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I think this Saturday is going to be the day that I get my new Panniers out for an airing and knock a new mountain summit off my to do list at the same time.
Mount Errigal is 751 metres of pure beauty situated near Gweedore in County Donegal, Ireland. It is the tallest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains, the tallest peak in County Donegal, and the 76th tallest peak in Ireland. Errigal is also the most southern, steepest and highest of the mountain chain, called the "Seven Sisters" by locals. The Seven Sisters includes Muckish, Crocknalaragagh, Aghla Beg, Ardloughnabrackbaddy, Aghla More, Mackoght and Errigal. The nearest peak is Mackoght, which is also known as Little Errigal or Wee Errigal.
Google Earth view here: https://goo.gl/maps/x5VaF
My plan is to set off on Saturday morning and arrive in Donegal around 12ish for a big fry in a local greasy spoon. Once fed, I'm going to explore the roads around the base of Errigal and plan my line of attack for conquering the summit. Once I've decided upon my route I'll find somewhere handy to dump the bike, gear up, and set off for what I hope will turn out to be a crackin sunset bivvy on the summit of Errigal.
Wikipedia Link here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Errigal
Some guy who's climbed it a few times write-up: http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/go-walk-mount-errigal-co-donegal-1.1895958
If anybody fancy's a decent ride out on the bikes, a hike up Errigal, a summit bivvy, or all three then feel free to drop me a PM, but be warned... I'm travelling fast, I'm travelling light and I'm sleeping on the summit!
Dowser
8)
PS, If you haven't sponsored Spud yet on his "Long Walk North" please pay a visit to his page and donate, if you can spare a few quid. It's for a great cause and you never know when you may need Mountain Rescue assistance: http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4915.0
I'd throw in something to use as a air mat protector, or maybe a karrimat. From my recollection of Errigal, the flattest ground to lie on may just be the track itself. If you roll about at night, you may wake up at the bottom ;)
Thanks for the info WhoRya... I've been looking at photos of the summit on-line and there really isn't a lot of summit to be rolling about on ::)
I've a karrimat packed and I may drop down a bit till I find a ledge off the beaten track. Don't want to alarm any early morning walkers!
I'm only going to be in a bivvy bag so should be able to get nestled in somewhere till sunrise. Worst case scenario I'll drop down to somewhere safe... As long as I make it to the summit at some stage throughout the hike I'll be happy.
There's a wee ledge to the left of this pic might be just the ticket :D
(http://i.imgur.com/v4seNOX.jpg)