Buttermilk Bridge
The cache is located along the Buttermilk Bridge River Walk in the village of Broughshane, some three miles east of Ballymena.
At Broughshane, the River Braid is joined by the Quolie Water, a small tributary that has its source near the Quolie reservoir which supplies Ballymena with water. The Braid itself is an ideal angling river and is well stocked with native brown trout, pike and salmon.
There are many ways to enter the Buttermilk Bridge walk, but the one we would recommend is from the main street in Broughshane at N 54 53.637 W 006 12.155. Parking may be available on the street near to the entrance, but we suggest you park in the car park at Houston’s Mill which has been beautifully developed, and is close to the walk. This car park has picnic tables and other facilities.
Houston’s Mill was an old Flax/Corn Mill with a history dating back to the early days of the Irish linen industry In the millennium year of 2000 the mill was fully restored to it’s original state to provide a facility for the local community, which, in addition to the cottage accommodation, has a community office with fax, photocopying and e-mail facilities.
Mill Cottage, located at Houston’s Mill, has recently been restored in its original and matching stonework. The accommodation is registered as 3*** Self Catering and sleeps up to five people.
To reach this car park ( at N 54 53.614 W 006 12.071 ) take the Rathkeel Road from the main street in Broughshane, go past the Church and turn left into Buckna Road, then left again at Houston’s Mill.
The cache is a small black box. It is a pleasant walk along the river on good tarmac paths with no gradients. However it is a popular place, and fishermen can also be present, so be on guard for muggles.
A wildlife reserve has been opened a short distance along the path after the cache. Well worth a visit. See photos below.