Herb Riddle's photos with the keyword: Ballintoy

A rather ‘painterly’ view of this raging sea down near the little harbour of Ballintoy. Just one of many shots here as the waves thundered into these rocks. Not a spot to neither slip into the water nor drop the lens cap but it sure was hypnotic. Enjoy full screen.

Walking along the coastal path eastwards from Ballintoy eventually brings us to this this rope bridge. Now for some reason we had supposed that we could buy the inflated price ticket over it, at the bridge itself but it turned out that you had either to buy from a special café near a carpark some distance away or on-line. As we had not done this, our way was barred. We however still got some nice views from the mainland path as can be seen here. The PiP shows a lone adult leading a child over this wobbly bridge with the waves crashing below. Our viewing of this showed many people going over it with some trepidation and maybe understandable fear. They were only allowed over, singularly or in very small personal groups. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a rope bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. It spans 20 metres and is 30 metres above the rocks below. The bridge is mainly a tourist attraction and is owned and maintained by the National Trust. The name Carrick-a-Rede, from the Scottish Gaelic 'Carraig-a-Rade' means 'The Rock in the Road' - the island being an obstacle in the path of migrating salmon. Suspended across the 20-metre-wide chasm, this famous rope bridge was first erected in 1755 to connect salmon fishermen to the rocky island of Carrick-a-Rede. (The National Trust/Wiki) HFF, enjoy the weekend.

A lone adult leading a child over this wobbly bridge with the waves crashing below. Our viewing of this showed many people going over it with some trepidation and maybe understandable fear. They were only allowed over, singularly or in very small personal groups.

Just like the majority of agricultural farmland in Europe, June is a time to cut the meadows and hillsides for winter hay. This will feed cattle and other livestock throughout the winter. We see here the cut grass drying in the sun before bailing and taking to the storage barns. These fields are just off the coast near Ballintoy in Northern Ireland. Essential full screen

Another look at the harbour district of this magical place. Here we see the view to the west. Disrupted by dangerous black rocks and heavy sea’s. I had to wipe spray of my lens after this capture. PiPs Essential full screen

Ballantoy harbour and the aftermath of strong winds at sea bring in these adventurous waves. I am stood on a big rock alongside a good few other people, all mesmerised by the pounding waves on the sharp rocks. Not a place to fall into but to study the strength and beauty of nature. Gazing at this photo you can almost feel the spray in your face, hear the pounding thunder of the wave crashes and smell the salt in the air. see Pip for full harbour view. Essential full screen

Away from the harbour, we head east high above the sea. We are walking towards the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge. The two left pointed hills are in fact coast cliff headlands. The seat itself faces the sea. Enjoy full size and enjoy your week in safety.

People who know my travels and photography know that I have been to some splendid coastal spots. I can honestly say that my mind was blown away with this tiny picturesque harbour. Accessed by a spectacular, steep winding road, it is a painter’s paradise with sea stacks, rocky islands, pools and busy harbour leading to one of Europe’s great cliff-top and wild beach walks. The village itself is one kilometre from the harbour up-hill. I have a problem here. This place was only a 20 minute drive from our holiday home and so we visited it on two occasions, taking copious photographs. The first time, on our first full day in this area, the weather was very windy and the seas were pounding on the many rocks, displaying marvellous splash scenes with a backdrop of very broody cloud. In fact I took so many shots that the choice to post here is overwhelming. The second time was in much more photogenic lighting but nowhere as much interest in the waves at low tide. And so, in answer, I give you one of the few I took showing the very popular café, tiny path and free car park to give you an idea. I will post more of the real seascapes in the following days and weeks. Essential full screen