Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: suspectmonkey on March 08, 2010

Title: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 08, 2010
Following on from the Antrim Hills thread (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=832.0), and after a bit of discussion on Saturday, I thought we could try and get a few people together for a St. Patricks Day overnighter.  Plan would be to meet up on the evening of Tuesday 16th March (after work!), have a camp and then do a bit of walking the following day which is St. Patricks Day.

Seeing an Antrim Hills trip is still on the cards, I reckon this would be a good place to go.  Maybe have the walk/camp tie in with part of the Moyle Way or something, but we can discuss that with the local experts :)  If any one is interested post away and we will get something sorted.  Irish Stew and Guinness are optional, but I wouldn't be surprised if I bring at least one tin of the black stuff!
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 08, 2010
I'm game. I'll do my best to make the overnighter but I'll defo do the walk. I vote Trostan - I've been wanting to get up it for a while.
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: MG1 on March 08, 2010
Sorry guys but yet again i'm working >:( The Moyle way is a good walk. Keep an eye on billy backpack last time we were there had caught a mystery bug/hangover ;).
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 08, 2010
Keep an eye on billy backpack last time we were there had caught a mystery bug/hangover ;).

Aye I've heard there are some mystery bugs lurking up that neck of the woods ;)  Mind you, at least we shouldn't have to contend with a fire that is constantly sinking through snow like you guys did last time!
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: chris on March 08, 2010
i'm in.
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: billy backpack on March 09, 2010
Sorry guys but yet again i'm working >:( The Moyle way is a good walk. Keep an eye on billy backpack last time we were there had caught a mystery bug/hangover ;).

You may all laugh but I can tell you whatever it was it lasted 4 days and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy  :-*

As regards snow, this morning there is a real hard frost and there's still some snow patch's visible from my abode and without driving down to Glenariff to check I would say there is still considerable snow in them hills around Trostan......but that will sort the MEN from the BOY'S  ;D
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 09, 2010
As regards snow, this morning there is a real hard frost and there's still some snow patch's visible from my abode and without driving down to Glenariff to check I would say there is still considerable snow in them hills around Trostan......but that will sort the MEN from the BOY'S  ;D

Looks like I may have spoken too soon about the weather then!  I don't know what it is, but I've barely seen snow all winter.  I live in Bangor and there has been the odd snow flurry, but its never lay for more than an hour or two.  Bit frosty, but thats it.
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 09, 2010
We were in the Antrim Hills Sunday week ago and the snow was knee deep in parts. It's unbelieveable how different it is up there than just about anywhere else in NI.

As regards snow, this morning there is a real hard frost and there's still some snow patch's visible from my abode and without driving down to Glenariff to check I would say there is still considerable snow in them hills around Trostan......but that will sort the MEN from the BOY'S  ;D

Looks like I may have spoken too soon about the weather then!  I don't know what it is, but I've barely seen snow all winter.  I live in Bangor and there has been the odd snow flurry, but its never lay for more than an hour or two.  Bit frosty, but thats it.
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: Kat on March 09, 2010
I'll be there with a few more bananas ;D
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: billy backpack on March 09, 2010
I'll be there with a few more bananas ;D

Hmmmm !   is that for you and Jon .....lol 

I'm sure they tasted divine with the chocolate at Donard wood :'(
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 10, 2010
Are we going to run with a plan B if it's still really snowed in or just plough on?
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 10, 2010
I'm sure they tasted divine with the chocolate at Donard wood :'(

In fairness... we did have the chocolate and bananas as two separate courses :D  I don't want to get involved with this though, it was Kat who was down for bringing the chocolate and bananas, I just contributed to the meat etc. ;)  Not that I'm passing the buck or anything!

Do we need a plan B?  I'm fairly confident that any snow will be manageable, but then again I can't see it outside my window!  I suppose if the weather is due to be really foul we could just go for a day trip instead, but Andy did say it would sort the men from the boys :)
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: chris on March 10, 2010
I may need to forgo this trip, I forgot I'd promised I'd go and see a mate on paddys day. I may be able to get up for the overnight but I'd have to shoot early the next day.
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 12, 2010
No worries Chris.

So who all is definitely up for the overnighter, or is there anyone who hasn't made up there mind yet?  I'm just thinking if there is only going to be two or three people interested, might be better just making this a day trip instead?  Either way I'm intending to spend St. Patricks Day in the Antrim Hills but maybe its just as handy heading up that morning.  Lemme know what you think :)
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 12, 2010
I'm still a bit up in the air with the overnighter but defo up for the walking. Should know at the end of the weekend.
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: MikeD on March 12, 2010
I can most likely do camping and the walk (and still have some rocky roads left over).
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 12, 2010
Would be worth going for that alone - it was blummin awesome.

I can most likely do camping and the walk (and still have some rocky roads left over).
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: billy backpack on March 14, 2010
Just back from a scoot around Glenariff and Trostan and although squelchy and a bit muddy it's def achievable for an overnight and some walking however there's still some patches of snow but nothing that isn't manageable.
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 15, 2010
So are we any closer to knowing final numbers for this yet?  I don't think Kat is going to be able to make the overnight camp, but may be able to join us the next day for the walk.  My feet are knackered with blisters (must have baby feet like Jonno :D) but should be okay for the walk with a bit of bandaging!  Weather looks like it will be okay for both days as well.

If we can't get the numbers for the camp, then I'm happy enough to just do an Antrim Hills walk on St. Patricks Day instead.  I'm easy either way.  If we are doing the camp though I would prefer someone who knows the area to be there though, as I'm not really familiar and dont fancy getting lost in the woods after dark ;)
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: andy1984 on March 15, 2010
sorry guys i cant make this one, as its just been confirmed i'm working on st paddys day  >:(

enjoy yourselfs !

where are you planning on camping?
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: MikeD on March 15, 2010
I've got Wednesday off work so I can still do either.
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 15, 2010
Harsh but fair :)

I'm having issues with the overnighter too but am still fine for the walk. Unfortunately to get out of work and up to Antrim is proving a hassle.

(must have baby feet like Jonno :D) but should be okay for the walk with a bit of bandaging!  Weather looks like it will be okay for both days as well.
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: chris on March 16, 2010
Yeah sorry guys I'm a definate no show for this one :'(
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: andy1984 on March 16, 2010
Where did you guys camp the last time?

i didnt see too many flat areas for a tent last time i was up
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 16, 2010
I think given that we are a bit low on numbers for this one, and things are going to be a bit tight for me getting to Antrim tonight, I might stick to doing a walk on St. Patricks Day and skip the overnighter part.  If there are a few people who still fancy doing the overnighter though feel free to fire ahead and we can meet up the next day.

Just trying to get a plan sorted for St. Patricks Day now so people can make their arrangements.  Was wondering if it would be best meeting up in the Glenariff Forest Park car park?  Think it might be Pay & Display, but from memory its pretty cheap.  I think the general concensus is to follow the Moyle Way to the summit of Trostan.  I was also wondering if we could slip in a summit of Slievenanee as well?


(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/suspectmonkey/Other/Troston_Slievenanee.jpg)


The route planner I have seems to give the distance as being around 14km which is 8-9 miles.  Should make for a decent day out, but I've no idea what the terrain is like so my route planning might a slightly ambitious.  One thing I did keep coming across when I Googled Trostan and Slievenanee was the word "boggy".  Over, and over again :D  Perhaps someone who has been up there recently can say whether the route looks reasonable enough?  Any other suggestions feel free to jump in!

So stick your hand up if you fancy giving this a go.  Also, I will be coming from Bangor so if anyone needs picked up en route let me know and I will see what I can do.  I have two free seats in the back that arent too cramped :)
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: andy1984 on March 16, 2010
I've been up that way a couple of times, i'd say that route would be fine!

You dont need to park in glenariffe with the pay and display there is a layby just down from glenariffe forest entrance.

The ground can be pretty boggy!  ;D so defn take boots and gaiters i'd say! but your not actually climbing all that much or steep so its not that bad aslong as there is still not 3 feet of snow up there like last time i was up!

hope you's have a good walk! cant say i'll not be jealous being stuck in work!!

Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 16, 2010
Seems like the plan is to meet at 10am tomorrow at Laragh Lodge, which is at Glenariff.  You can find the address and map for Laragh Lodge here (http://www.laraghlodge.co.uk/contact-laragh-lodge.html).  Everyone is more than welcome to come along, hope to meet you there :)
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 16, 2010
I'm in. See you there.

Seems like the plan is to meet at 10am tomorrow at Laragh Lodge, which is at Glenariff.  You can find the address and map for Laragh Lodge here (http://www.laraghlodge.co.uk/contact-laragh-lodge.html).  Everyone is more than welcome to come along, hope to meet you there :)
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: billy backpack on March 16, 2010
I'm in ...

The route looks fine..... although I think we may experience a bit of BOG SNORKILLING !!!! lol
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 17, 2010
Awesome day guys, I had a great walk. Sorry I had to rush home, next time I'll clear a little more time.
The Antrim Hills definitely have more to offer!

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4441598706_b39e8b8e4a_o.jpg)

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Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: andy1984 on March 18, 2010
looks good guys!

weather wasnt too bad?

how boggy was it? did you take the route posted before?
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 18, 2010
The weather wasn't too bad - no sun but no rain either and very blustery on the top. We took the planned route to the top of Trostan but didn't have time to summit Slievenanee so we cut our losses and went off piste back to the Glenariff waterfall trails following Billy Backpack and his compass and just plundering directly through 2 forests :)

Can't recommend the Antrim Hills highly enough but my knees do hurt!
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: Kat on March 18, 2010
Brill photos J!  Was a great day!
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: andy1984 on March 18, 2010
did u guys see any good camping spots up that area?

I'm thinking of taking the bro up soon for a quick overnighter but we may not start until late so wont have time to find a good place.

Last time i was up i dont remember seeing any good areas up the back of trostan
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 18, 2010
Depends on how much of a flat, spacious, dry site you're after. It's very boggy and quite steep or uneven but you'd definitely find spots if you had a scout around in advance. There's plenty of forested areas but I have no idea what the rules for camping are. We're thinking of a having few quick overnigters hopefully soon.

did u guys see any good camping spots up that area?

I'm thinking of taking the bro up soon for a quick overnighter but we may not start until late so wont have time to find a good place.

Last time i was up i dont remember seeing any good areas up the back of trostan
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 18, 2010
Great day guys, good to meet up again!  Was really impressed at the mix of woodland and open mountain walking, and I had definitely prepared myself for it to be more boggy than it was.  Nice photos as well J, will have to get Kat to upload the ones from her camera as well.

Oh, and I hate to say it but - the Guinness in Laragh Lodge is not to be missed  :P 
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: RedLeader on March 18, 2010
Bastard  ;D If you'd had that map out sooner then maybe I'd have had time for a swift one  ::) :P

Oh, and I hate to say it but - the Guinness in Laragh Lodge is not to be missed  :P 
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: MG1 on March 18, 2010
Looks like you s had a good day guys. Wish i could of made it.
Title: Re: St. Patricks Day Overnighter
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 18, 2010
If you'd had that map out sooner then maybe I'd have had time for a swift one  ::) :P

Fair point :D  Well at least now me and Mike have done quality control on the Guinness we can allow more time for apres walk drinks next time ;)