TRAVEL SPECIAL
In desperate need of a holiday but desperately short of cash? Take inspiration from our two adventuring writers who were given the task of .= getting as far away from Scotland (and back) as they could in 24 hours for under £50. Read on to discover what happened next . . .
fter leaving tny
home in Sydney.
Australia and budget-travelling the world for a year. somehow in the past six months I have become stationary. living and working in Iidinburgh. I couldn't resist the challenge of getting out on the road again.
Legoland in Denmark was close and appealing. Riga. the capital of Latvia. I’d heard was cheap. bttt no matter how hard I searched I couldn‘t find flights for under £50. I toyed with idea of stowing aboard a commercial ship to Denmark but legality was an issue. Belfast perhaps? Its troubled past gives it a gritty appeal and I‘ve always liked Guinness.
Iiureka! A quick internet search revealed a return rail and ferry journey for only £38 when booked two days in advance. I would only have four hours in the city but quick phone enquiries established bicycles could travel for no extra charge and there is no cheaper or better way to see a city than on a bike. I did a quick search of Belfast attractions and planned a loose itinerary.
Two days later I‘m up at 4:15am. I hurriedly dress. eat breakfast. fill my coffee thermos. and make a packed lunch before grabbing my neighbour‘s bike and heading out the door. It‘s pitch black outside as I ride to lidinburgh's Waverley station. climb aboard the 4:50am train to Glasgow then promptly fall asleep.
7:13am. ()n the train to Stranraer. the sun is out and the sky"s a brilliant blue. I pass through dazzling countryside.
9:55am presents a contrast as I step onboard the ferry to Belfast to find myself in a floating modern mall. There are cinemas. video game parlours. fruit machines. restaurants and shops.
At l2220pm we arrive. late. at Belfast port and I‘ve missed the city bus connection. With only four hours till the last returning ferry. I decide to make my own way on a two-wheeled tourist blitz. of the city.
Iixiting the port area I'm immediately faced with one of the city‘s famed murals which I would have missed if I‘d caught the bus — an
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THE GRERT ESCRPE BELFFIST TRIP
RETURN RRIL RND FERRY JOURNEY 38.00
BUSKERS 2.00 Tlth HRLF PINTS OF GUINNESS 3.00 TOTRL 43 00
WHILE NOT A PARTICULARLY BEAUTIFUL CITY, THERE IS SOMETHING ENDEARING ABOUT BELFAST
impressive depiction. in black. white and brilliant red. of transport workers pulling a loaded cart. (‘loser inspection reveals it is dedicated to the Irish Transport and General Workers Union.
Zipping down York Street. I happen upon the glorious St Anne's (‘athedral before continuing on to Donegal Place and past the massive. domed (‘ity Hall. A fantastic Balkan brass band is busking on a corner: I give them £2. Moving on. to the (‘rown Liquor Saloon. 1 stop to enjoy a half pint of Guinness (£1.50) and talk with the barmen.
With two hours until the ferry departs. I visit the Botanical Gardens. ride by the famous
Queen‘s University and race down the riverside bike trail — admiring waterside sculptures (including a particularly impressive big blue fish tiled mosaic). That leaves me with just enough time to check out the Albert Memorial (‘lock Tower and to pop into the 300-year-old Duke of York bar (half pint £1.50). It‘s over.
While not a particularly beautiful city. there is something endearing about Belfast with its friendly locals. diverse architectural styles. sculptures and murals colouring the ttltimately dreary urban landscape.
1 board the ferry with £7 to spare. shattered but happy to have rediscovered the adventurer within.