Troon - Larne

In article <[email hidden]>, Hugh Spicer

Quoted message said:

A friend and I plan to make use of the Troon-Larne superfast ferry
service in the spring for a day cycling trip to Northern Ireland....

I thought that the service had been stopped.

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T h e - e x t e n d e r ! ! ! !

Hugh Spicer said:

A friend and I plan to make use of the Troon-Larne superfast ferry service
in the spring for a day cycling trip to Northern Ireland....

O Ah do like tae be beside the seaside
O Ah do like tae be beside the sea
But Ah wouldnae go tae Troon
Fur Ah would be feart tae droon
In aw the thick and slimy water that's aw broon, broon, broon...

Hugh Spicer said:

A friend and I plan to make use of the Troon-Larne superfast ferry
service in the spring for a day cycling trip to Northern Ireland....

Anyone have any suggestions of any day routes in the Larne area ?

Any info greatly appreciated...

I suppose it depends on how far you want to travel / see & do in one day.

If you fancy an 'urban' cycle you could do worse than head towards
Whitehead, Carrickfergus & on to Belfast. Whitehead is a small coastal
village. The views from the head land across Belfast Lough are spectacular!

Carrickfergus used to be quite industrial but is concentrating more on the
heritage / tourist side of things. Carrickfergus Castle is worth a look.
There is a Heritage Centre in the town but it has been a long time since I
visited it. If you are interested in boats there is a reasonable sized
marina.

There is a cycle path that starts around the University of Ulster
(Jordanstown) and takes you along the shores of Belfast Lough. It gets a bit
industrial towards the city but finishes through the new dockside
developments at the Lagan Lookout. There is a visitor / touchy feely display
at the Lookout which is beside the Lagan Weir. It's been a while since I
cycled the path so I could not say if it is well swept or not.

At this point you are only a few hundred yards from Belfast city centre.
Pubs, restaraunts, shops etc. Check out our own 'leaning' Albert Clock which
has been recently restored and can been seen from the Lookout. You will also
be beside Customs House which used to be 'Speakers Corner' many years ago.

Depending on the time of year you could take a water bus tour from the
Lookout up the Lagan. Plenty to see with a good commentary (well last time I
did it anyway) en route. The Lookout is also pretty close to the Titanic
Quarter. I would check on the internet for features as I have no first hand
knowledge of this (holds head in shame!).

Probably about 29-30 miles each.

If you prefer a more rural cycle you could head along the famous Antrim
Coast Road out of Larne towards Glenarm & Carnlough. Keep the sea on your
right!! It can be exposed and windy though so bear that in mind. If you want
to do a loop you would need to check with a map for a suitable return route.
Not too familar with the 'inland' options. If you want to cram in a few more
miles & hills you could try some of the Antrim Glens but that takes you
towards Cushendall & Cushendun which is a good old cycle in a day.

Hope this helps a bit.

David

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