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General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: 666_pack on September 29, 2009

Title: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on September 29, 2009
hi all,
myself, MG1 & billybackpack are having a go at the Mourne Wall over two days (24/25 oct)
The Plan so far is to start at carric little and head towards donard (anti-clock wise) and walk till we drop hopefuly near slieve muck, set camp, pass out and start again.

Would anyone like to join us?
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: RedLeader on September 29, 2009
Think that would be beyond my talents at the moment. Sounds like a great idea though.
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: MG1 on September 29, 2009
Come on Jonno you have push yourself.
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: billy backpack on September 29, 2009
What about we put a route card together with some outs, so that anyone who wants to do a stage can join in and then drop off as suits.

It's just a thought as I'm sure we could organise dropping cars etc at different points.
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: MG1 on September 29, 2009
Sounds good to me.
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: MG1 on September 29, 2009
If starting at carrick little you could have one at the donard saddle next one at Hares gap.
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: chris on September 29, 2009
yes please chaps! count me in on that bad boy, i'll see if i can convince pete too, always wanted to do the mourne wall!
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: ulsterwalker on September 29, 2009
I'll have to check the diary, but would certainly consider it. Don't think I'll be carrying 2 Kilos of beer this time, bit of school boy error there. Might be able to grab a couple peeps to join the party as well

Next time I'm in the mournes I think I'll have to have a go at the seven sevens route:
Quote
The Mourne Seven Sevens will start from Donard car park on first Saturday in August (check calendar) at 10.00 am. The route will be on a fixed course taking the hills concerned in the following order…. Donard, Commedagh, Bearnagh, Meelmore, Meelbeg, Ben Crom Dam, Binnian, Lamagan, and back to the finish at the Pavilion in Donard Park.
Will probably be done in after it, but how else do you get better at this mountain walking lark
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: RedLeader on September 29, 2009
Lots of people run the 7 7s  :o
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: ulsterwalker on September 29, 2009
Aye, know that, crazy mofo's!  Might have a bash at it next year, if my knees are still carrying me that is!

The wall looks like a good couple days walking, good bit I've yet to see as I usually end somewhere between Donard and Bearnagh

If we were to get round to Muck for the first nights camp, I'd be tempted to head accross Silent Valley resevoir and then cross the central spine of Binian, Lamagan, Cove, Beg and down through Donard Park
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: Wolf_Larson on September 29, 2009
Hopefully i will make this one, ill keep you all posted.
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: 666_pack on September 30, 2009
What about we put a route card together with some outs, so that anyone who wants to do a stage can join in and then drop off as suits.

It's just a thought as I'm sure we could organise dropping cars etc at different points.

that is a good idea.

possible exit spots if we start at carrick little and go anti-clockwise

*Bloody Bridge
*Donard saddle
*Hares Gap
*Meelmore/meelbeg Saddle
*Ott Track
*Possible route off Sleive Muck
(thats all II have off the top of my head, But there are more the closer to Binnian we get)

*
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: 666_pack on October 08, 2009
*Bump

still up for this one people?
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: MG1 on October 08, 2009
Well guys anyone else going to give this ago. Jonno you know you want to?
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: RedLeader on October 16, 2009
Well guys anyone else going to give this ago. Jonno you know you want to?

Definitely still a bit far for me. Lets try and get another shorter one planned like Donard Forest or Bearnagh for the not too distant future. I fancy an overnighter!
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: MG1 on October 16, 2009
Guys do we know who all is going on this trip cause we need to get it arranged. At the min i think we might be leaving cars at Meelmore lodge and getting transport to Carrick little so we need to know numbers and times? Its an open invite so anyone can join in the more the better.
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: chris on October 16, 2009
I'm in for sure, just me tho no plus one this time :'( who will I share my tinfoil blanket with!? ;D
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: MG1 on October 17, 2009
We'll find you a lonely sheep.
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: chris on October 17, 2009
anyone heard from wolf? he said he might go but i havnt seen him online in ages...
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: 666_pack on October 19, 2009
i noticed that too. The qoute for the day thread wont be the same without him.

Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: chris on October 19, 2009
i noticed that too. The qoute for the day thread wont be the same without him.



lol, we're just messin wolfy, hopefully you can make it and get yourself a bit of experience...
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: 666_pack on October 20, 2009
yeah wolf only messing the place wouldnt be the same without ya.

So It looks like there will be 5 on this trip.

666_pack + 1
MG1
BillyBackpack
Chris_8764
Ulsterwalker(possible)
And the plan seems to meet @ Meelmore Lodge(Secure Parking) 8-9am and get a taxi to Carrick little.

Looks like a wet start ;D

(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20091020/00/105/ukprec.png)

I love it when a plan comes together
Title: Re: chance favours the brave
Post by: RedLeader on October 20, 2009
Awesome, best of luck guys, someone take some photos for Gods sake! Hopefully next time I'll have a crack at this. As it stands I'll be relaxing in the bar on a weekend away with the wife. If someone txts me details I'll post them!
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 20, 2009
Any chance of you chaps posting your gear lists and weights for those of us with OCD about these things.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: MG1 on October 20, 2009
Bottle of Buckfast 75cl

Where going lite weight this time jonno
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 20, 2009
Bottle of Buckfast 75cl

Where going lite weight this time jonno

Make sure and put it in a nalgene bottle to save extra weight :D
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 20, 2009
Bottle of Buckfast 75cl

Where going lite weight this time jonno

 you've sorted out the sponsorship deal then stain.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 20, 2009
Here is my kit list for the upcoming Mourne Wall 2 day hike with weights for the main items of kit and some estimated

Pack
OMM 32 Classic 725g

Sleeping
TNF Tadpole (split between 2) 1.1kg
Pipedream 600 0.95kg
OMM duo mat 170g

Cooking
Trangia mini 330g
250mL fuel 260g (approx)
Spoon
Firesteel
Homemade windshield

Food
Cous cous 200g
Smoked Cheese 100g
8 pk smoked sausages 200g
MRE Rice pudding 200g
Yorkie
2ltrs Water (+ additional refills enroute & billyback will be bringing Traveltap) 2kg
bog roll

Waterproofs                           
Spare Base layers x 1  } aprox combined weight 2kg
Spare socks x 1
Buff
Gloves


Giving me a rough total pack weight of  8.3kg aprox.

I’m sure I’ll add a couple 100g to this but as long as I can keep my pack weight under 10kg I’ll be really happy.


(Map & compass will be on person)

Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 20, 2009
Under 10k is awesome. Have you given up on the ready to eat boil in the bag meals?
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 20, 2009
just for this trip but I'll still use them when weight is not such an issue.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: ulsterwalker on October 20, 2009
I'm still pretty uncertain if I'll make it down or not, might have to pass but will let yall know  :(

One observation on your kit would be to lose a litre of water, no need for more than a litre in my eyes, plenty availible in the mournes. Maybe bring an empty bladder and fill it up before hitting camp so you have enough for the night
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 20, 2009
I'm still pretty uncertain if I'll make it down or not, might have to pass but will let yall know  :(

One observation on your kit would be to lose a litre of water, no need for more than a litre in my eyes, plenty availible in the mournes. Maybe bring an empty bladder and fill it up before hitting camp so you have enough for the night

not a bother mate keep us posted.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 20, 2009
mourne wall is 35 km long and total ascent of 2800 m(9186.4ft).

Recommended finish time is 13 hours clockwise from the 'bottom' and 14 anticlockwise from the 'bottom'. the 'bottom' is carrick little car park..................

Over 2 days no bother
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 20, 2009
I thought the total ascent was more than that?
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 20, 2009
I thought the total ascent was more than that?

Actually, now that I think about it, that sounds like quite a lot - it's 1/3 the height of Everest :D
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 20, 2009
I thought the total ascent was more than that?

Actually, now that I think about it, that sounds like quite a lot - it's 1/3 the height of Everest :D

I'm just glad it's not straight up ::)
Title: Re: chance favours the brave(Update)
Post by: 666_pack on October 21, 2009
yeah wolf only messing the place wouldnt be the same without ya.

So It looks like there will be 5 on this trip.

666_pack + 1
MG1
BillyBackpack
Chris_8764
Ulsterwalker(possible)
And the plan seems to meet @ Meelmore Lodge(Secure Parking) 8-9am and get a taxi to Carrick little.

Looks like a wet start ;D

(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20091020/00/105/ukprec.png)

I love it when a plan comes together




UPDATE
Slight change in plan looks like were starting @ the Hares Gap from Meelmore lodge ;D



(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20091021/06/75/ukprec.png)
Still looks like a wet one


Sunday is looking a bit better ;D
(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20091021/06/99/ukprec.png)

Overview for camp

(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20091021/06/90/ukpaneltemp.png)
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 21, 2009
Where are you planning to stop overnight?
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 21, 2009
Theres 2 option depending on how far round we get on day 1.

If all goes to plan we'll camp @ annalong wood on the far side of Binnian, but if we reach Binnian too late there are a number of possibe camp sites around silent valley dam.

You up for joining us for day 2?

Or possibe camp? ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 21, 2009
Theres 2 option depending on how far round we get on day 1.

If all goes to plan we'll camp @ annalong wood on the far side of Binnian, but if we reach Binnian too late there are a number of possibe camp sites around silent valley dam.

You up for joining us for day 2?

Or possibe camp? ;D ;D ;D

I'm well tempted but alas I absolutely promised the wife my undivided attention for the weekend. After being out and about so much these last months I wouldn't want her to forget how totally awesome I am! No, really.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: chris on October 21, 2009
lol the way the weather looks I think a decent fire will be high on the agenda! annalong wood should be an achievable goal.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 22, 2009
failure is not an option  ;)
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 22, 2009
weather update
Sat looks like a bit of a wash out ;D
(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20091022/00/57/ukprec.png)



(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20091022/00/63/ukprec.png)



(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20091022/00/72/ukprec.png)



Sunday looks a bit better :D

(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20091022/00/81/ukprec.png)

Overview of camp conditions
(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20091022/00/72/ukpaneltemp.png)
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: chris on October 22, 2009
was just thinking to myself there if we'd be fully on the ball we could (should) have sorted out some group items, we could have spilt two three man tents between us, sorted out stoves etc not really much point in 5/6 guys all with stoves when you think about it! food etc could have been grouped to a point.
Not much point now, next time tho it might be an idea to sort something out especially if its a winter camp as we'll porb all be carrying more than enough warm kit already!
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 22, 2009
was just thinking to myself there if we'd be fully on the ball we could (should) have sorted out some group items, we could have spilt two three man tents between us, sorted out stoves etc not really much point in 5/6 guys all with stoves when you think about it! food etc could have been grouped to a point.
Not much point now, next time tho it might be an idea to sort something out especially if its a winter camp as we'll porb all be carrying more than enough warm kit already!

good idea mate def something to look into for future trips.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 23, 2009
Found this cool photo of the wall streaching form meelmore to muck which will a good chunk of day 1

(http://www.pictureyourself.org.uk/photos/-dsc0339.jpg)
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: chris on October 23, 2009
whats the grid ref for meelmore car park? is that the one on the road to carrick little carpark? You turn left at the cross roads for the rock amenitey site or something....
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 23, 2009
whats the grid ref for meelmore car park? is that the one on the road to carrick little carpark? You turn left at the cross roads for the rock amenitey site or something....

It's on down from the Trassey Car Park. Here's a link
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=meelmore+lodge&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=meelmore+lodge&hnear=&ll=54.212845,-5.99478&spn=0.006161,0.01929&z=16
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 23, 2009
Good luck for tomorrow guys. Take lots of photos and send me text updates so I can be jealous!
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 24, 2009
I hope the lads are okay - the weather's awful in Belfast and the Mournes forcast is for winds gusting 65mph!
They left this morning at 12, I heard from them as the started Meelmore.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: Nightjar on October 24, 2009
Given the weather was this trip sensible.........
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: Hunter on October 25, 2009
I hope the lads are okay - the weather's awful in Belfast and the Mournes forcast is for winds gusting 65mph!
They left this morning at 12, I heard from them as the started Meelmore.
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have u heard from the boys yet  ???
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: chris on October 25, 2009
dont worry lads we're all safe and sound. we decided to call it after comming off muck the weather was too bad to continue.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 25, 2009
dont worry lads we're all safe and sound. we decided to call it after comming off muck the weather was too bad to continue.

That's a shame, still you have to try these things! Did you come back last night or camp and come home this morning?
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: chris on October 25, 2009
nah we decided to just go home. Micheal and josh took their wet kit off and put it in a bin bag and i'm not even joking it must have weighed close to 25kg if not more.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: RedLeader on October 25, 2009
How did you get from Muck back round to Meelmore then?
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: chris on October 25, 2009
taxi! I put a wee trip review up if you want to read it.
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: Hunter on October 25, 2009
Well lads as long as yous all made it home safe and sound yous can try it again another day  :'(
Title: Re: Chance favours the brave - 2 Day Mourne Wall Walk
Post by: 666_pack on October 25, 2009
well that was a mini epic.....................think we made the right choice in calling it a day. what a day though ;D