Up to a point the two rambles followed a similar itinerary, but the Saturday ramble fell on the 4th July which is US independence day. Carnfunnock
Country
Park
celebrated this, but more of that later.
The rambles started from DrainsBay car-park, about half a mile from the entrance to CarnfunnockCountryPark. There are excellent toilets at DrainsBay and the scooters were kindly stored in the local community hall there for us.
The weather was pleasant but breezy and after a gentle meander up to the park’s visitor centre, we appreciated the shelter of the walled garden to enjoy our picnic.
On Saturday the ramblers then had time to explore the walled garden before the Independence Day activities began. These consisted of craft demonstrations and “street” entertainers.
After enjoying these for a while we set off to explore the rest of the park, and take in some stunning views over the mouth of Larne Lough and the Irish sea.
Carnfunnock was once owned by Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon and we learnt a little of the history of the house and grounds.
On Sunday there were no Independence Day activities but we ‘made our own fun’ as the braver of the ramblers ventured into the park’s Maze. Mike & Ann Nixon managed to get all the clues to win our competition and no-one got completely lost, well not for too long anyway!
After returning the scooters we all went to Cairndhu Golf Club for our tea and, although the food was lovely, the venue is not as disabled friendly as it should be. On Saturday they received a crash course in their duties and responsibilities – for free! – and by Sunday we could see that they were taking heed.
Carnfunnock is family friendly and Shopmobility have scooters permanently placed there. It is well worth a visit.