Up early this morning and it’s a beautiful day. After a quick breakfast T has to get the bikes down for the first time on the holiday which is always a bit of a mission. Our position close to the harbour wall gives him a leg up which helps a lot.

Sandwiches and tea made, all packed up and bikes ready, we wander across to the ferry about 9:30am.

There’s already a queue of people waiting to get on. Lots of people looking ready for a hike and a few cyclists. We get talking to a couple who are regulars here. They are part of a rambling group who are overnighting on the island.

Sitting on the middle deck we enjoy the 45 minute journey. The sea is calm but about twenty minutes in the ferry is rolling a lot so it must be a difficult journey in rough seas. The mirror in the toilet says please don’t vomit in the sink, which confirms it!

The harbour area is the centre of everything on Rathlin. This is the location of all the hotel, b&b’s, cafés, shops etc and the only pub. On land we ask someone for directions to the Westlight Seabird Centre which is at the end of the 4.5 mile Rathlin trail. He warns us that’s it very hilly, little did we know.

As soon as we are out of the harbour area the ascent begins and just goes on and on. It doesn’t help that we are being pursued by the bus that sensible people take to the Seabird Centre. I nearly make it but even with the bike on its highest power and in it’s lowest gear I can’t make the last steepest stretch. Pushing the bike up hill is a drag but has to be done. It’s the first of many hills on the route and T is absolutely knackered. According to my Fitbit, even on my e-bike I reach my peak heart rate zone for eight minutes in the hour it took, but it felt a lot longer. T also has a few spikes!

The island is lovely with fab sea views of course, lakes, hills and flowers but really to focused on surviving the cycle ride to enjoy it  as much as I should.

We arrive at the RSPB centre, park up and take a breath. Down a path and some steps to a terrace overlooking cliffs and the ocean literally teeming with seabirds. Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Fulmers, Guillemots and at last for us, the famous and very cute Puffins. The helpful RSPB guy tells us where to look and loans me binoculars. Happily they are easy to spot standing outside their burrows with their orange feet and distinctive heads. Camera just not good enough to get decent photos though.

A well earned sandwich and cuppa whilst we enjoy the scenery and sunshine. It’s a glorious day.

T goes down another level to see the upside down lighthouse. The unusual red light is at the bottom of the building rather than the top as that’s the best position for visibility for shipping. I stay on the terrace, bird watching.

Time for the return journey. It’s takes half the time ie 30 minutes rather than an hour. There are still hills but not nearly as steep or as long. Once back at the harbour we have time for a pint in McCuaig’s Bar sitting outside in the sunshine. A quick stop to buy a fridge magnet and really cute puffin Christmas decoration and then back onto the ferry for the return journey on the 3pm ferry.

We get off straight away and drive towards Castlerock holiday park. Arrive just before 5pm. We are starving so eat the microwave meals we have in the fridge as soon as we are settled. The weather is still fine so we can eat outside for the first time which is lovely.

A hot shower in the very well appointed bathrooms on the campsite, with heated floors, mirrors, shampoo, conditioner and soap dispensers, feels wonderful. We’ve also decided to extend our stay to a third night so we can have a leisurely day tomorrow.

T drags me out to the only pub Bertha’s for a couple of pints. It’s very quiet with a few people watching the football.

When we return I watch the end of series 3 of Bridgerton whilst T snores.

An excellent if tiring day.

19:06:24