Pt3- 18: Glenariffe is one of the nine glens of Antrim, or niyan gleeanns as the locals would say. Apart from the Giant’s Causeway they are Northern Ireland’s premier natural landmarks. I stationed myself here because it’s within easy reach of Belfast and it offers a handy base to explore inland. And it’s bloody beautiful in the classic meaning of the word. While Scotland’s immense, rugged, desolate and imposing landscapes are spectacular, they are beautiful only in the sense they inspire awe; great places to visit, but you wouldn’t want to live there. In contrast, if I won Lotto tomorrow I’d add a holiday retreat in Glenariffe to the shopping list, right after the private jet, the Mediterranean island and my very own Guinness brewery. The scenic trail through the scenic glen is extremely scenic, with lots of fetching scenery. I worked up a thirst with a brisk hike around the ten kilometre circuit, which at first followed a forest path down to the confluence of the Inver and Gle...