Ness' bit of everything

So, last weekend, I took a trip to Northern Ireland. Now, loving paddle boarding and never been to Northern Ireland, I found a Gutsy Girl trip that sounded like a dream! Gutsy girls is a fabulous travel company and also a community of getting like minded women together through adventures and sport.

I flew into Belfast City airport on the Friday morning, picked up my hire car and drove up to Bellarena collecting two other gutsy ladies on the way.

The drive goes quick as we chatter the entire way! Speaking of travel adventures, crazy challenges and future plans.

We soon arrive at a gorgeous barn and cottages greeted by the lovely hosts Dan and Rebekah, shortly after joined by the other two ladies.

There was no time to waste and before we knew it we were headed down the River Roe in our wetsuits. We got to try different paddle boarding techniques and boards. Using the Dragon boat, not just for racing but as a diving board…obviously…

After a hearty home cooked meal we went up to the top of the Binevenagh Mountain Range, for sunset and prosecco.

The full Irish breakfast was needed the next morning as we set out on our 20km River Bann paddle. I won’t lie, this was tough. But we set the challenge and we pushed through. (The packed lunch that was kindly made by Rebeka and carried all the way by Dan was obviously the life saver here)!

The river was beautiful – even squinting through the rain. A wide channel, surrounded by stunning countryside, peaceful and clean. After getting warm and dry a traditional Irish band came to the cottages in the evening, playing until the sun went down as we all sat round and discussed the day.

Sunday came around fast and after a continental breakfast we headed to Benone Strand Beach to Dan and Rebekah’s surf school and cafe.

We all loaded up onto a giant XL Red Paddle isup and we surfed the waves together, jumping off at points for wild swimming.

It was an absolutely liberating weekend and if you are a solo female who loves an adventure this is definitely the right group for you.

After time was up for the trip, I used my hire car to take Helen back to the airport and myself to Belfast – detouring with a trip to Giants Causeway.

Even after a short weekend, I made some fantastic new friends who I am hoping our paths will cross again soon.

Until next time Gutsy Girls,

Ness X