N. Ireland Charity Challenge

Wednesday 20^th May

Today if you’re travelling with the group from Newcastle Airport we’ll meet before departing for our flight to Belfast.

We’ll arrive into Belfast International Airport at 3.40pm and transfer to our hotel near the Causeway to settle in before meeting for a welcome dinner together.

If you’re meeting the group at Belfast International Airport, please be ready to meet the group at 4pm for a transfer to the hotel. Alternatively, you will be able to meet the group at the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle once we all arrive following the airport transfer.

Overnight in Ballycastle. Dinner included.

Thursday 21st May

This morning we’ll embark on our first walk to the Giant’s Causeway, culminating in a visit of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Once we are at this remarkable site, we’ll take our time to explore the basalt columns and bring the unique landscape to life to our vision impaired trekkers. Also, take the time to listen to your VI partner’s take on the landscape as well, from the ambience and sounds of the waves crashing against the rocky pillars, to the salt-blasted textures and shapes of the rock.

Our walk will initially be on a scenic beach before we continue on grassy and gravelly tracks across the headland leading toward the Giant’s Causeway. This route will take us on high cliffs, across ancient stone steps and rustic fields with stunning views on one of Europe’s best coastal walks. Eventually, we’ll return to shore at Dunserverick Harbour where we’ll walk across pebble beaches and ancient caves until we reach Portbradden at the end of White Park Bay.

We’ll make use of public buses to get to the scenic starting point of our walk and we shall get a public bus back to Ballycastle from Portbradden following our walk where we’ll then enjoy a well-deserved group dinner!

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Ballycastle.

Total Hiking: 9 miles

Friday 22nd May

Today we’ll board a local ferry and sail 4 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to Rathlin Island, an island of absolute peace and tranquility. The rugged landscapes and dramatic coastal scenery of Rathlin Island are home to hundreds of seals and thousands of nesting seabirds during May.

Just 7 miles long, we’ll set out to trek around this gorgeous and remote Atlantic island that was once the hiding place of Scottish hero Robert the Bruce. The island is very quiet and peaceful, so we’ll walk along some sections of road towards two of the island’s three lighthouses, passing island farms and small lakes with dramatic coastal views throughout. Some sections of the walk will include grassy coastal paths and historic stiles.

We’ll then catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland where we’ll enjoy the rest of the evening together at leisure in Ballycastle.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Ballycastle.

Total Hiking: 11 miles

Saturday 23rd May

Today we’ll walk a section of the Moyle Way on forest tracks through a land of magnificent geology, wildlife, history and folklore. As part of the walk we’ll pass rivers, ancient monuments and exposed hill summits commanding wonderful views across the countryside. At some points of the walk, the views stretch all the way across the Irish Sea to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.

Following our three days of trekking and exploring the coastal routes of the causeway and Rathlin Island we’ll enjoy our final evening in Ballycastle together.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Ballycastle.

Total Hiking: 12 miles.

Sunday 24th May

Today we’ll enjoy a leisurely morning and then set out for a celebratory lunch before we continue our journey home.

We’ll then transfer to Belfast International Airport for our flight back to Newcastle. The flight departs at 5.25pm and arrives in Newcastle Airport at 6.15pm.

Our airport transfer will arrive into Belfast International Airport at 3pm so if you’re booking your own flight home please book a flight no earlier than 5pm.

Breakfast and lunch included.

A single supplement of £190 will be added to your booking if you’d like to book a single room. Otherwise you’ll share a twin room with a fellow trekker.

If you would like to arrange your own travel to the destination, £50 will be taken off your sponsorship target.

Please note that this is a challenge so a good level of fitness is required in order to complete the walks successfully. We’ll be walking through countryside that is often uneven under foot and in places we’ll be on narrow tracks and need to use gate stiles.

“Fundraise for charitable causes whilst embarking on challenges across the world!”

Charity Challenges are where a group of travellers dedicate their own time and effort to raising money for charitable causes. By undertaking a demanding yet unforgettable challenge, you will inspire those around you to dig deep into their pockets to donate money to your challenge and the important charitable cause.

Our charity challenges are designed for sighted and visually impaired people who are raising money for a good cause. Sighted participants will act as sighted guides for their fellow visually impaired travellers.

“Push your own boundaries to help others”

Fundraising is hard and it takes time to raise large amounts of money for charity. The challenge itself will be designed to push you to your limits. Charities will not only benefit from the important funds that are raised, but from the publicity that the challenge will create. You’ll be supported throughout the fundraising process, helping you make the most of the experience.

This isn’t just another holiday, it will be physically exerting and facilities may be basic at times.

We guarantee you’ll form lasting friendships and memories along the way, all whilst making important contributions to charitable causes! Following the challenge and as a reward for all the hard fundraising, each challenge will include a treat at the end!