Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Information => Outdoor News and Events => Topic started by: AndrewC on April 03, 2019

Title: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: AndrewC on April 03, 2019
Hi,

Well after years of thinking about it I've entered the Seven Sevens. Has anyone done this event before? Any advise on training and taking part?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: Fred on April 04, 2019
Hi Andrew
I done this about 15 years ago. Its certainly a big day out and shouldn't be underestimated but definitely worth doing.  In my opinion the best training is walking up hills, concentrate on endurance rather than speed. If you dont like drinking from the streams you should think carefully about hydration. Having said that, much of the route is away from streams as I remember.
Good luck
fred
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: AndrewC on April 04, 2019
Thanks Fred,

I am more than happy to drink from streams and can carry a sawyer water filter. I know its a huge day in the hills and the more I think about it the more I think I am mad!!!
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: Fred on April 04, 2019
Definitely give it a go, you are no madder than the rest of us. If you can do it with some like minded friends, that's great for morale and motivation.
fred
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: MG1 on April 09, 2019
Done it myself a few years back. Its a tough but very enjoyable day out. Get into the hills as much as possible. Great people along the way.
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: seanbranagh on April 24, 2019
I have done it a few times and I am also signed up for it twice this year, both in August and also in June for Cancer Focus NI.

As for training there is no substitute for getting out into The Mournes themselves and building the distance up.
On the day take along a good friend for the craic although you will meet loads of great people along the route too.
Probably most importantly, go at the pace of the slowest person in your group. Never try to keep up with another persons pace if it is even just a little too fast for you. You won't make the distance if you do. Slow and steady wins the race as they say.
I would also advise bringing lots of small snacks to eat on the move as opposed to a big lunch.
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: AndrewC on April 24, 2019
Hi,

Thanks for the reply’s. Will be increasing the mountains and miles with each walk. On Sunday went from Deers Meadow to Bloody Bridge, following the wall, over Slieve Muck, Meelbeg, Meelmore, Bearnagh, Comnadgah and Donard.

On the day of the event if you start at 7am how tight is it to make the cut off at Ben Crom at 2.30?
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: seanbranagh on April 24, 2019
That was a considerable chunk of the Mourne Wall you done on Sunday. You would be well fit for the Sevens even now if you are able to do that.
That is the kind of long hikes I am on currently also as I actually am doing the wall on May 5th too.
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: SK Wildcamps on June 17, 2019
A friend and I done it (well nearly) the last time it was run. we got 6 out of 7 peaks. Binnian broke us! and after that lamagan and the walk back over to donard just seemed to much. we did absolutely zero training! so id recommend doing abit lol. the 2.30 cut off isn't to bad if you go at a steady pace. and 100% bring bug spray or a net because we got eaten alive!
signed up to do it this year again but may put out due to a bad knee.
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: AndrewC on June 18, 2019
Thanks, that's the bit of the route that concerns me. Should be a interesting day in the hills.
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: seanbranagh on August 06, 2019
Good luck on Saturday if you are still doing this!
I will be doing it myself for the second time this year. I done it back in June for Cancer Focus NI.
Funny though, no matter how many times I do it, it never gets easier and I still always feel really anxious about it beforehand!
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: AndrewC on August 06, 2019
Thanks,

Am really nervous, keep checking on the weather forecasts in a hope of finding a more positive one. Cant see me getting much sleep on Friday night.

Hope you have a good event. Thanks for the advice. Look forward to hearing how you get on.   

Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: AndrewC on August 13, 2019
Well that’s the Seven Sevens done. On Friday I have never checked the weather so often and it was changing all the time. At tea time we decided that due to the thunder and lighting we would play it safe and not take part. Then another check of the weather and it was improving. Rucksack was packed and alarm set for 4.30am
Signed on at 6.30am and we where off at 7am in the rain. Straight up the Glen river and up Donard in a record time for me. Up Commedagh then down onto the Brandy pad and the rain had now stopped. Quick bite to eat at Hares Gap and it was up Bearnagh as usual it was a slow hard slog. Legs started to feel it on Meelmore and Meelbeg but we were making good time. Straight of the side of Meelbeg and across the bog to Ben Crom. Thankfully it was not as bad as I expected it to be. We made the Ben Crom check point at 1.45pm 45mins before the 2.30pm cut off.

It was then straight up Binnian and legs were now really feeling it and the pace was a slow plod. On the descent I was having pain in my left knee which slowed things big time. Then onto Lamagan and it saved a special sort of kicking for me in the way only Lamagan can. It was then a slow plod back to Newcastle in the heavy rain finishing just before 9pm.

We had done it! after may years of talking about It. Great event and very well run.

Lots of lessons learned for next year!!!!

Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: seanbranagh on August 13, 2019
Congratulations! It is a great achievement!

I actually didn't do it. Because we had already done it earlier in the year (and The Mourne Wall also) we decided we didn't want to face the weather.
Looking back now of course I wish I had went!
Title: Re: Seven Sevens 10th August
Post by: RedLeader on August 20, 2019
Brilliant, well done. I'd love to have the level of fitness needed. Maybe next year ;)