The perfect solace - A boat trip on the River Bann

FOR almost 20 years I passed over the River Bann, without actually getting to know it. Well, not properly.  The crossings, both at Toome and Portglenone, were just part of the journey Ballymena or the passage to the M2.

Underneath, lay a different world, one operating at a different speed and over the Easter holidays I had a welcome opportunity to experience what the waterways of South Derry and South West Antrim had to offer.

Local company Insite Tours Ireland launched their new tour package with a trip up the River Bann, from Toome to Portglenone. It was capped off by a riverside barbeque consisting of the fruits of the Lough Neagh and other local produce.

It was all the brainchild of Bellaghy’s Fergal Kearney, a man well-versed in the area. The Bann and Lough Beg hinterlands were his playground growing up and his local knowledge armed us with all the history, stories and wildlife for our journey.

The yachtsman was one Timothy Griffin (Abhainn Cruises), from my year at school, a man I haven’t laid eyes on since. It’s a small world but ‘Tim’s’ passion and experience of the local waterways had us in safe hands.

Our trip took us down to the sluice gates on the mouth of Lough Neagh and it gave a real feel for water levels, the power it generates and the lock system. Once we turned around, we picked up the pace and headed under the bridges at Toome, heading for our first comfort stop at Newferry.

As we meandered around the bends, with County Derry on our left and County Antrim on the right, the afternoon offered so much more than a boat trip. It provided the chance to see the world from a different perspective, to escape from the life’s fast lane, with the chance to unwind.

In Lough Beg, there was the chance to get up close to the Church Island and see the nearby Ballyscullion House. Watching the various species of birds flying, fishermen perched along the bank and a group of eager canoeists heading for Coleraine on a weekend adventure.

This avenue to the North Coast has so many opportunities, from the legacy of the late Seamus Heaney’s poetry to the water sports at Newferry - it is an untapped paradise.

We turned back after our brief stop at Portglenone Marina, but there are more twists and turns further on towards Coleraine. Those jewels are for another day, it was time for food.  Any trip worth its salt will have a meal included and we weren’t disappointed.

Once we hit Lough Beg on the way back, we could see the iconic ‘new’ bridge of Toome. We docked and were taken on a tour of the Eel fishery before Pauline McGurk (Dot’s Kart) put on a spread of dollaghan, pollan and eels – all cooked in the open air with the picturesque backdrop of Lough Neagh.

Not a bad way to spend a Thursday morning. Our group was only the beginning.  I may biased as it is on my own doorstep – but this corner of the island has so much offer.

With various tours, trips and bespoke packages available – the River Bann could be the new destination of choice.

For me, it was just fantastic to sit back, relax in the country air and watch the world pass by. A solace, one we can see and touch.

• Details for the Bann River Cruise bookings and other trips can be obtained from http://www.insitetoursireland.com/ or contact Fergal on 028 79386638.