Wirral Life April 2017 | Page 72

TRAVEL INSPIRATION ROAD TRIP HEAVEN: THE CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE IN NORTHERN IRELAND Bringing something inviting and new at every turn of the wheel, the Causeway Coastal Route runs from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry, wonderful bookends to the world- renowned attractions like the Giants Causeway, the Old Bushmills Distillery and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge that lie on the road between. Think ‘easy to navigate route’ and a comfortable, relaxed pace – bike, bus and train included – and it’s the perfect recipe for a do as you like indulgence along a long and winding road. The Antrim coast is about exploring and doing whatever takes your fancy. With an array of scenic drives looping off the main route and as much history, architecture, natural wonder and local culture as you want to take in, the Causeway Coastal Route can be as long as you want it to be. By day, follow in the footsteps of saints, giants, warriors and poets through the beautiful Glens of Antrim and along the coastline, where man first settled on the island of Ireland. Then at night duck in to the luxurious city view apartments, secluded B&Bs, hotels, farmhouses, country houses, mountain cottages, beach houses and camping pods that can all be found along the way. 72 wirrallife.com The road runs over bridges and under arches, past secluded bays and beaches, crazy rock formations, hills and valleys, dramatic scenery and historic sites steeped in myth and legend. A key stopping point for most is the Giant’s Causeway, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised globally as a geological wonder. Its highly unusual polygonal basalt columns were formed from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago – ‘apparently’. Chat to the locals and get the ‘real’ story… which is that celebrated giant Finn McCool built the Causeway as stepping stones for a walk across the seas to Scotland. The award-winning Visitor Centre at the site has world- class ‘imaginative interpretations’ of the area’s mythology, history, geology and biodiversity, as well as souvenir hunting and café areas and a viewing gallery with stunning views of the coastline. There are also superb walking trails along dramatic coastal paths. A Causeway Coastal Route journey is not to be hurried. Walking, cycling, surfing, pleasure boating to explore new places, sampling the local food and wine, checking out the local festivals and events – the choice is huge.