Locals keep out?

The east end of the Blackrock Strand is becoming less accessible for local people as the years go by. The signs on the Sand Rodden have not kept up with the obstructions!

The gates were added when the miniature railway was introduced but those with a right of access could still get through; the first image is a gentle and humerous reminder to act responsibly.

The second image poses the question, "Have you closed the gates?". Except the gates can't be opened - due to the presence of a bollard.

Access to Runkerry Beach via Sand Rodden

The TDRM stated that a request had been received from the Giant’s Causeway & Bushmills Railway that due to increase number of vehicles causing serious health and safety implication in relation to the level crossing at the Sand Rodden, that the gates on both sides of the crossing should now be padlocked.

The TSM recommended a collapsible bollard would be best placed at the level crossing at the Sand Rodden.

After discussion, it was agreed that a collapsible bollard would be placed on vehicular access to Runkerry Beach via the Sand Rodden crossing at Ardihannon.

Moyle District Council Minutes 13 Nov 2006 [DOC]

There is also a second bollard lurking behind the second gate. What safety alternatives were considered? Should the bollards be lowered or removed when the train isn't running? Were local residents and the Health and Safety Executive consulted? The latter has a responsibility for rail safety.

The third image implies that the Sand Rodden is owned by Moyle District Council. Is this the case?

The fourth image has a new name for Blackrock Strand, Runkerry Beach. What was wrong with the old familiar name?

Where is this and what is it called?

Dark Hedges Preservation Trust

Favourite places?

What are your special places in North Antrim?

One of mine is the former small salmon fishing harbour at Portbraddan. The late Bertie McKay, who used to fish from here, once told me that our Taggart family used to have an annual picnic here and they bought a salmon from his people. My grandfather also collected dulse.








If you take the coastal path west from here towards Dunseverick you come to a natural arch in the rock at Gid Point. The sunsets over the Causeway headland can be superb. Jennie from the Rockies sent me these three images.

Blot on the landscape?

The Ulster Way passes between this former fisherman's cottage and Runkerry House, the former Macnaghten property that was donated to the state in 1951.

Walkers passing along this trail will probably be amazed that this little cottage, perched on Rocky Islet at the east end of Blackrock Strand, is now encaged in metal bars and razor-wire.

Not only is the cottage located in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is also within the four kilometre zone that protects the Giant's Causeway World Heritage site.

Update

It's been officially confirmed that there is no record of planning permission for the cage fencing having been granted.

Blot on the Landscape 2