After an early start at 4.30, we were on our way to the airport at 5.00, at Stansted at 6.00 and we then had a bit of a wait for the courtesy bus which was already quite full upon arrival.

The airport was quite busy which was to be expected being bank holiday weekend. Luckily we went straight to security as Dave had booked us hand luggage only for 5 days! Anyway by 7.30 we were seated in the spoons for a quick brekkie before boarding the plane at 8.30.

With no delays we arrived at Belfast International Airport at 10.00 and with no passport control or cases to collect we were in our teeny weeny hire car by half past.

First stop was to go and find the Lough! This is the largest mass of freshwater in the UK and we’d never even heard of it! It didn’t take long to find being only 8 mins from the airport. 

After a pleasant 2 mile stroll along some of the shore, through some woods (albeit some of it a bit smelly – maybe because of the blue-green algae) and after checking out the ‘sunken tree’ we got back in the car to head towards Belfast. 

We stopped for a drink and snack at a National Trust cafe near the top of Divis and the Black Mountain and then decided to have a little walk and  did the short Lough Trail. 

Continuing onwards to Belfast where we had a little trouble navigating the city centre but did pass down Cupar way and saw some of the peace walls as well as travelling down The Falls Road. 

Finally making it into Bangor we had a quick drive around the centre and along the quayside before stopping for a swift drink in The Jamaica Inn, where we booked the final table for dinner at 8.30.

We then found our B & B – Shelleven Guest House and checked in. Strangely, Paul the owner told us he had previously lived in Billericay, Stock and Basildon so was well aware of Ramsden Heath! 

Feeling a bit tired from our early start we had a quick nap before freshening up and walking into town. 

We passed the picturesque harbour before stopping in Jenny Watts (Bangors oldest pub) where there was some live music before heading back to The Jamaica Inn for dinner. 

After a lovely dinner with more live music in the background, we walked the mile back to the guesthouse. 

Final step tally for today 23,000.