Wednesday 25 May 2016

GOBBINS - (Part 3)

The Gobbins is an Area of Special Scientific Interest.  High cliffs, hidden ledges and rich fishing make  a magnet for many kinds of birds, and yesterday I showed you 'close encounters with the Kittiwakes'.  CLICK HERE for that post.


This spiral stairway (which we did not climb) lead up to a top pathway which at present is not completed and therefore not open as yet.



 The old path at The Gobbins was a fee-paying visitor attraction. Ticket collectors, like retired railwayman Sam Cuthbert, sat before Wise's Eye from 10am to 5pm each day in the summer season. If you had come by train he would check your railway ticket. If you came under your own steam, you paid a fee. A gate across Wise's Eye kept people off the old path out of hours.  It is kept locked permanently and every guide has a key to open the gate.  


Okay, let's go and mind your head!






The Fulmar bird always nest very high up on the cliffs so it was a matter of craning ones neck up to see them and try and get a shot.  



Great care has been taken to ensure the path at The Gobbins does not impact on the local birdlife.


Thanks to the very different habitats created by the sea, the rocks, with this wonderful Lichen on it and cliffs, have a great variety of plants, ferns and also grasses can be found amongst the caves, ledges and rocks of The Gobbins. The path allows visitors rare access to treasures such as the Bell- like Sea Campion, Kidney Vetch, Thrift and Spleenwort.







Now we have come to the tunnel.  It is very narrow and much darker than it looks in my shots as I used flash.  We had to be very careful where we walked but George kept us right and very safe. 



As we went down there were these 6 small steps 
before the big climb up again.  


I was first up, thus enabling me to take this shot and what is wonderful about it is that my friend Linda, in the pink at the top, has been terrified of heights all her life but decided that this walk just might cure her.  You can see she can even look down and she was thrilled as was the rest of the group and George when we told them at luchtime that she had conquered her fear.

Now, I am sure some of you are out of breath after that big climb so we will continue our walk tomorrow with more bridges/fences to see.

Thanks for your visit and also to those who leave comments.

42 comments:

  1. What a glorious place.
    That spiral staircase will be challenging when it finally opens.
    And I don't like tunnels. Big congratulations to Linda.

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    1. Yes it was a monentous moment for Linda. I was so pleased for her.

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  2. It looks a great place, a bit over engineered maybe but still well worth a visit.

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    1. I think it you were able to do this walk you would think differently.

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  3. wow..it looks a bit dangerous.
    Best susa

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    1. It could be dangerous if we were not prepared properly, have hard hats and good walking boots and a very good guide. You need to be fit to do the way.

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  4. Magnifica esta caminhada.
    Um abraço e boa semana.

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  5. What an amazing walk you took us on, thank you Margaret. I think Linda is a wonderful lady to have tackled her fears, and I would like to congratulate her along with everyone else. Maybe this one would cure me too :)

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    1. Well Denise if you get over here I will coach you and if you stick close to me on the walk as Linda did then you would be cured.

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  6. Such a wonderful outing you took us on
    in such a beautiful place.

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  7. Zzand Laura, it is not over yet. Hang on in there there is still a lot to see.

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  8. Hello, what a cool place and a neat walk. Congrats to your friend for conquering her hear of heights. Enjoy your day and week ahead!

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  9. Just read through all three of your posts on this fantastic spot. Thrilling to say the least. Can't wait for the next installment.

    I am traveling to Finland next week then to Hungary to board a river cruise on the Danube ending with a stay in Germany for three nights. We are so excited to be going.

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    1. Pityyou are not coiming as far over as Northern Ireland then you could have done this walk adn met ME!

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  10. What a wonderful place to explore!

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  11. Oh how cool! I'd love to visit this place. Thanks for sharing your photos.

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    1. And what is stopping YOU? I would delighted to see you.

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  12. Thank you for showing us, M!

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  13. A fantastic part of our coastline and I was so pleased it was reopened though I've yet to visit! Really enjoyed your tour so far, Margaret!

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  14. Those pretty wildflowers are growing right out of the rocks! Oh, that winding staircase makes me sick just to LOOK at it! It is not for the faint of heart, only those under 20! Bravo to Linda for climbing!!!

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    1. Well there was no one under 20 with us in fact all were seniors!

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  15. You documented this so well... Wonderful!

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  16. That looks a fantastic place.

    peter

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    1. Agreed, it is. You should come over some time and visit us.

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  17. Superb scenic images Margaret.

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  18. wow- what a fantastic adventure!

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  19. That is beautiful scenery,but the area looks very rugged. Right now,my knee would not allow me to do a walk like that,so I'm glad you walked it and I can enjoy the pictures.

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    1. Glad you can enjoy it from the comfort of your home Ruth.

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  20. Congratulations to your friend in conquering her fear. I'm not afraid of heights, but I am afraid that I am not in good enough shape any more to make this steep climb. I would have to practice first. But it would be worth it, those wonderful birds and these wild and eerie rock formations.... just beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Yes it would be worth getting fit just to do this walk Sallie.

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  21. Margaret this really looks like an amazing walkway, and think you got some wonderful shots t hat really show the uniqueness of this pathway. Glad you didn't have to go up the spiral stairway, but not sure where you were was any easier. beautiful!

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    1. No I dod not where we were was any easier but it was all worth it Jeanne.

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  22. La escalera de cararol es impresionante, ¡me encanta!

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    1. Marga Me alegro de que te guste la escalera de caracol. Ten un bonito fin de semana.

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