The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Billy Ashe is delighted that The Gobbins coastal cliff path walk is proving it has real tourism pulling power – welcoming its 5,000th visitor this month – in time for a change to having tours every half hour rather than every hour.
“I very much welcome this decision as it will allow even more people to visit The Gobbins Path than before.
“Demand has been phenomenal, so this change in tour timetabling is a very welcome development,” he said.
Alister Bell, Operations Manager at The Gobbins said: “We chose to move to tours every half hour to ensure we can fulfil demand and to allow those who book on the later tours to experience the breath-taking views at The Gobbins before the sun sets.
“While tours are now running every half hour from 10am to 1pm, to accommodate the darker nights, visitors still need to book in advance to secure a place and avoid disappointment on arrival,” he added.
Alister said that’s because the path – which cost £7.5 million and was funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA programme along with the Council and Ulster Garden Villages – is indeed continuing to experience high demand from across the globe with this new landmark 5,000 figure just recorded as proof of that.
“The lucky 5,000th visitor was Steven Dickson from Lisburn, who was out for a family adventure with his young son, Jack and his wife Kit, an Islandmagee native,” he explained.
The visit served as a trip down memory lane for the couple who had previously visited the site together many years ago when it was a lot less accessible and not officially open to the public.
On his return to The Gobbins, Stephen Dickson commented: “In the late 1980’s my now wife and I visited the Gobbins as thrill seeking outdoor activity instructors. We scrambled around the derelict Victorian cliff paths and tiptoed across the old tubular bridge before it later collapsed into the sea. We explored the caves and bivouacked in them on a few occasions.
“It’s been brilliant to see the path brought back to life, with 2015 engineering so that others can enjoy this adventure. It’s not for the faint hearted, instead it is perfect for an adventurous day out.
“It was great to be able to now take my son to where we had some great adventures. Jack loved the tubular bridge, where you can look down at the sea below and the spooky caves with the booming cannon like waves.
“Well done to the council for having the vision to take on such a daunting refurbishment task. It will be a different experience in every changing season and another Northern Irish wonder!”
Of those who have already trodden the cliff edge path to date, the general consensus is that it is a fabulous addition to tourist facilities across Northern Ireland. ‘World class’, ‘a never to be forgotten experience’ ‘spectacular’ and a ‘five star attraction’ are just some of the testimonials from those who have already undertaken the new tour of the reimagined Gobbins cliff path.
Whitehead Gallery Owner and organiser of Tours of The Edwardian House, Cynthia Waddell admitted that she anticipated a relaxing walk on her visit, but confesses she got so much more than what she bargained for: “I had expected a leisurely walk along the coastal path but nothing prepared me for this experience,” said Cynthia.
“The Gobbins is a world class attraction from the visitors centre onwards. There is spectacular scenery and sea views wherever you look. Ailsa Craig and the coast of Scotland can be seen in the distance. Passing the sea birds in their nesting places on the cliffs you could almost reach out to touch them,” she added.
While the walk has been dubbed as a ‘white-knuckle trail’ Cynthia was quick to add that a safety briefing fully prepares you for the adventure that is The Gobbins – one that she concludes, is ‘a never to be forgotten experience’.
Caroline Steele who runs Gobbins Cliff Sea Tours added to the praise. She said: “It is certainly spectacular and I can only describe it as a five-star attraction. The guides, Martin and George were great, full of energy and enthusiasm and yet easy going – good recruitment.”
Dave Hope from Whitehead who was on the very first public tour added: “I was really looking forward to seeing the new path opened and delighted that it has been restored. I am from the local area, so I have known about The Gobbins for a very long time and its connection to the railways.
“Until you undertake the walk, you can’t appreciate the phenomenal feat of engineering it has been and was back in 1902. I highly recommend it to anyone. It was an amazing experience, one I have waited 50 years to do and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I will be back.”
Tickets are priced at £8.50 per person and £23 for a family ticket. Call 028 9337 2318 to book and for more information on The Gobbins visit the website: www.thegobbinscliffpath.com