Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: Heggs on September 27, 2015

Title: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Heggs on September 27, 2015
Hi guys, D1ceman and myself are heading to Rams Island this weekend - Saturday 3rd October. It's a great place to meet for a bit of of banter and is something different to the usual pine forest. We'll be leaving early Sat afternoon from the Sandy Bay Marina. We'll have a walk round the island, get a campfire going, maybe practice a bit of bushcraft and camp overnight, all for £10 (for the boat and camping on the island)
All are welcome, let me know here if you're interested
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: D1ceman on September 27, 2015
Couldn't beat it with a big stick  ;D
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Rumblebum on September 27, 2015
Hi ya guys, unfortunately I can't join you on this trip due to other commitments but hope you have a great time, and fair play to you for trying somewhere new.

I look forward to hearing how you get on.

RB.
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Heggs on September 27, 2015
Thanks RB, we'll stick up some pics and an update when we get back
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: D1ceman on September 27, 2015
This'll be my first overnighter in the hammock so I'll definitely be taking plenty of snaps.

Will make sure the best ones go up here.
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Glenn B on September 28, 2015
Good luck for the weekend lads it would be great if this weather held out for you. I'll have to keep a wee eye out for when another trip pops up, have things on this weekend so couldn't make it  :( :(
What time do you get picked up at the following day by the boat guy?
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Heggs on September 28, 2015
Cheers Glenn, I don't know what time yet but sometimes earlier is better as waiting around all day gets tedious. If you want to go but need to be back for a certain time then let me know and I'll find out what we can do
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Glenn B on September 28, 2015
No problem I was just wondering that's all. It looks a cracking spot and with the added benefit of knowing your cars safe also helps. As I say i'll keep an eye out and maybe tag along next time.
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Heggs on September 28, 2015
No worries, I was thinking a wee Christmas meeting place maybe?
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: specimanYak on October 01, 2015
Late to the post but I'd be interested in this, love the idea of camping on a small island.
Is any-one leaving from Belfast and if they are could I cadge a lift?
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: D1ceman on October 01, 2015
Hey Yak, I'll be travelling from Whitehead so could pass through Belfast and lift you.

Where you at?
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: specimanYak on October 01, 2015
Many thanks D1ceman, I'm on the Ormeau Road but can meet you where-ever it suits you. I'm popping of to work now but I'll PM you later for times etc if that's alright, thanks again, looking forward to it.


Hey Yak, I'll be travelling from Whitehead so could pass through Belfast and lift you.

Where you at?
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: D1ceman on October 01, 2015
Happy to pick you up on the Ormeau Rd. Like you say, we can iron out details via PM.

Heggs is sorting out times for the boat so need to confirm with him but it could be an 11am sailing from the marina.
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Heggs on October 01, 2015
Welcome aboard yak.
I'll get times finalised tomorrow and post them here. Looking forward to it, its been a looooong week at work!
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: D1ceman on October 01, 2015
I'm looking forward to this too fellas.

Should be a bit of craic.  ;D
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Heggs on October 02, 2015
Hi guys,

The boat is leaving at 11 am Saturday and we are going to be collected on Sunday around 10am
Don't forget it's £10 each all in (boat & camping)
I'll see yous there and if you need anything give me a shout
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: whoRya on October 02, 2015
Enjoy this one lads.  I'll toast you from a wee camp on the north coast.
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Heggs on October 03, 2015
Cheers lad, enjoy your camp tonight. Let's hope the weather is decent
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: D1ceman on October 03, 2015
Enjoy this one lads.  I'll toast you from a wee camp on the north coast.

Cheers mate. Enjoy your camp.

Between us, there should be plenty of pics going up tomorrow. ;D
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: specimanYak on October 03, 2015
Cheers Graeme, have a great night yourself.

Enjoy this one lads.  I'll toast you from a wee camp on the north coast.
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Glenn B on October 03, 2015
Hope all is going well lads, looking forward to a few we photies.
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: specimanYak on October 04, 2015
Cheers Glenn, it's an absolutely fantastic location, one of the most serene, relaxed camps i've had in a while. The little island was only 10 mins away by boat (which means you can bring everything) and the lough was calm on the way over. Once we had our camp site set up, Heggs and D1ceman were in the hammocks by the shore front and i pitched the tent on soft ground close-by, we received a delivery of logs from a couple of kids on a small quad-bike with trailer! We didn't even have to collect our own wood, perfect.

D1ceman set about making an upside down fire, the first time i've seen one and it worked perfectly, burning down through the larger layers of wood until it was a roaring fire by nightfall. Well done that man.

We walked around the island taking it all in, from the carved wooden figures, the wooden walk-ways, the old buildings, up to the tip of the island with its ramshackle pier and small sandy bay. It was great craic, good company in a unique little location that i know i'll definitely be returning to. Thanks again Heggs and D1ceman, that's been another memorable night out under the stars.

A few images: https://imgur.com/a/jyxxf
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Heggs on October 05, 2015
I still cant get over how calm it was.
I was talking to the guy in the boat on the way home and he said it wouldn't be a problem if someone wanted to camp away from the usual spots. I was thinking a bivvy on the beach part would be great.
Cheers guys for an amazing trip and thanks to all the well wishers
(http://i.imgur.com/Azdf8Dq.jpg) (http://imgur.com/Azdf8Dq)
(http://i.imgur.com/M4dE4RI.jpg) (http://imgur.com/M4dE4RI)
(http://i.imgur.com/4icBjS6.jpg) (http://imgur.com/4icBjS6)
(http://i.imgur.com/n9DB6fF.jpg) (http://imgur.com/n9DB6fF)
(http://i.imgur.com/7VlrBbf.jpg) (http://imgur.com/7VlrBbf)
(http://i.imgur.com/B4vogbf.jpg) (http://imgur.com/B4vogbf)
(http://i.imgur.com/W3WxSor.jpg) (http://imgur.com/W3WxSor)
(http://i.imgur.com/QG3zLN8.jpg) (http://imgur.com/QG3zLN8)
(http://i.imgur.com/HDGvq4B.jpg) (http://imgur.com/HDGvq4B)
(http://i.imgur.com/8T8XZWF.jpg) (http://imgur.com/8T8XZWF)
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Glenn B on October 05, 2015
Class photies guys can't wait to get a wee trip over we're very envious that we couldn't make it this time.
Firewood delivered by quad bike that's a new one to me, a bit of a carlsberg moment that. Gonna get this ticked sooner rather than later ;D ;D
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: D1ceman on October 05, 2015
That was a great wee trip fellas. Cheers to Heggs and SpecimenYak for the top company and great craic.

I'll try to get some of my own photos up over the next few days. I wonder can we set the record for the most fire pics on the one thread.  :P

I'd highly recommend Rams Island to everyone here and I for one will definitely be back. It caters for all types of campers, be it tents, bivvies or hammocks. A great spot and for me a hidden gem that I didn't know existed.

My first camp through NI Wild and a roaring success. Great stuff.
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: D1ceman on October 06, 2015
Sorry for the delay folks. Better late then never, I suppose.

More Photies (http://imgur.com/a/ffDDF)
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: Heggs on October 07, 2015
Great pics there D1ceman, I forgot to take some of our setups!
Can't wait to organize another one, with or without the kids.
When anyone is interested again, just post here and I'll get it sorted  ;D
Title: Re: FINAL CALL FOR RAMS ISLAND CAMP - ALL WELCOME - 3RD OCTOBER
Post by: RedLeader on October 07, 2015
Brilliant guys, this looks like a top trip. Will have to get it added as a great potential spot for the future.