Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: LandyLiam on August 19, 2010
-
I'm doing the 4x4 Challenge 4 Charity ( http://www.4x4challenge.org ) again this year (5th time) and asking you all to sponsor me for having a dirty weekend away seems a bit unfair so for 2010 I will be doing something MUCH more challenging.
In the next few weeks i will attempt to camp on summits of the 7 highest mountains of Northern Ireland (and i'll be walking to each one, the Land Rover will stay in the car park :'( )
Why would i do such a silly thing? for money of course, YOUR MONEY ;D
Everyone is welcome to come along, just make sure you bring your own tent ;)
if i raise £2500 i'll walk in fancy dress, if i raise £5000 i'll walk up Donard barefoot!! £10,000 and i'll do it in a thong :o (now i didn't say just a thong ::) )
so if anyone wants to pledge me £1 per summit (all goes to Temple Street Childrens Hospital) just post below or send me a message and i'll add you to the list, if i do all 7 i'll happily accept a wee bonus :D
keep an eye out on http://www.team-blrc.co.uk for updates
-
We've been pondering having a bivvi and a BBQ on all the 7s. You could do that over 7 weeks and I'm sure every week someones from here would come keep you company.
seems a lot of (unfit) people i know have done the mourne wall in the past so i'm now edging towards the idea of camping on the 7 sumits over the next 5 weeks, i don't know anyone that has done that yet, and people can sponsor me per summit so it gives me an incentive to do keep at it (and i get 7 nights out in the mournes), if it was the mourne wall people tend to just give a fiver/tenner nomatter how far you get.
-
when you camp on lamagan give me a shout, I wanna knock her off.
-
I plan to post th itinery here so anyone can come along, some of them will be short notice and very weather dependant. Will start them next week as I'm off work then, I imagine Lamagan will be one of the last as I've never been up that one and it looks daunting!
-
Should also mention that I have to do them before my 40th birthday at end of September (that's when my diet stops) and I don't actually expect to do all 7, but then again I've walked to 20 summits this summer and that was more than planned (have lost near 2 stone)
-
how about calling this the Sleepy Sevens ?
-
All wrapped up in my wee tent now on summit number 1, was supposed to be camping in tollymore tonight but got cancelled at last minute so went up meelmore instead. Bit windy but the wall shelters me well. Some great views with the full moon, hopefully the pics will come out well.
-
Nice one landyliam. Was locking up the back of the house a minute ago, just thinking it's was a cracker clear night. Nite nite :)
-
Brrrrrr... Its cold up here, not long til sunrise now, bet I sleep through it!
-
Nice one, Meelmore is next on my list for a summit bivvy.
-
safely back home now ;D
took 1hr 50mins getting up, 45mins getting down, i overpacked a bit (17kg total) took too much water (and beer ::) ) got up at 6am so missed the sunrise but it was very cloudy up there anyway, hope to do another one on wed night, anyone who wants to come along can pick the summit, off to soak in a nice hot bath now, aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh
will have some pics soon
-
I'm a very jealous desk jockey....
safely back home now ;D
took 1hr 50mins getting up, 45mins getting down, i overpacked a bit (17kg total) took too much water (and beer ::) ) got up at 6am so missed the sunrise but it was very cloudy up there anyway, hope to do another one on wed night, anyone who wants to come along can pick the summit, off to soak in a nice hot bath now, aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh
will have some pics soon
-
some pics of meelmore for your perusal
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8230699Small.jpg)
here we go, thats meelmore ahead, i didn't go straight up, went along the path to the right to happy valley car park and up to the saddle and along the wall (best keep to paths when alone)
- came down via spellack though !
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8230707Small.jpg)
getting dark and still not at the top!
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8230710Small.jpg)
ben crom reservoir in distance
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8230712Small.jpg)
the moon over slieve bearnagh (starting to get cold now)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8230750Small.jpg)
in my tent now admiring the view while supping a beer (it was so cold i didn't really enjoy the beer)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8240756Small.jpg)
6am and time to pack up (thought you would like the bunting)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8240765Small.jpg)
sunrise over newcastle
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8240769Small.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8240772Small.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8240796Small.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8240798Small.jpg)
back to the car park at 8am just before the rain started
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/1meelmore/P8240799Small.jpg)
one last look at meelmore on way home
-
Looks like a top night. Suprised it was so cold though. Where exactly is Happy Valley Car Park? (also where is Happy Valley?)
-
Looks like a good start to your summit camps Liam, well done!
-
nice on mate.
-
Looks like a top night. Suprised it was so cold though. Where exactly is Happy Valley Car Park? (also where is Happy Valley?)
I think it was the wind chill, hill gales were forecast, didn't affect me too much but was was very noisy howling through the wall which woke me up every 45mins :'(
Happy Valley Car Park is the one on Trassey Road past Meelmore Lodge, never seen it mentioned on any map, just in the book "a boot up the mourne mountains" by Steven Hanna (nice wee book by the way)
although i've read elsewhere that Silent Vally was once called Happy Valley
in the book "25 walks in Down District" the area above the car park is referred to as Cock Mountain Common, i'll stick with Happy Valley Car Park ;D
-
Happy Valley Car Park is the one on Trassey Road past Meelmore Lodge, never seen it mentioned on any map, just in the book "a boot up the mourne mountains" by Steven Hanna (nice wee book by the way)
Before Fofanny Dam?
-
yes thats the one, there's 3 on the Trassey Road
1. Trassey Car Park - aka Clonachuillion Car Park (at at start of Trassey Track)
2. Meelmore Lodge
3. Happy Valley Car Park - probably got another name i haven't heard of
-
Happy Valley Car Park - probably got another name i haven't heard of
Yea, I've seen a bit of confusion about the whole Happy Valley thing as well Liam, the BBC always call the valley that is now Silent Valley Reservoir. Anyhow the car park in question is grid ref: J 293297.
I used to call it the Fofanny Wood Car Park...but that caused confusion on "the night of the wandering dog" which J was a part of :(
It was def. colder the last couple of days, down to 13c here in Lisburn.
Thanks for posting the pics, tempted to join you on Wednesday...
-
I've editted my first post with a bit more detail about the event so worth going back and re-reading it
also hope to do a summit on fri or sat night this week
my phone number is 07753 880167 just in case anyone wants to pop up in the dark :o
-
also hope to do a summit on fri or sat night this week
Fancy doing Binnian? (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1367.0)
-
Thats sat night sorted now, doing one tonight as well, if no one else is coming i'll do meelbeg as it looks the most boring, if anyone else wants to join me they can pick a mountain
-
Om meelbeg summit now watching the sunset, got my pack down to 12kg but cold night forecast so packed my big sleeping bag bringing it up to 14kg, still a lot better than the 17kg last time. Windier than I expected up here but the walk up was calm and sunny. Vert few spots to pitch a tent so have a few bumps on the floor. Now the moon is out and its pretty amazing up here
-
Om meelbeg summit now watching the sunset, got my pack down to 12kg but cold night forecast so packed my big sleeping bag bringing it up to 14kg, still a lot better than the 17kg last time. Windier than I expected up here but the walk up was calm and sunny. Vert few spots to pitch a tent so have a few bumps on the floor. Now the moon is out and its pretty amazing up here
Have fun
Dont know if you follow football but spurs won 4-0
-
sorry, no interest in Mr Crouch on or off the field ;D
Well i'm down safe now and must say that was a great night, well as great as camping on a mountain summit alone can be :D Weather was perfect on way up and way down, should have some nice pics soon but have to go and MOT the car first :'(
-
Slive Meelbeg - Camp No.2 - the story with pictures
1hr 15mins up from Happy Valley/Fofanny Wood/Whatever car park going up left of river, 45 mins down going to right of river (that right when looking from car park), could have parked at Meelmore Lodge but that would have added 40 mins to journey and i'd be back before June had the frying pan on in the cafe anyway.
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8250693LargeSmall.jpg)
target acquired (the bump on the right)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8250703LargeSmall.jpg)
Bearnagh from the saddle
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8250709LargeSmall.jpg)
Meelmore where i camped 2 nights ago
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8250716LargeSmall.jpg)
my wee flying friend who kept me company, i seem to recall he was there when i did meelbeg last week too
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8250723LargeSmall.jpg)
sunset
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8250729LargeSmall.jpg)
the moon over bearnagh
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8260754LargeSmall.jpg)
sunrise over bearnagh
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8260760LargeSmall.jpg)
me at dawn, actually i lay on til 6.15 this morning as i was so comfy in my warm sleeping bag ;D
you can see good campsites where hard to find and ground sloped off very quickly, the other side of the wall was a bit better but covered in sheep poo and the wind was coming that way
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8260771LargeSmall.jpg)
the moon still hanging around over spelga dam
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8260772LargeSmall.jpg)
Lough Shanngh
(I was tempted to go home this way but thought i'd leave it for another day)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/2meelbeg/P8260779LargeSmall.jpg)
One last view of Meelmore as i drove home, good thing i got up early and missed the cloud.
and the car failed the mot, so spending the afternoon putting a new brake caliper on >:(
-
car now has an mot ;D and 3 summits now completed
see http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1367.30 for pics of binnion camp
weather looks calm tonight (but only 3 degrees :o ) so thinking of commedagh, busy day but reckon i can walk up that one in the dark and i know exactly where to camp as i was up there only 2 weeks ago, only problem is that i have to be in Dungannon for 10.30am tomorrow as taking part in the gannonball run www.gannonballrun.com
-
was too busy doing soapbox practise runs today so maybe tuesday night instead
tonight i'll be sitting in watchng a dvd with a homemade cury and a few beers, nearly as much fun as last night ;D
-
The plan now is to do bearnagh tonight & next one this friday night. All welcome.
-
Bearnagh is a geat summit camp. Have fun.
-
Found a lovely spot on the north tor, it suited the wind direction better than the summit, having my supper
Now while watching tollymore forest burn !
-
I'm stopping reading this post during the week. Makes me sad and jealous :)
Found a lovely spot on the north tor, it suited the wind direction better than the summit, having my supper
Now while watching tollymore forest burn !
-
Lying in the tent now with the door open looking towards the lights of belfast, tollymore has nearly stopped burning, saw some blue lights going that direction, you won't be so jealous when I tell you I have to get up at 5.30am to get to work :)
-
well that was a perfect nights camping in the mountains, it just doesn't get any better, only problem was that my camera batteries ran out :'( but got some pics on the phone, will post them tonight (unless i go up again ;) )
-
stayed at home tonight so got the pics sorted, still planning on doing commedagh friday night unless someone wants to pic another (Donard or Lamagan)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/4bearnagh/P9010691LargeSmall.jpg)
Sileve Bearnagh ahead in the distance
(the rocky one on the left)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/4bearnagh/P9010695LargeSmall.jpg)
the meelmore stile again, this time its t shirt weather
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/4bearnagh/IMG00208-20100902-0636Small.jpg)
found this little emergency shelter but the weather was way too good to consider using it
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/4bearnagh/IMG00202-20100902-0621Small.jpg)
was a bit breezy on the top so camped on the north tor rather than the actual summit
as the wall was on the "right" side
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/4bearnagh/IMG00199-20100902-0619Small.jpg)
as the sun sets i get a good view of the fog rolling in over the valleys
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/4bearnagh/P9010722LargeSmall.jpg)
and i also see a bit of a fire very near tollymore forest
(it didn't get any worse than that and was out again by midnight so may have been a controlled fire)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/4bearnagh/IMG00213-20100902-0639Small.jpg)
the sun rises over Commedagh so time to go to work
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/4bearnagh/IMG00222-20100902-0726Small.jpg)
even more fog in the valleys, my car is parked in there somewhere
4 down, 3 to go
-
4 down, 3 to go
Thats good going!
Those photos of the fog rolling in look awesome... gonna have to get up there with a camera some evening! I still need to tick off a Bearnagh summit camp any way :)
-
On Commedagh now, was a warm walk up, down had to get the shorts on I was sweating that much, but chuffing cold and windy at top. The wind direction is right along the wall bso no protection there but fortunately there's a big hole in the ground which offers some shelter, and its to get windier overnight :(
-
Nice pictues !!
-
cheers, hopefully you'll like these ones of Commedagh as well ;D
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/5commedagh/P9030697LargeSmall.jpg)
the sun sets over the wall on Commedagh
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/5commedagh/P9030698LargeSmall.jpg)
Bearnagh provides the backdrop here
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/5commedagh/P9030702LargeSmall.jpg)
found a little hole to put my tent in to avoid most of the wind
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/5commedagh/P9040714LargeSmall.jpg)
all this came in one rucksack :o
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/5commedagh/P9040715LargeSmall.jpg)
come on Liam, get up and see the sunrise
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/5commedagh/P9040719LargeSmall.jpg)
no, its all foggy out there
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/5commedagh/P9040720LargeSmall.jpg)
should have stayed in bed :(
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/5commedagh/P9040721LargeSmall.jpg)
i couldn't even see the stone hut most of the time
thats 5 done, 2 more to go, will need some good weather and light winds though
-
Great sunrise. You're doing a fine job.
-
Well its nearly a week since i camped out and it seems like a month :o so unless the forecast changes dramatically i'll be doing Slievelamagan this Fri night, all welcome.
-
What route are you taking?
Well its nearly a week since i camped out and it seems like a month :o so unless the forecast changes dramatically i'll be doing Slievelamagan this Fri night, all welcome.
-
Well its nearly a week since i camped out and it seems like a month :o so unless the forecast changes dramatically i'll be doing Slievelamagan this Fri night, all welcome.
If I can swing with the boss I might pop up with my bivvy for the night .. Will start my powers of persuasion by making her breakfast in the morning
-
What route are you taking?
The quickest one ;D i assume thats up the Annalong valley, leaving carrick little approx 6pm, anyone coming make a note of my number 07753 880167, happy to wait for stragglers ::)
-
Weather's looking good...this morning's rain is all gone...may just join you.
Will be late starting, either get the wife to drop me at Carrick Little....or will drive over to Bloody Bridge Camp site and walk from there over Beg->Cove..
Just need to sort out the minor detail of getting the green light from the wife.... Permission denied.
ps. anyone else see the hot air balloon kicking about Co Down this evening?
-
On summit now all wrapped up in my tent, hardly a breath of wind so good walk up (but couldn't see a path up lamagan so cut across the heather) lots of cloud below me so should have some interesting photos, if its any consolation Chuck the rain is just starting!
Someone must be bivvying on buzzards roost cos we've been flashing at each other, torches that is :-)
-
Sorry I missed ya I'm only up ended up helping father in law in his pub today but for some reason the liquid refreshment was a wee bit intoxicating ::)
-
Sure we'll all be having a big party on Donard soon :-)
-
down safely once more, quite a good night with very little wind (handy as there was no wall for shelter) but did get some very heavy showers (thats why i was on the forum at 3.30am!) but the new tent coped very well, when i took the tent out of the car this morning noticed a lot little white hairs on the base, looked again and they were moving :o i must have pitched it on a nest of some sort, hundreds of the little things all over it so it got a good hose down in the driveway
so just one more to go, the biggun, date to be confirmed
-
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9100700LargeSmall.jpg)
Lamagan dead ahead
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9100706LargeSmall.jpg)
hmmmm, paths a bit wet :'(
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9100716LargeSmall.jpg)
at the Binnian/Lamagan saddle - great view of Ben Crom valley
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9100727LargeSmall.jpg)
This is were i could see camera flashes from, i hope they were camping and not signalling for help !!
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9100735LargeSmall.jpg)
some lovely cloud formations over Bearnagh, changed by the minute
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9100746LargeSmall.jpg)
supper
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9100748LargeSmall.jpg)
looking at the map in my cavernous taurus 2 tent to see why i missed the path up (it wasn't marked on this old map >:( )
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9110752LargeSmall.jpg)
sunrise at the summit
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9110758LargeSmall.jpg)
view of Ben Crom & Silent valley reservoirs
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9110780LargeSmall.jpg)
my old friend Percy Bysshe, it was through Percy that i found out about ni-wild so i owe him one
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/6lamagan/P9110789LargeSmall.jpg)
glad i left nice and early (7am) as summit now covered in cloud
-
This is were i could see camera flashes from, i hope they were camping and not signalling for help !!
Six flashes (shouts/whistles/waves of your arms) then a pause repeated every minute means they would have been in trouble (you 'answer' by flashing three times)....anything else means they where just d1cking about ;) or practising night climbing...
Anyhow, well done....will def show up for your final one.
-
I didn't know that ??? , i would have used morse code SOS (· · · — — — · · ·) if i needed help, i couldn't see anyone, it was getting dark and my eyesight ain't the best at long distance anyway 8) , i did stop for quite a while and listened, heard no shouts at all (at it was very quiet with minimal wind) so carried on with a plan to check again in daylight next morning, you think they would have a sign detailing help signals at the start of the paths, there is one at the Ott Mountain Car Park, it gives you the Newcastle Police Station Phone number and 999, which one do you think you'll remember ::)
So anyone else up for a wee party on Donard? don't know whether to pick a date and just go for it or be spontaneous and go when the weather is good.
Also has anyone else camped on all 7 summits before? or have you at least heard of others doing it?
-
I would be up for a party on Donard to celebrate you achievement .. ;D one I have never heard of anyone being mad enough to do before ;)
-
it'll be Buckfast for breakfast on Donard then ;) if theres enough of us we could bring a load of wood and nails and make a Bucky Bench ;D
-
My plan was to camp the sevens this summer. Managed 1 :( Can't believe you've done 6 in a few weeks.
Maybe next year.
-
I think you've put a lot of us to shame Liam! Really well done getting so many done in so little time. Will keep an eye out for your Slieve Donard summit camp, hopefully a few of us can make it to see you over the finish line :)
Question is - what next? ;)
-
7 7s in the snow?
-
I will come to meet you on the finish line, I think you have done a sterling job.
-
Not thinking about the next challenge until I complete this one first!
Well the weather is pretty bad for camping this week and hopefully you will all be busy doing the MM (or its alternative) this Saturday so I plan to camp on Donard Friday 24th with the option of moving to sat or sun night if weather is really bad (27th is my deadline to do this)
-
Fri 24th looking ok weatherwise but might be VERY cold at that height so bring a duvet !
-
Fri 24th looking ok weatherwise but might be VERY cold at that height so bring a duvet !
Best of luck for it Liam, hope the weather holds out! I'm doing the Bangor 10K on Saturday morning so think I'd better pass on a trip up Donard the evening before :D
-
When 666_Pack camped on Donard he had to de-ice his shoes in the morning :)
Fri 24th looking ok weatherwise but might be VERY cold at that height so bring a duvet !
-
buckfast slush puppy for breakfast then ;D
-
I'll see if I can make it.
-
bring your bonfire ;)
could always nip over to commedagh and get andys walking stick ::)
-
Good going and interesting reading. All the best with the final one.
I remember one time in particular that I camped at the saddle between Donard and Commedagh, it was the coldest night of my life. Mind you it was 2 days after Christmas and it was snowing at the time. "3 season sleeping bags? Pah, how cold can it be?!"
-
i hear its a bit of a tradition to camp there on new years eve :o we'll see how this weekend goes first but i've never camped in the snow but have woken up to a bit of frost on the ground before, anyone else coming? i'm bringing some birthday cake up ;D
-
leaving the house now, will do a little window shopping at Hilltrekker then head up about 4.30pm, it looks like a cloudless night so hopefully get some good snaps with the camera i've borrowed (sony dsc-h10) with its 10x zoom, will be very cold (forecast says 2 deg so will be frosty on summit) so packed the long johns and an extra t-shirt, rucksack down to 14kg so room for more beer ;D anyone coming call me on xxxxxxxxxx or just turn up at the summit, had a few friends coming with me but they have all dropped out
tomorrow night looks better but i have a special mournes trip planned for saturday afternoon to celebrate completing the sleepy sevens ;) assuming i don't freeze solid tonight :o
watch this space......
-
Good luck!
-
Cold and windy up here, you are all better off at home :) wish I'd brought a book as I'm bored now! Only so many times you can read a map :)
-
I'd swap...
Cold and windy up here, you are all better off at home :) wish I'd brought a book as I'm bored now! Only so many times you can read a map :)
-
I'm only doing this for charity, its nutters like you who do it for fun :)
Although I am tempted to do a summit camp in the snow! Just think of the great sunrise photos
-
i'd swap too mate.
The wind tents to pick up after mid night so just check your pegs before you turn in for the night. best of luck and I hope to share a winter summit camp with you, just the idea of a buckfast slushpuppy............. ;D
-
Cold and windy sounds like my trip up on Tuesday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSAfa5tylks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSAfa5tylks)
-
yep that Slieve Donard alright. Windy f**ker alright. Love it.
-
i wish i was with u GOOD LUCK MATE ur a better man than me !
-
i'm down safely, i'm sore all over, i'm going to have a hot bath and a big fry then go up the mournes again this afternoon to celebrate :D
-
Well done and a big congrats ... Do you have a favourite summit camp out if the 7 ??
-
probably Bearnagh, may have been the nice weather (had a nice evening on meelbeg too)
the worst were the first and the last, Meelmore & Donard, again probably due to the weather
Binnion was the most fun though ;D
-
A very BIG WELL DONE mate u should be very proud of urself .
-
big well done mate.
-
Nice one Liam.
-
Well done Liam
-
Yep, nicely done. Hopefully I'll get the sevens bivvyed before too long.
-
thanks everybody, will have a full write up and pics soon but in the meantime here's a sneak preview of todays trip in the mournes ;)
-
it is hard to get tired of the Mournes :) I love the place. It,s amazing how we attribute a presonality to all the hills too. They're like old friend.
-
celebrating over, well for today anyway as i have my 40th birthday tomorrow 8)
all my pics are online at http://www.iacservices.co.uk/landrover/team-blrc/2010sleepysevens.htm
a big thank you to the niwilders who kept me going by making these summit camps sound like a walk in the park ::) at the start of the summer i could never have imagined i would be sitting here now talking about this achievement, now let me remind you all
I AM NOT FIT
i was 14 1/2 stone in June, did about 1 mountain per year for past 20 years, but chatting online to you lot and reading your trip reviews inspired me to go a bit further, well i've donethe 7 summit camps and hiked to about 25 peaks this summer and am now 2 1/2 stone lighter and feeling much better for it (although my legs do ache today, knew i shouldn't have jogged downhill with a 15kg rucksack ;D )
so hopefully what i've done will inspire a few others and if it can be done for charity all the better, and on that point you can donate online at www.team-blrc.co.uk but remember to save a few pounds for lennys Kilimajaro charity trip, now that is a REAL achievement, maybe even next year for me..........
-
Congrats on doing the 7!
Really enjoyed reading the updates
I've done quite a bit of walking on the Mournes and camped between Carn and Loughshannagh on one very wet and windy night but you have inspired me to try a few summit camps (or perhaps a summit bivy).
-
Well done Liam, Great present from the wife.
-
Congrats on doing the 7!
Really enjoyed reading the updates
I've done quite a bit of walking on the Mournes and camped between Carn and Loughshannagh on one very wet and windy night but you have inspired me to try a few summit camps (or perhaps a summit bivy).
Has to be the bivvy you won't regret it :-)
-
you have inspired me to try a few summit camps (or perhaps a summit bivy)
the bivvy night eluded me, more of a summer activity i think, i'll be checking out ebay for a bivvy bag for next year ;)
-
thanks everybody, will have a full write up and pics soon but in the meantime here's a sneak preview of todays trip in the mournes ;)
Great pic, it had me guessing though. Think I worked out correctly that the pic shows (from the left) Meelbeg, Meelmore, Bernagh (with Doan and Ben Crom in front), Commedagh and Donard on the right. Lamagan and Binnian working down the right of the picture.
Thing is, I was trying to work out what possible hill the picture was taken from. If I am correct, the hills aren't that high to have given that angle of a picture. It all made sense looking at the link.
Fantastic achievement and a great end to it all. Well done.
-
Well done Liam, you've put many of us to shame! So now that you have this challenge successfully completed, I've got to ask again... whats next? :)
-
Fair play to you mate. Good job.
-
whats next?
have 9 months to think of something else, maybe the MMM in fancy dress? the sevens sevens in wetsuit and flippers? hope to be a lot fitter by then anyway
-
whats next?
have 9 months to think of something else, maybe the MMM in fancy dress? the sevens sevens in wetsuit and flippers? hope to be a lot fitter by then anyway
Have you thought about outside Northern Ireland? for example the TGO Challange or West Highland Way??
-
Why not combine some of your interests.....Seven sevens in a landrover?
The mourne wall may be a bit tough to get around though.
-
Well many years ago a land rover was taken up ben nevis, it is rumoured that they had to dismantle it and carry it up in sections :-)
-
A wee update, just completed first day of the Temple Street 4x4 challenge, started this morning down at The Burren in Co.Clare, now in a campsite somewhere in Mayo, just settling into my sleeping bag and it feels strange camping on a flat surface with no mourne granite bellow the tent :)
-
you thought any more on next years adventure
Wahey 100th reply
-
Haven't a clue yet, would like to use the mournes again, and do something a bit different, we'll see how fit I am next summer :)
I've just finished the 4x4 event, sitting in the Slieve Russell hotel waiting for the prizegiving dinner, these have been known to go on til 6am!
-
Must be getting old as I could only party til 4am, but I must also be getting wiser as we won first place :)
-
Must be getting old as I could only party til 4am, but I must also be getting wiser as we won first place :)
Congrats on first place old man ;D
-
Conrats mate
-
4x4 event sounds awesome... if you ever need a co-driver... :)
-
Must be getting old as I could only party til 4am, but I must also be getting wiser as we won first place :)
Well done lad keep up the good work !! :)
-
4x4 event sounds awesome... if you ever need a co-driver..
i reckon you lot would make excellent navigators so i'l keep an eye out on the run up to next years event and see if anyone needs a partner
so here's a few pics from the weekend, hope to get some better ones soon from my navigators camera
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/templestreet.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA020664Small.jpg)
it seems that all the signs in Co Clare are in one spot !
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA020677Small.jpg)
rush hour in the burren
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA020688Small.jpg)
stunning views
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA020691Small.jpg)
still not last
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA020696Small.jpg)
bbq in a puddle on saturday night
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030702Small.jpg)
breakfast on Sunday morning
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030703Small.jpg)
dawn at the campsite
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030712Small.jpg)
lining up for the second day
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030716Small.jpg)
a lovely little green lane
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030719Small.jpg)
life in the fast lane
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030720Small.jpg)
gulp!
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030727Small.jpg)
help, i'm stuck
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030728Small.jpg)
Pamela at Checkpoint Charlie
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030737Small.jpg)
makes my discovery look small :'(
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030745Small.jpg)
all parked up, event over
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030749Small.jpg)
once again the Slieve Russell Hotel puts on an excellent spread for the prizegiving meal
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA030750Small.jpg)
a selecton of the prizes donated by Cavan Crystal
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/PA040775Small.jpg)
as is customery, Liam takes a lap of honour on the lion
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/4x4challenge2010/photos5thOctober2010953Small.jpg)
the happy couple
-
Those competitions look like an absolute blast. Congratulations on the result!
-
Liam, that looks like great craic!
-
its a great way to see the country, we usually do about 400 miles along the west cost from the Clare/Galway area up as far as Donegal, you don't need a rufty tufty 4x4 to do it (although it would be more fun that way ::) ) i'm sure an xtrail or freelander would do, in fact 98% of the roads/lanes used could be driven by car, we went up some rough lanes on steep hills and were often amazed to find a car coming the other way and a house along the lane :o makes you realise what a good job the DOE do on our roads here
if anyone is thinking of doing it next year visit www.4x4challenge.org
its about 200 euro (per team of 2) to enter (includes all maps, campsite on sat night and slap up meal and excellent hotel on sun night) and you have to raise at least 500 euro in sponsorship
-
That would be fun, just cant afford a 4x4
-
you'd be surprised how cheaply they can be bought for, and its even cheaper to insure than my car as its on a limited mileage policy, tax is the same as my car as its pre 2001, but putting fuel in them, thats a nightmare :'(
-
you'd be surprised how cheaply they can be bought for, and its even cheaper to insure than my car as its on a limited mileage policy, tax is the same as my car as its pre 2001, but putting fuel in them, thats a nightmare :'(
I've been keeping an eye out for a 4x4 for awhile now, as I'd quite like one as a "weekend warrior". Defenders and Discos are top of the list, but I wouldn't turn down a Jap 4x4 like an old Land Cruiser. Earlier in the year I was at Meelmore Lodge and a 4x4 club were there for the evening and there seemed to be quite a few of the older shape Grand Vitaras there as well.
I did laugh recently when I spotted a low mileage Disco on Used Cars NI and couldnt work out why it was so cheap. Then I spotted the 4 litre V8 petrol engine :) Thats gotta be hard on the wallet...!
So any tips Liam for buying something like a mid-late 90's Discovery? I'm assuming the 2.5 diesel is the way to go?
-
"weekend warrior", i lke that ;D
so which one to buy, well i could start a whole new thread on that, in fact a whole new forum would probably be needed ! it depends on how handy you are with a spanner, if not then maybe stay with the more reliable makes such as toyota, although even thats no guarantee of a trouble free motoring life. My views are blinkered by my passion for the Land Rover marque so i'd suggest a 1995 to 1998 Discovery with the 2.5 diesel (300tdi) altough a 3.9 v8 petrol with LPG converion is more economical (as long as it doesn't go wrong!). Plenty of bargains out there for the patient buyer but many look good on the outside (the aluminium bodies don't rust) but can be rotten behind the scenes so if you don't know what you're looking for then bring someone who does (eh, that'll probably be me ::) ) Defenders are more iconic but vastly overpriced for what you get and much less comfortable, but i still want one ;D . Freelanders are ok for anything you would be doing in this country on legal lanes but ground clearance is poor.
So when do we get a 4x4 forum in ni-wild? actually there's plenty out there already so probably no real need (e.g. http://www.landroveraddict.com/smf/ )
-
so which one to buy, well i could start a whole new thread on that, in fact a whole new forum would probably be needed !
Yeah, I thought it was probably a tall order asking that question as buying a 4x4 seems nearly as difficult as deciding what tent or stove to buy :D
My previous "weekend warriors" have all had two wheels, but I think I've got that stage of my life over with! I was all the more encouraged when Kat pointed out a bumper sticker on a Defender the other day that read "Your car may be faster, but mine can go anywhere!" :)
As you say, you seem to get more Discovery for your money. I guess the popularity of the Defender keeps the prices up. Spanner wise, well I'm okay when I've got a Haynes manual in one hand! Generally do my own servicing etc. but if the thing ground to a halt away from home I'd probably be doing a fair bit of head scratching as to where to start :D If do spot something I like (and can afford!) then will be sure to give you a shout to get some advice. Or if you come across a good buy some where drop me a PM!
-
You say a car could do 98% of what you do on those trips, does that mean that what you put the 4x4 through isn't extreme? What I'm really getting at is if your dad had a 6 year-old Toyota Land Cruiser that had never been off-road in it's life could you borrow it to do a wee jaunt with no fear whatsoever that you'd wreck it other than being a numpty and rolling it going too hard round a corner?
-
So when do we get a 4x4 forum in ni-wild? actually there's plenty out there already so probably no real need (e.g. http://www.landroveraddict.com/smf/ )
We're always after new niches so if you can bring people to the forum we can certainly create a sub board. PM me if you're interested.
-
Wife has a Tucson but I'm assuming that even in 4WD it wouldn't cope too well. I've had it down the odd nightmare muddy lane but nothing serious.
its a great way to see the country, we usually do about 400 miles along the west cost from the Clare/Galway area up as far as Donegal, you don't need a rufty tufty 4x4 to do it (although it would be more fun that way ::) ) i'm sure an xtrail or freelander would do, in fact 98% of the roads/lanes used could be driven by car, we went up some rough lanes on steep hills and were often amazed to find a car coming the other way and a house along the lane :o makes you realise what a good job the DOE do on our roads here
if anyone is thinking of doing it next year visit www.4x4challenge.org
its about 200 euro (per team of 2) to enter (includes all maps, campsite on sat night and slap up meal and excellent hotel on sun night) and you have to raise at least 500 euro in sponsorship
-
Funny thing is, I've had my Seat Ibiza on some rare lanes and off-road tracks. I'm convinced the fact its pretty light means it handles it all pretty well as long as ground clearance isnt an issue... just need to get a high-lift kit for her boy ;D
-
You say a car could do 98% of what you do on those trips
but you have to be ready for the 2% ;D
(http://user26557.vs.easily.co.uk/landrover/team-blrc/graphics/photos/2007/Dscf2258s.jpg)
(http://user26557.vs.easily.co.uk/landrover/team-blrc/graphics/photos/2007/dt2007_5.jpg)
(http://user26557.vs.easily.co.uk/landrover/team-blrc/graphics/photos/2008/DSCF4852.JPG)
-
You say a car could do 98% of what you do on those trips
but you have to be ready for the 2% ;D
Sure thats what the winch is for... so you can tow us car drivers through all that ;)
-
Oh I see, I'll tell my dad to keep his keys locked away.
-
No, take it offroad, do a bit of damage, when he sees the bill he'll buy you a Land Rover as it'll be cheaper than fixing the Toyota again ;D
Back to the topic of next year's challenge, i had an epiphany today, I should bivvy on the 7 peaks, but will start earlier in the summer to get the better weather ;)
-
Well its that time of year again and after missing the event last year :( i've been pressganged (well they only had to ask once ;) ) into taking part this year (Oct 6th & 7th)
Here's my trusty steed and chaffeur this year.
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2011/discoSmall.jpg)
Here's my fundraising page just in case anyone wants to make a wee donation ::)
(http://www.mycharity.ie/UI_images/logo.jpg) (http://www.mycharity.ie/UI_images/buttons/spnsrMeNow.gif)
http://www.mycharity.ie/event/mark_dunnes_4x4challenge_2012
(http://www.4x4challenge.org/images/tschpurplelogo.png) (http://www.4x4challenge.org/images/cartoonlogo.png)
Sorry never did get round to bivvying the 7 summits, just managed Binnion & Commedagh, hopefully thats worth a donation of a pound or 2 ???
-
All packed and ready to go to Donegal for a dirty weekend, we still need a few pound to meet our minimum sponsorship target, feel free to help it along, min donation only 2 euro :) if we don't raise 500 euro i won't post any pics ;D
http://www.mycharity.ie/event/mark_dunnes_4x4challenge_2012
-
Donated, good luck!