Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
Information => Introductions => Topic started by: big chris on March 13, 2011
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Hi all will try and keep this short and sweet :D
As the name says "big" so not a really fit guy.
I got the link from a local camping forum http://northernirelandcampsites.lefora.com/ sorry if link is not allowed please remove admin if that is the case.
Due to ill health I have not been able to camp as much as possible lately, but looking over the forums I find a wealth of info all based in NI, this gives me hope that I can get into a fitness regime that I have not came across before in the province, of course I have to walk before I run.
Jealous of those that can climb mountains and camp out in sub zreo condidtions, oh to be younger again :)
A great site and what an advert for NI.
By the way I live in Newtownabbey ;D
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Hi Chris and welcome to the forum
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Welcome Chris, there have been a few people round here who took to the outdoors to try and improve fitness (me included).
Just get out there, doesn't matter how much you do, it's just about getting exercise. There are plenty of flat walks to use to build up gradually and next think you know you'll be drinking tea on the top of Bearnagh.
I can't stick gyms or jogging, a dander in the hills plenty to see which takes my mind off any discomfort :)
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Welcome Chris, just get out there, and if you're a bit slow then do it on your own at your own pace, you'll soon pick up speed after a few hills. I started doing 1 hill a week last year and within 4 months i'd lost 2.5 stone, now i even jog up the wee ones ;D
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Hi Chris, there is a hill out there for everyone. Carnmoney Hill is a great wee dander, a real oasis in the middle of civilisation. I'm not far away from it and most folk I know I haven't been up it!
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Thanks for the replies guys and girls, words of wisdom indeed, now wheres the special K ;) well we all need some sustanance dont we ::)
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The great thing about mountains is you get so much exercise and burn so many calories you can treat yourself on the way - Mars Bars ahoy :)
Thanks for the replies guys and girls, words of wisdom indeed, now wheres the special K ;) well we all need some sustanance dont we ::)
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And a few Bananas ;D anyone for a picnic ;)
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Chris, you'll find this forum an inspiration to get out and do something you will enjoy. Living in Newtownabbey you're convenient to Cave Hill Country Park which provides a fantastic walk. You can tailor the walk to meet your needs and as you progress you can adjust your pace and route accordingly. Try this link for some info:-
http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces/cavehillcountrypark.pdf
The coastal walk from Jordanstown into Belfast at Dargan Cresent area is another good path to build up strength and beyond that the Lagan tow path from Stranmillis to Sprucefield is a great way to excercise with plenty of escape routes if you've had enough.
One small step...........
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If I walked from Jordanstown to Hazelbank I would need an (http://bestsmileys.com/medical/5.gif) there to pick me up (http://bestsmileys.com/hot/3.gif) great suggestions guys many thanks.
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hey i like this guy, great smilies ;D
you could try out geocaching, ok, most are along the side of the road but many require a bit of walking and it gives you a good target to aim for on a hill, its all in the mind you know (http://bestsmileys.com/wink/2.gif)
e.g. i was suffering from a a heavy dose of the flu today (or as my wife would say, "he's got a wee cold" ) so picked a small hill in the mournes (spellack) with a geocache on it and did that one.
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If I could get a nice day... some chance in this country (http://bestsmileys.com/weather/3.gif) I might take the camera out for a few pictures I see there is a competition ongoing (http://bestsmileys.com/camera/1.gif)
Does anyone know of a safe place to park to get onto Carnmoney hill ?
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Re: Carnmoney Hill. I usually park at the community centre/playground up in Rathfern. Coming down the O'Neill Road towards the hospital, it is the first (only?) road on the left after the petrol garage, drive along that road and you can't miss the playground.
I've also parked behind the petrol station, although it feels a bit isolated for parking. Probably fine in the middle of the afternoon but remember "If they see it, they will steal it".
There are a couple of other spots to park; follow the link below and click on download leaflet near the bottom.
http://www.belfasthills.org/extra_page.php?sec=363 (http://www.belfasthills.org/extra_page.php?sec=363)
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Thanks for that (http://bestsmileys.com/thumbs/5.gif)
Is there an entrance to the hill at the playgroup place ? I dont fancy parking behind the garage for the said reasons (http://bestsmileys.com/scared/8.gif)
Will download that link you suggested and have a look at it.
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Yes the playground would be the main entrance.
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Welcome Chris,
There is a park on the Doagh Road opposite FG Wilson's that would be a good starting point for you.
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Thanks Shamara.
Now why didnt I think of that park I pass it every day (http://bestsmileys.com/cheering/2.gif)