Presenter
Cliona Hagan

Featuring: Hannah Shields & Ruth Linton

About

Cliona’s walk is on the North Coast of Antrim where she undertakes an 18 kilometre stretch along the coastline to the Giant’s Causeway.  So many of us know of the Giant’s Causeway, but not so many of us have walked the coastline to get there.  And, it is spectacular. 

Cliona begins her route at Ballintoy Harbour, which is known to legions of Game of Thrones’ fans.  She will continue along the rocky coastline to White Park beach which is the smoothest and flattest part of the walk; watch out for the cows grazing here in summer time.   From there,  she heads towards Portbradden Harbour.  Here, Cliona meets ultra-athlete and adventurer Hannah Shields who uses this area as her training ground.  Hannah, was the first Northern Irish woman to scale Mount Everest.  She has been known to scare off polar bears, race on skis to the magnetic North Pole and like to compete in ultra marathons.  Hannah and Cliona walk together until they reach the ruins of Dunseverick Castle where they part ways.  From this point Cliona traces the path along the cliffs to Hamilton's Chair where she meets National Trust ranger, Ruth Linton for some local geography and information on the coastline, after which she hits the final stretch that leads her all the way into the fabulous Giant’s Causeway.  Even if you know the Giant’s Causeway, the scenery in this episode will take your breath away.  

Distance
18km

Estimated time
3 -5hrs

Where to Start
Ballintoy Harbour or The Giants Causeway

Terrain underfoot
Coastal & Cliff Top.