Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => General Chat => Topic started by: surfnscenic on September 10, 2011
-
I have the opportunity to get out to the hills today and with the added bonus that I can even do an overnight. It's one I don't want to miss out on but I'm mindful of the weather forecast of high winds and rain. I'd like to get up higher than the Shelter Stone at 250m so as to avoid any remaining midges. I'm not convinced they'll heed the weather forecast and stay in.
My tent will most likely be a Vango Spectre 300 so I'm aware of the limitations it has standing up to high winds.
Any suggestions for a higher pitch but with reasonable shelter?
-
any midge that lets go of the ground today will be blown into space :o
you'll have a steady SSW wind all night so keep that in mind when picking your spot, that means the wind will be funnelling straight up ben crom reservoir so maybe not the best spot tonight, although in the mournes the wind can pretty much come from any direction! maybe a good might to try out a bivvy stone if your alone, one on north tor of bearnagh and one a lot lower down beside the quarry at the side of bearnagh.
Donard wood is probably the best option, or if you want to avoid falling trees there's a nice wee spot on shan slieve. If your on that side of the mournes i might pop up for a pint :)
-
Was thinking of parking at Meelmore Lodge and walking to the Hares Gap. If I remember correctly there's room for a tent either side of the wall so with a ssw wind I could pitch on the North West/Meelmore side? Also if things do get bad it's not too far back to Meelmore.
-
could end up being another ni-wild bivvy in the meelmore toilets ;D
-
The Minister for Outdoor Operations (MOO) has just issued a warning that all outdoor activity permits MAY (take this as will) be suspended given the impending bad weather.
I have the stuff in the car and am making final preparations for departure. Just waiting for clearance so could end up bivvying in front of the fire!
Stand by. :-\
-
well he's up there now braving the winds, i happened to be in Newcastle when surfn arrived so i joined him for a hike up to the ice house with his BIG rucksack (although i carried my daughter up most of the way and she's heavier >:( )
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2011/20110910donardwood/P1080104Small.jpg)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2011/20110910donardwood/P1080111Small.jpg)
spotted some land rovers at the 3rd bridge, something must be happening further up
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2011/20110910donardwood/P1080119Small.jpg)
me and my daughter at surf HQ
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2011/20110910donardwood/P1080108Small.jpg)
right beside the womping willow
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2011/20110910donardwood/P1080117Small.jpg)
we wander over to the track and spot mountain rescue coming down the hill having carried a strecther from near top of commedagh, what wonderful people they are, don't forget to donate at http://www.mournemrt.org/ ;)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2011/20110910donardwood/P1080118Small.jpg)
one of the wee binnians walkers appears to have a broken ankle
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2011/20110910donardwood/P1080121Small.jpg)
but they're soon in the safety of the ambulance
-
Well I made it through the night and am now home. Clothes in the washing machine, tent and kit hanging to dry in the garage and I'm showered and fed.
Glad I didn't try for a summit or anywhere near one. I had previously checked out Meelmore Lodge and had difficulty opening the car door. Once out I was nearly blown off my feet.
Thanks to Liam and daughter for meeting me at Donard Park. It was very busy with buses bringing walkers to a couple of events including one for Oxfam Ireland.
After setting up in the shelter of the wood I was well protected from the direct wind and rain. I could hear the wind blowing and gusting all night. I was a little concerned about getting bopped on the head with a branch or worse!
I did hear some shouting and roaring about 2am from lower down the wood, obviously the cider heads but gladly they didn't venture further up.
All kit worked and I didn't forget to bring anything. The ruck looks bigger due to the raincover over the roll mat.
Acknowledgement to the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team for what they do. We watched them carrying the stretcher down and it certainly isn't easy particularly in the wet and wind.
Liam and Hannah, thank you.
-
Great stuff. In somewhere like Northern Ireland I'd never be put off by the weather as long as my gear was good enough, although I'd be nervy in a forest incase something came down.
The hard ones are always the most fun :)
-
Hi surfnscenic, I stumbled on this post.
I was out that day with a walking festival and I met yourself with LandyLiam and his daughter. I was meeting up with the MMRT with another guy. I noticed I am in the photo in blue fleece and beige trousers beside the Ambulance and my back to the camera. She was in a bad way and she was sent to Newry. I then think she was sent to Belfast, Not too sure.
The weather turned nasty the next day. I didn't realise you were staying out overnight. All the best. :)