Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => General Chat => Topic started by: Darran on October 02, 2015
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After three attempts, the first one of which involved being turned away by the wind at Blue Lough (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITlesDUtigw), the second, losing my way to Sprinkwee late in the evening and spending the night in the forest during the International Midge Festival 2015 (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o166/DCDUO/20150701_052501_zpsl2b0mnfc.jpg), as of last month I can give news that I finally went for a good, problem free solo camp in Mournes this year.
Waiting for the calmest day possible, I took the risk of leaving the car at Ott carpark and decided to head to the top of Doan to spend the night. The forecast to be roughly 4-5 degrees at 850m, clear skies and a predicted wind speed of 0 mph at 3.00am, I had high hopes yet a cautious doubt about such good weather. Sure enough, the winds picking up around midnight caused a worry for me in my £20 tent, but, just as expected, it soon died down to absolute and total stillness. I am still amazed at this given the nearly total exposure up there.
With skies so clear that the tent was illuminated by starlight alone, I can say that I couldn't have picked a better night. Awakening at 8.30 in the morning to heat up a tin of ravioli, I hadn't slept so well in years. A few lessons learned by this stage, arriving in good time before dark everything went without a hitch. (Well, I did take the route back passing Lough Shannagh that I hadn't exactly intended, but we can forget that!)
I had particularly wanted to have a few good trips this Summer due to planning to leave for other lands this Autumn. I can say that I was certainly not disappointed. I figured since we are all fond of pictures around here, they may not be anything you haven't seen before but I hope a pleasure none the less.
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o166/DCDUO/11951427_10153099892006752_1758017843449096051_o_zps6phocxep.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o166/DCDUO/12032721_10153099892156752_5410266397194418406_o_zpsehmeamql.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o166/DCDUO/12027175_10153099892111752_2583060867923134187_o_zpsaixjmf4t.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o166/DCDUO/12029770_10153099892176752_3447901190663388933_o_zps4k8zyunt.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o166/DCDUO/12002396_10153099892416752_6501066183804051348_o_zpsfy5qni8w.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o166/DCDUO/12017666_10153099892451752_5212296711225781829_o_zpsy6biem8p.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o166/DCDUO/10623672_10153099892461752_5468744501336328580_o_zpssljom3dh.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o166/DCDUO/12002518_10153099892601752_1070946496415306473_o_zps0omrnpfg.jpg)
In case you don't happen to see me around these forums very often any more, I thank you all for your tips and recommendations - and photos!
The Mournes really are a treasure.
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If that is your last trip into the Mournes (even for a while), what a one to go out on. The tough ones made that all the better. Loved the photos. It's a pity there won't be many more. All the best with your move.
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Thanks for sharing the photos (just missing some tent shots), I never get tired of seeing those views. You certainly deserved a good trip like that after all those attempts ;D well done.
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Doh, just spotted the tent :-[
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Excellent photos Darran, that's a trip to remember.
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Great pics. I love Doan, nicely sheltered by other mountains, it gives a real sense of isolation.
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Nice photos Darran!
Man oh man you got a good night for it too, ya jammy so and so!
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Thank you very much everyone! I had a great time. I might be home for a little while at Christmas, you never know, if snow falls you might just run into a ginger on the hills once again!
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Doan is fantastic, arguably some of the best views because it it centred.
It is a shame that there is no bridge across the sluice at Lough Shannagh. It would make Doan a lot easier to get to from the south after a lot of rain.