1876.1877] 229 



On Saturday, 3rd June, to 



BALLYMENA AND LARNE VIA GLENWHERRY. 



The district selected for this excursion was "Glenwherry 

 Valley." A number of members and friends left the Northern 

 Counties Terminus at 9-30, en route for Ballymena. They were 

 here met by members of the Ballymena Field Club, who kindly 

 accompanied them to the fort to the south-west of the town. 

 This fort is a very perfect example of the combined round and 

 square form, and stands on a commanding position on the high 

 bank of the Maine-water. The trees with which it is now sur- 

 rounded in some measure hinder the view, but prior to their 

 growth, it must have been a prominent feature in the district, and 

 one of the most important of the many forts studded over the 

 country. Mounted on vehicles, the party proceeded towards 

 Larne, several halts being made by the way. The route lay along 

 the extensive valley of the Kells-water and Glenwherry River, 

 through which the projected railway from Larne to Ballymena 

 will pass. It is to be regretted that the time at their disposal pre- 

 vented full justice being done to the route ; many interesting 

 spots had to be passed. A brief stay was made at Shane's Hill to 

 examine the iron mines. Here several members made a rough 

 over-country scramble in search of a Cromlech noted on the Ordi- 

 nance Survey Maps. After much hunting, the spot was found. 

 The Cromlech — if the heap of stones had ever been one — must 

 have been overturned long since, and the brambles, &c, with 

 which it was overgrown prevented an examination in the time 

 available. Again mounted, no stop was made till the. party 

 reached the railway station at Larne. A rapid run home brought 

 a pleasant but rather hurried excursion to a close. 



