Last week I explored further north than I have ever before and visited some sights in Antrim, of which there will be more later. But I will start with the Carrick-a-Rede (meaning rock in the road) rope bridge. While this does not get the attention of the neighbouring Giant’s Causeway, it is, in my opinion, worth a stop and the £5.60 admission.

There is a 1km walk from the pay shed to the bridge and, on a lovely day, it is pleasant enough but after the halfway point there are steps and it is definitely not for anyone who has trouble walking – let alone what happens when you get to the bridge.

The rope bridge is a bit odd in that it joins the mainland to a small island and you can’t help wondering why! The answer is that the original rope bridges (less substanial than the one there today) gave fisherman access to the waters offshore through which migrating salmon would swim. It allowed them to get offshore without a boat.

Looking east across Larrybane Bay towards Carrick Island and Rathlin Island in the distance

Once you get to the end of the path there is a gate and a (very) steep set of metal steps down to the bridge itself. I was almost more bothered going down the steps than crossing the bridge until I was halfway across and it started bouncing and I suddenly wondered if I was really enjoying it!

It is scarier than it looks

Still, the National Trust don’t have many thrill rides so you may as well make the most of this one. Just remember that when you get to the other side there is only one place to go – back!

And then you have to go back again

There are several other attractions in the area and to the west is the Causeway and the Bushmill’s distillary – you may need it afterwards.

carrick-a-rede, giants cauuseway, national trust, rope bridge