Weather is lot better today. We are turning right out of the campsite and walking along the tree lined Six Mile Water River into Antrim.

The campsite is at the end of a busy marina with boats moored all along the opposite river bank.

There’s a an exercise trail and two large dog parks with equipment one for small and older dogs and one for the big ones. They are both quiet at the moment.

Antrim Castle and gardens is where we are heading. There’s lots of grey squirrels around and we soon spot what’s left of the castle in the distance. It burnt down in 1922 and there’s only a single tower left.

Into the formal gardens where there’s a statue of Prince Philip amongst huge beds of Cosmos flowers. Lots of other flowers too and a stage.

We wander towards the Long canals where there’s black headed gulls swimming in the canal but they actually have brown heads. Who knew?

Onto the motte which T enjoys climbing whilst I steal a kindle moment. 

We are up close to the tower now and the site of the castle.

Next up to the terrace garden and then we cross the road into Antrim town which we enter via the Barbican gate.

The town itself reminds us a little of Skelmersdale with lots of empty premises in it’s shopping mall.

We find a local cafe for lunch and then we walk back to town for a bit of shopping and then we follow the river stopping for a couple of winged photos on the way.

A quick diversion to Clotworthy House which is now a visitors centre and then back along the river to our campsite. On the way we enjoy watching the herons wading in the river and a wander through a meadow.

After a few hours with our feet up in the van we walk back into Antrim. The heron is still fishing.

A visit to a couple of pubs where the second one Maddens Bar is showing horse racing. We are entertained by the horses refusing to get into the starting stalls rather than the racing.

A delicious Chinese meal in Furama followed by a visit to The Steeples pub before we return to Maddens Bar for a lively evening with friendly locals and a really excellent musician and singer. It’s late for us, after midnight as we wander back through the dark and quiet gardens and along the river to the van.

A 17.5k+ step really enjoyable day.

28:06:24