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St Patrick’s Bicentennial Walk along historic trail

Monday June 22nd 2015

Austin and Liz Clark enjoying views of Slemish as they trek from Glenarm to Cairncastle.

A group of 32 walkers trekked from St Patrick’s, Glenarm, to St Patrick’s, Cairncastle, on Saturday June 20 as part of the bicentennial celebrations for the Cairncastle church.

Led by William Patton, Robert Stuart and William Bell, the group headed up to Feystown and from there joined the Ulster Way across to Scawt Hill and Knock Dhu.

Early mist and rain cleared just as the walkers set off, so they were blessed with sunny skies and glorious views of Slemish Mountain, where St Patrick himself is said to have been a captive.

Hazel Johnstone strikes a pose while crossing a style on the bicentennial walk.

Apart from the wonderful scenery and fresh air, there was plenty of craic along the way, and a number of interesting detours.  These included a viewing of the prehistoric promontory fort at Knock Dhu, and a chance to explore the 1500 year old souterrain at the foot of that mountain – an impressive underground structure with no less than six chambers hewn out of the rock stretching back almost 100 feet.

At the end of the five-hour hike, the walkers gathered at St Patrick’s, Cairncastle to enjoy a barbeque prepared by a team of volunteers.

Sarah Hunter taking part in the hike to mark the bicentenary of St Patrick’s, Cairncastle.

The Rev Roger Thompson, rector of St Patrick’s, Cairncastle with All Saints’, Craigyhill, said: “This was another really successful event in our busy bicentenary programme.  It was a fantastic day out and lovely to be part of such a large group. Maybe it could become an annual event!”

Brian Donaldson and Herbie Francis cooking up a feast on the BBQ for the hungry hikers.

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