Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Hiking, Walking, Running, Orienteering and Geocaching => Topic started by: miriam on January 09, 2015
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A gang of us were planning to go hiking tomorrow on Slieve Bearnagh and Slieve Donard... Is this a terrible idea, seeing as it's given to snow up to 8cm? I don't have any experience of hiking in such conditions, if it is not a disastrous idea, is there any special equipment anyone can recommend? Miriam
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It's looking very rough indeed, I was turned back by lighter winds last week! plenty of good low level walking to be done instead, along the Mourne Way or through Tollymore Forest, you'd be surprised how little wind there is in the forest itself even when the tops are swaying like thery're going to fall. Forecast for Slieve Donard summit at noon is 58mph winds gusting to 73mph, I doubt you'd be able to stand in that. Combined with the snow you'll not be able to see either :o
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As for specialist equipment, crampons and an ice axe would be useful but only if you know how to use them. They won't help with the wind though. I would always carry a bothy bag in these conditions, that combined with a flask of tea and plenty of warm clothing & extra food would mean I could stay the night on the hill if conditions got too bad to return.
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Thanks a million! Yep, Think I'll print out some alternatives....
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I just spent an uncomfortable 10 minutes in the garden ;) I'd stay away from any peaks in weather like this.
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How did it go Miriam?