they had also arranged their own water and feeding stations and even had roving medics available.
The Giant’s Causeway coastline is just stunning and if you are a Game of Thrones fan then this is the place for you!
The hike follows the coastline closely for the majority of the way, and although there are a few sharp ascents and descents there is nothing to cause any discomfort. We detoured inland for lunch in Bushmills but stayed clear of the distillery!
The hike continues out of Bushmills and back to the coast (be careful not to mistake the sea for the sky here (just saying!), along some fab beaches, through a swanky golf course at Portrush and once again leaves the coastline at Portstewart where you begin a long slog along a main road until you reach the finish at Coleraine University.
At the time that last few miles along a busy road took the shine off the hike a little, but looking back I only have great memories of a superb hike, meeting loads of like minded Macmillan hikers, and having a good craic along the way with Ninja Sue.
I am so looking forward to completing the official event in 2022 and cannot wait to get back to this amazing part of the country. If you are going to travel from the mainland to do this hike then I would strongly suggest making a long weekend of it to make the most of everything the area has to offer. You are sure to receive the best welcome!
