Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: whoRya on May 22, 2018
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After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to camp on Slieve Meelbeg, like this one (https://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4030.15) and this one (https://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5045.msg52802#msg52802), I held onto the hope that I would get another go shortly. To help my chances I had decided it had to be a bivvy and for the weather to be good.
So, when a friend suggested it and the conditions ticked all the boxes, I was straight on it. Where we differed was his plan to start at Meelmore Lodge, taking in Slievenaglogh, Corragh, Commedagh, Donard, Beg, Cove, Lamagan and Bearnagh! Convenient then that he finishes work early on a Friday and I don't. Instead I set off later taking in Meelmore en-route to Meelbeg. I climbed Meelmore along a ridge line that runs NW to SE which was a nice variation having never been that way before. It also meant that I could enjoy the best of the bright warm sunshine.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/823/42194474032_77b83010b2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27hzH6A)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/908/28368038658_6a4083da3e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KdMByN)
The weather was beautiful and the late evening sun gave a warm tone to anywhere it touched the mountains.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/828/42194476862_9e0894571b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27hzHWo)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/946/28368046328_74dd74da07_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KdMDR3)
Shortly after arrival I was joined by a rather tired friend who had decided that it was enough not to do Bearnagh. Of course I told him how disappointed I was with him. ;)
Cuppas on, it was time to settle down for sunset an to watch the stars appear. I couldn't believe it when I knocked my Ti-mug off the cooker not once but twice. I don't usually bring enough water to do that.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/959/42194478742_69baa69e47_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27hzJuN)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/980/42194479242_7a219a37b6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27hzJDq)
There was enough of a breeze just to enjoy the benefit that the Mourne wall provides. Whilst it is rocky on top of Meelbeg, only requiring the footprint of a sleeping mat greatly enabled finding a suitable spot.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/967/41519426874_00bcb59bb6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26fVV6u)
I had forgot to bring pegs so I had left my tarp in the car and knew that it truly would be a night of lying and looking at the stars.
I knew that sunrise was going to be very early, at about 5:25am. Another thing I had intended to bring but had forgotten was an eye mask for the morning. Turned out to be the best thing ever. I awoke at about 5:15 am and got to watch an amazing sunrise. As I watched for about 20 mins I felt utterly content. When the sun became too bright to look at I pulled my hat down over my eyes and weant back to sleep again. I awoke again 2 hours later feeling really refreshed.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/973/42194481402_8ef0c2e2b6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27hzKhE)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/972/42194483302_bbec8a1e5d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27hzKRq)
So then, that was it. Third attempt on Meelbeg and it delivered the best one that I could have hoped for. Rather than just 'getting it done', it was one of the best summit camps that I have had.
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epic, some sunrise. i like how you can see the mourne tower on meelmore
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Good on you bud, so that's it ticked off the list. Great photos and looks like a splendid night.
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Fantastic! Sounds like a great one!
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Awesome sunrise photos. Looked amazing.
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Great photos. I'm glad you managed to do that summit after all.
fred
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i just realised you can see strangford lough in your sunrise pictures. pretty cool.
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Thanks for the comments folks. Just Donard (of the seven sevens) to do now.
Great photos. I'm glad you managed to do that summit after all.
fred
Ha, looking around up there at the rocky ground, we were on a hiding to nothing trying to find a good patch whilst there was a covering of snow.
i just realised you can see strangford lough in your sunrise pictures. pretty cool.
Good spot. The sun seemed to rise out of the water, didn't know what body of water that was.
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Fantastic pics. Just Donard of the 7s for me now too. I'll get there eventually 8)
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Brilliant one mate, getting really jealous now lol. The photos were class. Might try and get out sometime this week if I can