Two writers embark on pilgrimage along the River Bann Writers Cherry Smyth and Craig Jordan-Baker are walking the length of the River Bann. Picture by Hugh Russell Writers Cherry Smyth and Craig Jordan-Baker walking in the Mournes. Picture by Hugh Russell The River Bann splits the north on geographic and economic lines. Claire Simpson speaks to two writers making a pilgrimage along one of Northern Ireland's longest rivers to find out more about the stories it holds. ===== For years, Cherry Smyth watched the Bann flow into the Atlantic Ocean at Portstewart in Co Derry and dreamed of leaving Troubles-hit Northern Ireland.