Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: suspectmonkey on October 18, 2010
-
What: Mourne Way Overnighter
When: Saturday 23rd October (10.30am) - Sunday 24th October
Where: Start in Donard Car Park, Newcastle. Finish in Rostrevor.
The Mournes are a wonderfully compact range of mountains crowned by Ulster's highest summit, Slieve Donard. From all over County Down the dome of Donard and the serrated tors of Bearnagh and Binnian can be seen crowning a skyline of graceful peaks. The gentler foothills and surrounding farmlands are equally beautiful in their own pastoral way. Not surprisingly the Mournes are a magnet for walkers, and the 26-mile long Mourne Way marries many of the best features of Mourne country walking. Following a mixture of forest trails and mountain paths this route is almost entirely off-road as it travels through the foothills of the Mournes, from Newcastle on the Irish Sea, to Rostrevor on Carlingford Lough.
Alright folks, time to get out in the hills again! Planning to walk the Mourne Way which starts in Newcastle and follows forest tracks and mountain paths to Rostrevor, 26 miles away. The route passes through Tollymore Forest Park, follows the base of Slieve Meelmore and Meelbeg, heads through Spelga and finishes by descending through Rostrevor Forest to Kilbroney Park.
I'm hoping to set off on Saturday 23rd October and camp/bivvy around the half way mark (probably around the Slievenamuck - Hen Mtn. area). Then set off to complete the route on Sunday, finishing in Rostrevor. From Rostrevor we can catch an Ulsterbus back to Newcastle. I've checked the bus timetables and they seem to run fairly regularly using the #39 route from Rostrevor to Kilkeel and then the #37 route from Kilkeel to Newcastle.
So, whos in? This is a good trip to get a decent walk and overnighter ticked off, but without having to trundle over summits for a change :)
More info: Mourne Way - Walk NI (http://www.walkni.com/ulsterway/sections/mourne-way/)
Bus info: Translink Journey Planner (http://www.translink.co.uk/Journey-Planner/?departsearchquery=rostrevor&arrivesearchquery=newcastle&bybus=True&bytrain=True&traveldate=24/10/2010)
Going:
suspectmonkey
Kat
chris
matthewrblack
Maybe:
landyliam
Sawyer
Chuck
-
I'd be up for that, I'm off this weekend.
-
Sorry going to be in Glasgow this weekend, Will be avalible next weekend tho
-
I'm off this weekend.
:o Thats gonna be a shock to the system having a weekend off :D
Sorry going to be in Glasgow this weekend, Will be avalible next weekend tho
Pity you can't make it Lenny... although Glasgow isnt a bad spot to spend the weekend!
-
Howdy chum, I am heading to shoot ducks this Sat with dad and will be back home in and around 10:30-11. How does this suit time wise, I am guessing it will be too late?
Matthew
-
Howdy chum, I am heading to shoot ducks this Sat with dad and will be back home in and around 10:30-11. How does this suit time wise, I am guessing it will be too late?
Matthew
To be honest Matthew I hadn't really thought about times yet! Guess will just pick a time that suits as many people as possible. To be honest I'd prefer not to be heading off too early, because there isn't much point arriving at the camp spot early in the afternoon only to find we've a whole load of hours to kill in the dark and no huge fire to keep us occupied :D Seeing The Book of the Bivvy is getting good mileage on here at the moment I thought this was an adequate quote:
There are five rules for covering country:
...4 Finish Late
Which also solves the problem of how to pass the evening in the confines of the bivvybag. Don't get into the bivvy until the evening's already over.
Whilst on the subject, I stuck the route in Quo and have the profiles for day 1 and 2. The total distance is coming up a bit short, so I've probably missed a turn here or there, but it gives you a rough idea of the distance for each day. The Route Card in Quo is giving about 6 hours to complete the first day, but that doesn't take into consideration breaks etc. I guess its going to be dark around 6pm so what time would we fancy heading off at? If we leave before 12pm then we are going to have a whole lotta evening to kill, but if we leave after 12pm we are going to be doing some walking in the dark.
By the way, if the timings work out okay for you Matthew I can give you a lift.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/suspectmonkey/Outdoors/Mourne_Way_Profile.jpg)
-
Cheers for the lift offer mate. if you get a moment can you e mail me the QUO map files so i can have a gander over them.
matthewrblack@aol.com should do for the address
-
If you get a moment can you e mail me the QUO map files so i can have a gander over them.
Done :)
-
Been thinking of doing this walk recently so i'm up for it but I have things arranged for the weekend (like kids birthdays ::) ) but trying to reschedule so i can at least do one of the days (hopefully day 1)
A good campsite is the where the Rowan Tree & Rocky Rivers meet, plenty of water and a big fire pit ;)
-
If you get a moment can you e mail me the QUO map files so i can have a gander over them.
Done :)
Cheers lad I am out at an A Level agreement trial today but I will have a wee look when I get home.
-
Been thinking of doing this walk recently so i'm up for it but I have things arranged for the weekend (like kids birthdays ::) ) but trying to reschedule so i can at least do one of the days (hopefully day 1)
A good campsite is the where the Rowan Tree & Rocky Rivers meet, plenty of water and a big fire pit ;)
Cheers for the heads up on where to camp, that sounds like a decent spot! Hopefully you'll be able to make it for at least one of the days, or even the overnighter!
-
Suspectmonkey may want to consider some mushrooms on toast before he tackles his 26 mile Mourne Way (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1466.msg13596;topicseen#msg13596) dander :D
I was thinking more sausage and egg... and replacing the toast with soda bread ;)
You gonna join us mate? I promise to let you do some 'shroom identification en route, although can't guarantee I'd be up for taste sessions yet!
Hey Suspect'
Unfortunately I have baby sitting issues on Saturday, and Wife issues on Sunday, so I will probably have to give this one a miss. I would love to be coming along for this one as a 26 mile dander is right up my street!!!
I see your concerned about arriving too early. To be honest I have never found this a problem, especially in the Autumn/Winter months. I love getting to my camp site early and getting a cool bivvi constructed, a bit of food cooked, a fire lit in the hobo stove and then settle down for a couple of drinkies. I find that by the time you've practiced all your bushcraft etc you never have enough time and end up trailing yourself off to bed about 2am in the morn ::)
If I can wangle anything I'll let you know but I'm fairly sure I'm 99% screwed for this weekend :'(
-
if i can bum a lift home I'm in!? (any takers?)
-
I might be able to come too - still have to buy those shoes tho!
-
If I can wangle anything I'll let you know but I'm fairly sure I'm 99% screwed for this weekend :'(
No worries dude, will keep my fingers crossed for the 1% ;)
if i can bum a lift home I'm in!? (any takers?)
Wouldn't see you stuck, but your direction is totally the wrong way for me. That said, if no one from your direction is going would a lift to Lisburn help to catch the train to Craigavon? Sorry if this is turning into Planes, Trains and Automobiles ;D
I might be able to come too - still have to buy those shoes tho!
Late night shopping on Thursday night! Actually, this would be a really good trip to try the trail shoes out on, just a pity I can't afford any at the moment. Oh well, Christmas isn't all that far away and I'm hoping Santa has heard of Innov-8 and Salomon :)
-
Cheers for the e mail it looks a good trip. As for getting there early I am not too fussed but it would to arrive with at least some light.
I should be ok to go but it depends if I am back from Lough Neagh in time
-
Sorry if this is turning into Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The thought of hearing "those aren't pillows" from your bivvy bag has me chuckling ;D
-
if i can bum a lift home I'm in!? (any takers?)
I'm sure I could swing thorough on the way home.
-
Would love to go to this guys but i've a week old baby in the house. So thats me out have a good one.
Let me know if you think you could do it on a bike?
-
Would love to go to this guys but i've a week old baby in the house. So thats me out have a good one.
Let me know if you think you could do it on a bike?
Congrats on the baby ;D
-
Would love to go to this guys but i've a week old baby in the house. So thats me out have a good one.
Let me know if you think you could do it on a bike?
Congratulations MG! Definitely an NI-Wild baby boom going on :D
Will be interesting to see if the trails are rideable as if they are I'd definitely come back to give them a go on two wheels!
-
So now we know a few of us are going, what kinda time do you think we should set off at? When I put the route into Quo it came back with around 6 hours to cover the first 12-13 miles. Six hours sounds quite generous, but at the same time normally Quo under-estimates on time as it doesnt take into account the inevitable stops along the way. If it takes 6-7 hours then leaving at 11am would have us around the camp spot as the light was fading around 6pm. Do you think thats too late a start time?
-
Cheers guys.
Jon If your up for a 2 wheeled mourne way give me a shout.
-
So now we know a few of us are going, what kinda time do you think we should set off at? When I put the route into Quo it came back with around 6 hours to cover the first 12-13 miles. Six hours sounds quite generous, but at the same time normally Quo under-estimates on time as it doesnt take into account the inevitable stops along the way. If it takes 6-7 hours then leaving at 11am would have us around the camp spot as the light was fading around 6pm. Do you think thats too late a start time?
Nah sounds fine to me.
-
I will probably just be getting home at 1030 so to be setting off at 11 is going to be a push for me
-
I will probably just be getting home at 1030 so to be setting off at 11 is going to be a push for me
I've got an idea. PM'ed ya ;)
-
Replied.
-
hi all,
cheers for the lifts guts but I'm gonna have to give this a miss. Have a good one.
-
No way i can make the Saturday now but till hopeful for bumping into you on the Sunday
-
This looks like a top trip, gutted I can't make it.
-
Good chance I can make this now guys. I'll have to head off extremely early the next morning though. Thinking of leaving the car at Hilltown which seems a short walk from the proposed camp spot. Can't seem to se any info on bus services from Hilltown to Newcastle though ???
Also do you have a definite meet time now?
Cheers
-
hi all, cheers for the lifts guts but I'm gonna have to give this a miss. Have a good one.
No worries Mr. 6, hopefully catch you on the next trip!
No way i can make the Saturday now but till hopeful for bumping into you on the Sunday
Liam, I will drop you a PM with my mobile number so you can give me a call if you get a chance to catch up with us on Sunday.
-
Not sure if I can go now, as I have to do something on Saturday....
-
Good chance I can make this now guys. I'll have to head off extremely early the next morning though. Thinking of leaving the car at Hilltown which seems a short walk from the proposed camp spot. Can't seem to se any info on bus services from Hilltown to Newcastle though
Are you planning to meet us at Donard car park in Newcastle for the start of the walk on Saturday morning, camp overnight on Saturday night and then head off early Sunday morning to catch a bus from Hilltown back to Newcastle?
I had a look at the Translink network map (http://www.translink.co.uk/Documents/Services/Ulsterbus/Public%20Transport%20Network.pdf) and it looks like you need to catch the bus on route 240 to get from Hilltown to Newcastle. Timetable is here (http://www.translink.co.uk/Journey-Planner/Goldline-Service-240-Inbound/#), if you click on the tab for Sunday it looks like the earliest bus back is departing Hilltown at 11.41 and arriving Newcastle at 12.10.
As for what time to meet at, I'd be aiming to be in Donard Car Park for 10.30am so we are hitting the trail by 11am at the latest. If you fancy going Sawyer drop me a PM with your mobile no. and I will reply with mine just incase there is any change of plan!
-
Good chance I can make this now guys. I'll have to head off extremely early the next morning though. Thinking of leaving the car at Hilltown which seems a short walk from the proposed camp spot. Can't seem to se any info on bus services from Hilltown to Newcastle though
Are you planning to meet us at Donard car park in Newcastle for the start of the walk on Saturday morning, camp overnight on Saturday night and then head off early Sunday morning to catch a bus from Hilltown back to Newcastle?
I had a look at the Translink network map (http://www.translink.co.uk/Documents/Services/Ulsterbus/Public%20Transport%20Network.pdf) and it looks like you need to catch the bus on route 240 to get from Hilltown to Newcastle. Timetable is here (http://www.translink.co.uk/Journey-Planner/Goldline-Service-240-Inbound/#), if you click on the tab for Sunday it looks like the earliest bus back is departing Hilltown at 11.41 and arriving Newcastle at 12.10.
As for what time to meet at, I'd be aiming to be in Donard Car Park for 10.30am so we are hitting the trail by 11am at the latest. If you fancy going Sawyer drop me a PM with your mobile no. and I will reply with mine just incase there is any change of plan!
Thanks mate. Was actually thinking of doing it the other way round - i.e. getting the bus to Newcastle and leaving the wagon in Hilltown overnight. Just checking times now...
Thanks!
-
mmm no buses on Sat morning from Hilltown to N'castle by the looks of things http://www.translink.co.uk/Journey-Planner/
-
mmm no buses on Sat morning from Hilltown to N'castle by the looks of things http://www.translink.co.uk/Journey-Planner/
Thats you there - http://www.translink.co.uk/Timetables/Goldline-Timetables/Goldline-Service-240-Inbound/
Click on the tab for Saturday and the earliest bus is leaving Hilltown at 10.41 and arriving in Newcastle Bus Stn. at 11.10. If you're definitely wanting to go I could pick you up at Newcastle Bus Stn. at 11.10 and then we will all be together for the start?
-
Great thanks Jonny. Your bus timetable skills are much better than mine!
That'd be superb if you could life me at 11.10am. I'll pm you my mobile.
thanks again
-
Your bus timetable skills are much better than mine!
I wouldn't speak too soon... I must admit I don't use public transport all that often so fingers crossed I haven't made a mistake ;)
Got your PM so will send you my number now, ta!
-
haha hope I don't end up in Tyneside @ 11.10am Sunday morning or something!
By the way I'm used to camping in the summer so was wondering what temp rating sleeping bag you guys tend to use this time of year. Might have to pop out and get a warmer one.
-
I'll be bring a 3-Season bag. I'm tenting it as the weather looks as if it will be cold.
Matthew
-
Thanks matthew. Do you usually just go with the tarp option?
-
I'll be bringing my Alpkit PD400 sleeping bag which is rated to -4C. A 3 season sleeping bag should do grand, but you can always up the temperature rating by either picking up a sleeping bag liner or wearing an insulating layer whilst in the sleeping bag such as a fleece or down vest.
Looks like I will be going for the tent option as Kat and I will be sharing and can split the weight. I was tempted to bivvy on this one, but weather looks a bit changable and I'm not a big fan of the tarp. Are you planning on tarping Sawyer?
-
I'll be bringing my Alpkit PD400 sleeping bag which is rated to -4C. A 3 season sleeping bag should do grand, but you can always up the temperature rating by either picking up a sleeping bag liner or wearing an insulating layer whilst in the sleeping bag such as a fleece or down vest.
Looks like I will be going for the tent option as Kat and I will be sharing and can split the weight. I was tempted to bivvy on this one, but weather looks a bit changable and I'm not a big fan of the tarp. Are you planning on tarping Sawyer?
I haven't actually tarped before so was keen to see it in action, but looks like everyone is in a tent this trip. Just on my way to Holywood to check out their bags.
-
I haven't actually tarped before so was keen to see it in action, but looks like everyone is in a tent this trip. Just on my way to Holywood to check out their bags.
Are you from Bangor? If so then don't forget Surf Mountain on Main St. or even TK Maxx. Think Surf Mtn. do some of the Vango synthetic bags which seem good value.
-
Weather's looking good (http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/today.asp?zipcode=bt33), may join you guys for the overnight...
-
Weather's looking good (http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/today.asp?zipcode=bt33), may join you guys for the overnight...
Yeah it looks like its gonna be one of those nice clear, crisp nights! Fingers crossed :)
Will drop you a PM with my mobile no. in case you want to join us. Chances are we will be camping at that spot Liam mentioned earlier in the thread, all being well!
-
Cheers. Will have my radio on channel six as well.
-
I haven't actually tarped before so was keen to see it in action, but looks like everyone is in a tent this trip. Just on my way to Holywood to check out their bags.
Are you from Bangor? If so then don't forget Surf Mountain on Main St. or even TK Maxx. Think Surf Mtn. do some of the Vango synthetic bags which seem good value.
Thanks, but all sorted. Snugpak sleeper lite down to a low of -7C for £40.
-
Thanks, but all sorted. Snugpak sleeper lite down to a low of -7C for £40.
Nice one, there are a few Snugpak fans on here so should be a good job.
-
Thanks, but all sorted. Snugpak sleeper lite down to a low of -7C for £40.
Is that the comfort or extreme temperature?
-
Have a good night guys, but beware of the full moon, and stick to the path :o
-
I didn't make it to the hills in the end. :(
-
I didn't make it to the hills in the end. :(
What about Tuesday night ??? :o
-
Hope you guys enjoyed the 2nd half of the trip. T'was a bit of a cold one last night wasn't it - Kat you were right after all!
Did you hear about the chopper crash not far away? Looks like family of 3 killed. Tragically sad http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11615219.
-
Are you all back safe yet? I got tied up with family activities and didn't get a day pass out til 7pm but thought why waste such a good day and I'm now standing on slievenamuck after my first proper night hike, on my own so picked an easy one
-
Made it back in one piece, a wee bit cold but nothing blasting the heat at full tilt in the car did not cure.
-
Yep, we all made it home safe and well - no thanks to Translink!
Was a cold overnighter, but it was pretty cool (no pun) waking up to tents covered in frost and ice, and a pair of frozen boots :) Will post up a bit more about the trip when I get home later!
-
Yep, we all made it home safe and well - no thanks to Translink!
Was a cold overnighter, but it was pretty cool (no pun) waking up to tents covered in frost and ice, and a pair of frozen boots :) Will post up a bit more about the trip when I get home later!
I'm looking forward to hearing your review. Can't wait to get a frosty one myself.
Apologies in advance if anybody on here works for Translink but I'm keen to hear about your Translink experiences too. I left my Motorbike in Belfast one time, after a night on the sauce, and tried to use Translink to get it back the next day. It tooks about 2 1/2 hours and three buses to get from Bangor to Belfast. I also took the train recently to Belfast for the Chillifest and it cost a clean fortune. When the ticket guy told me how much it was gonna be for me and my family I actually laughed out loud!. It would have been cheaper to drive my Jag in second gear the whole way and park on a double yellow when I got there.
I'm not a big fan or Translink now ::)
-
Apologies in advance if anybody on here works for Translink but I'm keen to hear about your Translink experiences too. I left my Motorbike in Belfast one time, after a night on the sauce, and tried to use Translink to get it back the next day. It tooks about 2 1/2 hours and three buses to get from Bangor to Belfast. I also took the train recently to Belfast for the Chillifest and it cost a clean fortune. When the ticket guy told me how much it was gonna be for me and my family I actually laughed out loud!. It would have been cheaper to drive my Jag in second gear the whole way and park on a double yellow when I got there.
Well I haven't used Translink in quite a few years, but I was keen to try using the bus service as it would open up a lot more options for linear walks like the Mourne Way. I got all the timetable information from the Translink website, although the "Journey Planner" on the website is next to useless.
To get from Rostrevor to Newcastle you need to take two buses; one takes you from Rostrevor to Kilkeel and the other takes you from Kilkeel to Newcastle. The first bus arrived on time and picked us up from just outside Kilbroney Park which was grand. However, it was £3.20 for a single to Kilkeel and we were on the bus for no more than 20 minutes!
We arrived at the bus depot in Kilkeel with about 30 minutes to kill before the 16.25 to Newcastle. Needless to say 16.25 came and went with no sign of the bus. Around 5pm a bus pulled up which was assumed was our bus, but when I went to buy the ticket the driver told me he wasn't going to Newcastle but Newry. I asked him about the other bus that hadnt arrived and he said he didnt know anything about it, but confirmed that going by the timetable we were in the right place at the right time.
In the end Matthew used an iPhone app to get the number of a taxi company in Kilkeel who collected us from the bus stop and dropped us off right at our cars in Donard Car Park. The taxi cost £15, the bus would have cost £12.80 for the four of us. Think in future I will go for the taxi as I reckon even from Rostrevor it would have only been around £5 more expensive than bus and a lot more reliable!
-
I phone to the rescue!
-
What was the trail like guys? Could you do it on a bike?
-
Certain sections could be completed on bike though it would be difficult at points.
-
Do you it would be dangerous in places or just a slog?
-
Just a hard way to do it I think. Some of the inclines could be miserable on a bike.
-
What was the trail like guys? Could you do it on a bike?
I reckon it would be a fun day out! The start would be fine up into tullymore and round that area, once you hit Ott (at least I think it was ott!) it'd be a bit of a slog, getting round hen would be difficult and then there is a bit of a valley down to the start of the forest. Once you hit rostrevor it'd be plain sailing. If I was to do it again I'd quite like to have a bike stashed at the rostrevor leg and cycle that (mile after mile of hard packed forest path with a rucksack and boots takes its toll on the balls of your feet!) and then cycle back along the coast (22miles).
-
I put a trip review of the Mourne Way up here - http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1488.0
It's quite long so I'd advise pouring a brew before reading ;) Oh, and if anyone has any photos from the weekend that I can add to the review it would be greatly appreciated!