Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: Oisín on March 19, 2012

Title: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: Oisín on March 19, 2012
Before you say anything, no I'm not trying to steal campers from the Moyle Way trip taking place on the same night.  ;D

I've got Woodbadge training on Saturday and Sunday @ Crawfordsburn and to save me travelling up on Sunday, I'm going to stayover on the Saturday.

I'll be finished around 5, so my proposal is would anyone like a quick overnight camp somewhere around that area? My knee will still be tender from getting stitches out etc, so I'll not be going anywhere fast.

I'm happy to bivvy somewhere around the coast or hammock in some trees. If no one wants to join me I'll just camp in Crawfordsburn camp site itself, so no pressure.

Any takers?
Title: Re: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: Oisín on March 21, 2012
Bumping this
Title: Re: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: twentyclicks on March 23, 2012
Hi Oisin,

I'm working Saturday & Sunday, but could probably cycle out to join you for a wee quick overnighter. Would be fun to try somewhere near town. Will say to my mate at the weekend, he may be up for this too.
Title: Re: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: Oisín on March 23, 2012
That will do. I'll be occupied Saturday and Sunday too, but free on the Saturday night. What do you fancy? Bivvy bags or tents?

Did I hear it was meant to rain?
Title: Re: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: twentyclicks on March 23, 2012
No it looks clear. Bivvy bag for me.
Could be 20:00 - 20:30 before I get out there.

Don't really know the area regards a good spot, but will PM you my phone number now. If you find somewhere you can let me know where it is or we can arrange to meet somewhere.
Title: Re: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: twentyclicks on March 26, 2012
Was good to meet Oisin at last. I took a bit of time getting fed and ready after work, but found him eventually. We negotiated our way through groups of local youths, enjoying the warm night with some beach-fire socialising, to a wee location Oisin had scouted out.

It was a super little, rocky shore outcrop just off the path, with enough grass for a comfortable bed. We were just about invisible from the path and the angles and rocks blocked any sound from the revellers who were only a hundred yards away. We munched some snacks, chatted and watched the ghostly trains and planes. We both had a long day and had work the next morning so turned in early enough (after setting our watches forward an hour)! A little hazy but still decent stars, and the gentle lapping of the water made for a good night's sleep.

We had a clear view east as the sun rose through the watery mist and gradually woke, surprised not to see any path users until after 7:30. We nearly got knocked on the head by an oblivious dog-walker when he launched a tennis ball over our outcrop...and then nearly had a dog land on us as he pursued ;D The pocket rocket made some tea and we packed up after 8:30 to go our separate ways (well, after I repaired a puncture).

Much better way to spend such a nice evening than Saturday night TV... another successful micro-adventure!

will put a few photos up later
Title: Re: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: twentyclicks on April 01, 2012
Blogged this (http://www.twentyclicks.co.uk/?p=454) tonight, with a few nice photies.
Title: Re: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: Oisín on April 01, 2012
Great read Craig, I always enjoy reading your blog.

You just reminded me to upload some photos. Watch this space.
Title: Re: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: Oisín on April 01, 2012
Some more photos, none as artistic, but sure.

On the saturday night I walked from Crawfordsburn to Bangor and back, all for a fish supper. The road distance is around 3 miles, but it felt like 8  ;D

Some lovely scenery and weather
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6231/7036250223_0e8f3a2e01_z.jpg)

This sign looked like a couple of sharks at first sight

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7036256481_9a3e27de87_z.jpg)


(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/7036263781_71ffcd1fbe_z.jpg)

A bivy bag covered in dew, something you only get when you really get close to nature.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/6890177426_79c22b8a3d_z.jpg)

And suddenly that thought of "maybe a night wrapped up in bed would have been nice" simply disappears.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/6890256518_8de212f547_z.jpg)


A rucksack packed tight along with appropriate badges decorating it.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7036285837_cfd6d477ec_z.jpg)


A great spot for a wee stealth bivy
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/6890262134_ededa35f0e_z.jpg)


Nature is in bloom with the recently pleasant weather
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/7036294251_548ba4200c_z.jpg)


And finally a welcoming sight of reaching the train stop on the journey home.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7036307625_0d00dc4ed9_z.jpg)


Overall a great nights sleep and another edition to micro-adventure. Great company and perfect weather!
Title: Re: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: LandyLiam on April 01, 2012
so oisin hasn't got his sewing badge yet  ;D
Title: Re: Overnighter Saturday 24th March Bangor Area
Post by: Oisín on April 02, 2012
I'll just say that sewing through rucksack isn't as easy as a shirt. I cheated and used glue instead.  ;)