Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: RedLeader on July 17, 2009
-
We are considering a weekend trip to Salt Island in Strangford Lough. The island is only accessible by boat so everyone would need transport. It is only planned as a wild camping R'N'R trip so a few beers round the campfire, nothing too stressing or exhaustive :D
I'm thinking of wild camping on the north shore rather than hiring the bothy although we could pay £6 a head and camp in the small plantation behind the bothy which would give some shelter and access to a toilet.
Anyone who doesn't have boat transportation of some sort would need to hire a canadian canoe per 2 people (or a jet ski / tugboat / helicopter / spaceship).
If you're interested post below including what dates would seem suitable. If anyone has suggestions on who we could hire canoes from please post too....
[smg id=73]
-
count me in(pending canoe hire) ;D
-
I'll be up for that i can go any weekend towards the middle to end of August ;D Also i need to hire a space ship ;D
-
sorted?
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=57.0
i if you book it they will come. ???
-
sorted?
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=57.0
i if you book it they will come. ???
That was a couple of weeks ago
-
Ahhh
was the canoe hire only for there specific trip?
I'll have to see if they get back to me.
Possible Bummer :-\
-
Ahhh
was the canoe hire only for there specific trip?
I'll have to see if they get back to me.
Possible Bummer :-\
I think they only hire canoes to CANI members
-
Yeah I just got of the phone with them.
But on another more positive note there is a company in Castlewelan how also hire called Blue Lough.
But would probably just make more sence to become a member a get a few lessons under my belt.
Jonno do you have any idea how much the membership is?
-
Sorted!
Got a membership form and will get signed up.
-
CANI do a special introductory membership for £20 I think. Not bad value if you get cheap canoe hire out of it. I have no idea what the requirements are for hire though - you might need 1 or 2 star canoeing. (You can get 15% discount in Ciotswolds with CANI membership so I made the £20 back easily :D)
-
I'm up for this - wont be available next weekend (25th) or the following on (1st) should be good for the rest of the summer's weekends though.
Jonno I am assuming you have paddled this before in the canadian??? Whats it like for paddling wise, lenght, general conditions.
-
I'll add another 5 from the NIBA. Can't do the weekend of the 15/15/16 of August though.
-
I'm up for this - wont be available next weekend (25th) or the following on (1st) should be good for the rest of the summer's weekends though.
Jonno I am assuming you have paddled this before in the canadian??? Whats it like for paddling wise, lenght, general conditions.
I've been in the Canadian and it's the same as everywhere else I've been - if the wind's against you and is below 8mph it's a doddle, if it's more then everyone better be prepared to bloody paddle :D Have you not paddled in Strangford before?
Looks like it could be a roaring weekend if we can get everyone over!
-
Nope I havent will have to bring albert though as i dont have a canadian/open boat so that means no spare seat :(
-
Nope I havent will have to bring albert though as i dont have a canadian/open boat so that means no spare seat :(
Albert?
-
Big bright yellow sea kayak :o
-
Guys this is'nt sounding good. Can you hire a canoe if you become a member or do you have to be a coach?
-
Our bushcraft project could be to build a bushcraft Corricle!!!! ;) and paddle over that way.
-
Our bushcraft project could be to build a bushcraft Corricle!!!! ;) and paddle over that way.
That would be sweet! I'd be up for it...what is it? one of those moses basket things?
-
Yip we are up for a trip to Salt Island.
What about the weekend of the 15th August. Would round of my holidays nicely ;D
-
Is this crossing possible in a perception whiplash. I know its a river runner but i have been out in lough neagh a few times in rough conditions its tight enough goin esp trying to keep my tracking in a straight line :-\ What distance is it? and anymore ideas on dates etc
-
I would say anything is possible depending on the weather.
For those of you not coming this weekend camping, we may get a date sorted soon for Salt Island, but currently Jono is hammock playing and hoping he doesn't fall out off it this weekend. :D
Seriously though a couple of long ropes and rubber rings and we could tow the non boaters over :P
Hound.
-
Sorry, I haven't had a chance to chase up the Salt Island idea again. The weekend of the 15th suits me to a degree (I was supposed to be at a birthday party but I can just apologise and buy a bigger present :D))
The question is more about the weather - Strangford Lough is a massive pain in the ass when the winds over about 10mph - moreso depending on the tides. Either way if the weather was clement I'd be game and bring my 11 year old with me too.
-
Sorry, I haven't had a chance to chase up the Salt Island idea again. The weekend of the 15th suits me to a degree (I was supposed to be at a birthday party but I can just apologise and buy a bigger present :D))
The question is more about the weather - Strangford Lough is a massive pain in the ass when the winds over about 10mph - moreso depending on the tides. Either way if the weather was clement I'd be game and bring my 11 year old with me too.
Just to be clear, when I said I'd bring my 11 year old I meant boy not Scotch although both would be fine :D
-
is anyone going ahead with this?? Been away for a few days and missed loads it appears!
-
Not really sure its been awful quiet about this proposed trip , we all seem to be over committed at the mo in one way shape or form :-\
-
still plenty of time though sept is round the corner though and hopefully an indian summer ( I am deluded!!)
-
We're having issues getting time and weather. Still plenty of weekends left tho!
-
Hi guys,
I'd be interested to join you for the Salt Island trip if it goes ahead in September.
I would have a spare seat in a Canadian canoe if needed to get out there and back.
Mark
-
Is this trip doable on sit on top double kayaks? I could prob get my hands on 15 of these at a small rental price including paddels and bouyancy aids........... ???
-
Is this trip doable on sit on top double kayaks? I could prob get my hands on 15 of these at a small rental price including paddels and bouyancy aids........... ???
If the wind wasn't too bad sit-ons would be fine. If you could find us somewhere to rent a few our options would open up nicely!
-
Hi Marko I'll take you up on that offer of a lift.
-
Is this trip doable on sit on top double kayaks? I could prob get my hands on 15 of these at a small rental price including paddels and bouyancy aids........... ???
If the wind wasn't too bad sit-ons would be fine. If you could find us somewhere to rent a few our options would open up nicely!
Should not be a problem to get them as long as dates are not clashing with other events that they are used for these boat are Bic 2 man sit on tops...........
-
So is this trip happening or not??
-
I'm still game but as the year wears on it gets harder to get the weather. Can be well choppy in Strangford Lough.
-
There's a potential family trip this weekend. See here for details:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=567.0
-
Hi Jonno, was reading about this trip on SOTP, im peterpan there, its a nice paddle over and around the island and a night paddle is a good experience as well. just be careful of nesting birds on neighbouring islands. an other option depending on the wind is to launch at Strangford, a little longer of a paddle but you can stay close to the shore for most of the trip.. and it may be best to take some wood to burn, incase all the dead wood around the bothy has been collected and used..
have fun,
Ian
-
Hi Jonno, was reading about this trip on SOTP, im peterpan there, its a nice paddle over and around the island and a night paddle is a good experience as well. just be careful of nesting birds on neighbouring islands. an other option depending on the wind is to launch at Strangford, a little longer of a paddle but you can stay close to the shore for most of the trip.. and it may be best to take some wood to burn, incase all the dead wood around the bothy has been collected and used..
have fun,
Ian
Hi Ian,
The weather looks settled but to be honest, with an 11 year old in tow, if there was any doubt about paddling from Killyleagh I'd not go just in case. I was on Salt Island a few weeks back and they had pruned slot of the trees and there was loads of wood. It was a little green then but hopefully it's died since then.
-
wish i was going, my boats got grass growing out of it,, but a couple more weeks i will be fixed enough to get out again..
-
Action outdoors are doing a bush craft chrismas weekend over to salt island, everythings provided boats and all the cost is £100 for the two days saw it on their web site if anyones interested.
-
the trip to salt island is easy!! almost too easy lol. ok sorry im being cheeky but really theres nothing to it if you paddle from killyleigh.
a few weeks me and Boogs paddled over to fish for sea-trout at night. camped on the side of the island facing the town. weather was calm on the friday night , flat calm and we paddled round the island looking for those elusive sea-trout.
sky was clear and full of stars with little light pollution,watched a satelite way up pass by too.lovely night.
theres a report on kayakanglingireland.com with pics .
its the sort of camp youd do if you were bored some evening. you can light a fire and its free. no need for the bothy id say but it would be nice if you COULD get access to it i spose.
and dont forget your paddling safety gear . ;)
-
Hi pablo, i agree with you about it being an easy paddle, though it is a handy location and wont streatch the novice too much,, interested in some information about fishing for sea trout,, as in do you spin or bait, and when is the best times.
cheers
Ian
-
hi Ian, you want to ask Boogaloo about the sea-trout mate.though i believe you might get `generalities ` regarding locations and times. these guys are fiercly secretive about things like this so that the stocks dont get wiped out by unscruplous netters and fish-takers.
we practice catch and release,we dont even allow pics of dead fish on the kayak forum. also,flyfishing is the only way to chase em from a sporting point of view.gets all technical regarding flies,lines and rod weight.
im sure he`ll help you out to some degree though lol but i dare not betray any confidences ;)
-
First thing - you need a game angling license and tags if you intend to retain any fish , I think its 16 quid . Can never remember how much it is . at the start of every season I buy a game angling license and a DCAL angling permit . the permit covers me for the ministry waters like Woodburn , The Erne etc etc
Next - there is a season for game angling 1st March to the 31st of October this applies anywhere you fish for Salmonoids or Trout .. seems to be a lot of confusion about sea angling for them. the season and the license applies to the sea as well . I have this in writing from the FCB
Methods - Spinning, Bait fishing or Flyfishing , spinning is without doubt the easiest way to catch a sea trout, a small silver spinner is the only one you'll need , Abu Krills used to be my favourite , Now I exclusively fly fish for everything
If bait fishing the belly strip of a mackerel or a sandeel float fished would be the most successful method
Fly fishing .. unless your a competent fly angler.. don't even go there
Locations .. . Strangford lough is full of them the problem lies in catching them . they are hard to catch especially on the fly . anywhere that fresh water runs into the lough there'll be seatrout about
My last seven sessions have resulted in zero fish , although I had good success early on in the season
Catch and release may seem an alien concept to bushcrafters , I don't kill any fish unless its badly hooked and won't survive . I don't eat fish anymore, its not that I don't like fish .. I do , I love it , however If I was to take Strangford lough as an example you might understand
I grew up just outside Ballynahinch. The lough was only 20 minutes drive away .. 25 years ago the lough used to be one of the best angling locations in the North of Ireland , plentiful supplies of fish and numerous species
When the trawlers moved in they decimated the place , same as Belfast Lough
The trawls destroyed the sea bed . leaving it barren like the surface of the moon resulting in no habitat for the fish to live in.
Now the Lough is an area of special scientific interest and a no trawl zone . but its still barren and may never recover , there's still a commercial shrimp and whelk fishery, however they are not allowed to trawl and must set pots instead
The only fish you'll catch inside the lough now are Mullet , Sea Trout and the occasional flounder
As a sports angler although I could never in a lifetime catch as many fish as one trawl from a commercial . I still believe in putting them back . I get far greater pleasure watching a fish swim off than I ever would from eating it
Don't gt me wrong .. if I was in a survival situation then I would without doubt kill and eat any fish that I could catch
Andy
-
the trip to salt island is easy!! almost too easy lol. ok sorry im being cheeky but really theres nothing to it if you paddle from killyleigh.
a few weeks me and Boogs paddled over to fish for sea-trout at night. camped on the side of the island facing the town. weather was calm on the friday night , flat calm and we paddled round the island looking for those elusive sea-trout.
sky was clear and full of stars with little light pollution,watched a satelite way up pass by too.lovely night.
theres a report on kayakanglingireland.com with pics .
its the sort of camp youd do if you were bored some evening. you can light a fire and its free. no need for the bothy id say but it would be nice if you COULD get access to it i spose.
and dont forget your paddling safety gear . ;)
It can get very windy down the lough and when it is the sea state can be quite treacherous. We've had problems getting back from Salt Island before. That was in a Canadian though.
-
when the wind blows along the lough at 30mph its no fun in a sit on top either lol.
i took a newbie out for a paddle from killinchy across to one of the islands. it was windy enough with a forecast of about14mph winds.by the time we reached the island and had sat looking at the seals for 15 minutes the winds had started gusting at a serious rate. the newbie capsized three times in a row ,each time he got anywhere near side on to the waves(the eejit)
i thought it was gonna be another coastguard moment but remained calm and eventually got back to launch point.
i guarantee if i was in a canadian id have had to either stay the night on the island or call for assistance. which raises a question.....do you bring everything you need for an overnight stay ? in case you do get into a scenario like the one above?
-
We were there camping anyway so another night would have been okay (apart from potentially missing work) but as it happened, the wind totally dropped around sunset (as it often does in warm weather) and we had a lovely calm night paddle back. At 2pm there were 40mph gusts, at 8pm there wasn't a breath. Thats Strangford for you ;D
-
It's a shame we never got Salt Island last year but this year we'll definitely get something sorted.
I was watching a documentary last night and I spotted this:
(http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii423/sputnik57/vlcsnap-2010-01-07-19h31m51s30.png)
The island in the middle is Salt Island, with Gores Island below left and Green Island top right.
-
there were some canadian canoes out on the Quoile last saturday.
we were going to head out about a mile after some fishing in the sea but it was a little rough,so we paddled 12 miles up and down the quoile instead.
some of the ice was 3/4 of an inch thick in some places but the river wasnt completly frozen.
we`re trying to find somewhere that isnt frozen for tomorrow.perhaps the Bann,upper or lower.or the blackwater.
lough muckno is completly frozen over so the planned pike session was cancelled :(
weve started training for the 280 mile stretch in may from beleek to limerick.
-
Alot of the Bann is frozen pablo, well round Portadown anyway can't comment on the rest of it mate.
-
thanks for that matey, saves me a drive to check it myself. though if its foggy and as cold tomorrow? i might just stay in bed ffs!!!
-
If there is a salt island outing I am up for it. One way or another I will have a kayak. It is somewhere I have wanted to go for a while. I know camping is permitted on this island, does anyone know if camping is permitted on any others, or would you have to stealth camp?
-
I would be interested. I am also a Cani member, so I can hire the boats. I have paddled out to Salt and camped few times. Let me know if it is still on.
-
we will have to get this sorted out for this year.
-
we will have to get this sorted out for this year.
It's a shame we never got Salt Island last year but this year we'll definitely get something sorted.
De ja vu ;D
-
we will have to get this sorted out for this year.
It's a shame we never got Salt Island last year but this year we'll definitely get something sorted.
De ja vu ;D
lol I am just about to finish work then gonna go home and look at the calender and put a pin in for this trip.
Really gonna do this trip this year.
-
I have a canadian and a double kayak sitting at my house that i've never used so i'd love to get them wet, they're a bit rough but they float, life jackets essential ;)
-
I have a canadian and a double kayak sitting at my house that i've never used so i'd love to get them wet, they're a bit rough but they float, life jackets essential ;)
If its ok with you could I use one of those for the trip?
-
if you can get if on the roof of the car its all yours ;D
-
Count me in if anyone has a spare seat in a canoe/kayak
-
if you can get if on the roof of the car its all yours ;D
dont think the wife would like the dent it would leave.
I think there is a company that hires and will drop off kayaks for hire. will have to research it abit more.
I was thinking along the lines for the weekend of the 4-5th June for this trip. I will start a new post.
-
Hi Lenny,
Any updates re this trip?
-
Hi Lenny,
Any updates re this trip?
to be honest i think this has fallen buy the way side (no pun intended)
I really would love to do this but its all about finding time and organisation (I dont have a clue where to get boats from (I have looked around)
Maybe later in summer?
-
http://www.canoeni.com/have-a-go/canoe-hire/ (http://www.canoeni.com/have-a-go/canoe-hire/)
That help at all?
-
Have you tried mobile team adventure
http://www.mobileteamadventure.co.uk/ (http://www.mobileteamadventure.co.uk/)
-
So are we going to Salt Island this year ;-)))) Have been last year and camped in the wee wood in the hammocks was great especially the paddle over.
-
I'm hoping to go over on 26th this month. Can probably get canoe hire for anyone without one. Obviously this trip is weather dependent due to sea conditions but it's fair craic... Any takers?
-
Canoe Hire:
Eye Feel Good.
http://www.eyefeelgood.org/
Tel: 07877857220
-
I'm up for this if still going ahead?
-
Anything like this planned for this year?
-
I could organise something for May.. Even organise double kayaks from Killyleagh or canoes..
-
I'd be up for that, dates depending!
-
Let me know when suits and I can try and work it with the outdoor centre.
-
Count me in.
-
I was thinking of jet ski across but honestly I think paddling over would be better craic. I've 2 kayaks at home if I can find the leg and back brace for the 2nd one. May or before June 20th would be pretty good for me... Has this ever ran before?
-
I have done it a few times, but it hasn't been arranged yet on this forum.
Anytime in May suits me but June doesn't as I am away in the States.
-
I have done it a few times, but it hasn't been arranged yet on this forum.
Anytime in May suits me but June doesn't as I am away in the States.
me too. Doing route 66 from 20th June till 9th July. So May then. Sounds good.
-
Cool, will check availability with the centre tomorrow and get back to you.
-
I have done it a few times, but it hasn't been arranged yet on this forum.
Anytime in May suits me but June doesn't as I am away in the States.
me too. Doing route 66 from 20th June till 9th July. So May then. Sounds good.
We have been trying for a long long time to organise a tripp to Salt Island on here. This will be the year it happens ;)
I hope to have my craft sea worthy by May but if not, my cousin has a kayak I can borrow.
-
I can borrow several boats from Killyleagh outdoor Ed centre, so if you don't have a boat you can use theirs..FOC
-
Stinking may = tgo time :( Maybe the next time :)
oh yer. Doh
-
Craig @ Outdoor Concepts
(admin@outdoorconcepts.co.uk)
has open canadians for hire and can drop them off @ Delamont or Killyleagh.
They're a pretty decent bunch and their prices are as keen as anywhere else.
I've used them several times last year before finally buying a canadian for myself two weeks ago.
I've no connection to them btw, just in case anyone thinks I'm getting commission!
I had planned a Salt Island overnighter at some stage this year. Would look forward to meeting up with some of you guys there
-
I'd love to do this but am alas, canoeless. Have had a couple of great nights over there though.
-
Yeah id be up for this too if we can get a few canoes organised, itl be so much easier than having to carry our beers :)
-
I can borrow them from Killyleagh OEC at no cost..
-
excellent ,should we try and see if we can organise a rough date in may then?
-
Hi, i could be up for this. i have two sea going sit-on tops. 16 and 13 foot. have been out to Salt island before. nice atmos. Has anyone been on Green Island, just NE of Salt? is camping allowed there? Where are you all thinking of launching from? Shud be fun. :)
-
We can launch from the sailing club jetty.. I'll check with the centre and will get back to you.
-
ah ok, that would be dead handy :)
-
sounds like a top weekend
-
excellent ,should we try and see if we can organise a rough date in may then?
I think we should definitely try and get a date for this one arranged. there seems to be plenty of interest.
To get the ball rolling could I suggest the 12th May. I have my Kids staying with me every other weekend and this is the weekend in May that I am free. I've the kids the weekend before and I'm in Yarm, England, the weekend after.
Usual story though... Go with the majority. We can never suit everybody all of the time ;)
-
yep i would go
-
I will put in a request form for the 12th and see what happens, there is a group in that day so borrowing the canoes might be awkward, but they also have double sea kayaks and the storage is quite good. Will keep you posted.
-
Everyone who has access to their own should put it down here. Then we will see who still needs transport and see what can be arranged. I noticed a few people saying about having to or who have a Canadian which could take 2 or more over. I dont think getting there will be the issue. I'm pinning 12th May onto my board too. I've 3 kayaks here at home. one sit in and 2 sit on. assuming I can locate the leg straps of the 2nd sit on.
-
I could borrow from the scout troop, probably just for myself and grace though.
I'm probably in the other situation of being able to get equipment but not get there :D I'll see closer to the time, when we know if its defo going ahead of not.
-
I should be able to make this .. Probably launch from Whiterock ( weather depending )
Andy
-
I'm def up for this. i have own water transport.
-
Im up for this on the 12th May for definite, a birthday present for myself lol.
I have my own kayak, should be able to get another 2 if needed, also have a large sevylor inflatable canoe to tow luggage in if needed.
-
what date is this on ????
-
I will book it for the 12th of May and will book double sea kayaks and canoes. Would anyone want to use the bothy as I can get the keys for it?
-
The 12th works very well for me and the Winter Project is well under way.
I have been repairing one hole each evening for the last couple of days and the hull is beginning to look a lot less like a sieve ;)
Hoping to have the hull completely repaired, sanded smooth and stronger than ever by Sunday, then it a new Gel-coat next weekend.
I can't wait till it's first outing. Anybody know the best place to buy paddles for a Canadian and what would you recommend. I Like the idea of wooden paddles as they seem a bit more authentic but maybe they are too heavy. Should I be buying an aluminium/plastic combo or are the wooden ones ok?
8)
-
Definitely go for a wooden one! Try them out with Mike the Bike in Ards and then buy online. Beavertail is quite popular. Or you could always make your own..
-
Definitely go for a wooden one! Try them out with Mike the Bike in Ards and then buy online. Beavertail is quite popular. Or you could always make your own..
Excellent... I'm glad you said wood. I love the look of them!
I think I'll be doing well getting the canoe finished on time without making the paddles too. Mike the Bike it is then :D
Thanks Kayakgirl
-
Why don't you carve one yourself ?
Andy
-
Why don't you carve one yourself ?
Andy
I would love to but I would require a whole new set of tools. I work mainly with metal and fibreglass. I've never found wood too be all that forgiving. I'm also guessing I would need to buy quite a specific type of wood, with no imperfections/weaknesses, because there's going to be quite a bit of pressure on the shaft.
I have spent the last few days trying to source some nice looking hardwood for making the three seats and it's been near impossible to find something local and at the right price. Some of the prices I've been quote have been insane. You would think I was asking for inch thick slabs of gold >:(
I would then have to start the whole sealing process too to protect the paddles from the elements which is going to get quite expensive too.
A visit to Mike the Bikes to be custom fit for a set of paddles sounds quite appealing. I had a bit of a search there on-line too and it looks like I should be able to get a nice Beavertail for around 40-60 quid. (I need two :( )
-
Theres a place on Queens island that imports hardwoods .. fecked if I can remember their name .. I'll find out tomorrow for you
As for tools .. it could all be done with a sharp hatchet
Pity you didn't post that earlier .. I cut up a mountain ash tree a few weeks ago . would have done the job nicely
What length are canoe paddles ? Might have a go at one myself if I can find a piece of suitable timber ..
Andy
-
Theres a place on Queens island that imports hardwoods .. fecked if I can remember their name .. I'll find out tomorrow for you
As for tools .. it could all be done with a sharp hatchet
Pity you didn't post that earlier .. I cut up a mountain ash tree a few weeks ago . would have done the job nicely
What length are canoe paddles ? Might have a go at one myself if I can find a piece of suitable timber ..
Andy
They can be up to about 60 inches by the looks of it. Here's a site might give you a few ideas.
I like the look of the Carlisle Beavertail Canoe Paddle (Nine Down)
8)
-
^BUMP^ So is there still interest in this trip, anyone a definite for it?
I think it would be mega, im all for doing it in Mid-May, but maybe a poll for a date if there is interest....
-
me and chloe would to camp on the island but have no way of getting there so some weekend will go to a wee island near Comber at island hill. there is a causeway out to it at low tide
-
Myself and mrs spud would be up for this but have no canoe gear at all! :(
-
^BUMP^ So is there still interest in this trip, anyone a definite for it?
I think it would be mega, im all for doing it in Mid-May, but maybe a poll for a date if there is interest....
This is an absolute definite for me and Mid-May should work well. My canoe is almost ready for the water and by May I should have had it sea tested a few times.
I will check my diary tomorrow and suggest a couple of dates that work for me and we can take it from there :)
-
I think someone was arranging canoe hire for those without their own
Andy
-
Myself and mrs spud would be up for this but have no canoe gear at all! :(
Listen, if you love her at all youd pick her up and carry her across, and she can carry the beer kegg, and me! ;D
-
I have requested the use of boats with the head warden at the outdoor Center I work in, I'm just waiting on his approval..
-
I have requested the use of boats with the head warden at the outdoor Center I work in, I'm just waiting on his approval..
Cool, I haven't been in a canoe in a long time, will be more than a bit rusty! Good job there's a professional present! ;D
-
Myself and mrs spud would be up for this but have no canoe gear at all! :(
Listen, if you love her at all youd pick her up and carry her across, and she can carry the beer kegg, and me! ;D
You aren't carrying the keg, it wouldn't make it halfway across! We could drink some kegs and fashion a raft out of them! Lol
-
8) So it looks like it might actually happen, do you have to book the island for camping or is it just the bothy?
-
8) So it looks like it might actually happen, do you have to book the island for camping or is it just the bothy?
I think it just might. Unfortunately, the only weekend in May that would suit me would be 12/13th. In June it would be the 9/10th and 23rd/24th.
This would be my first trip to Salt Island so I'm not sure about bookings. Fairly sure booking is only required for the Bothy.
8)
-
Booking is only required for the bothy .. however if another group is using it they can request you leave the bothy campsite .. that s the front bit i cut all the thistles from and the forest to the rear
Please note that booking the use of the bothy includes the walled camping area at the
front of the bothy and the fenced woodland at the back. If you have booked exclusive
use of the bothy, you have the right to ask others to vacate these areas if you so wish.
the other official campsite is at North bay on the island .. no trees for hammockers tho
Andy
link to PDF bothy booking notes (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cts=1331322881610&ved=0CEYQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canoeni.com%2FSalt%2520Island%2520Bothy%2520Booking%2520Notes.pdf&ei=w19aT-OzDsPd8QP76IjhDg&usg=AFQjCNFqK50O9RiNn-TBfZtA5yK0rY8Y3g&sig2=jg1X9SO1bf-z1roWP5qS-A)
-
I'm still waiting on confirmation from the outdoor centre on whether I can borrow the boats for the 13th, I might have to change the date if the centre is closed.
-
How about swimming across? ;)
-
hi Kayakgirl
just wondered if i could launch a small speed boat at the outdoor centre ,
and if there,s a safe place to leave the car and trailer over night.
Do you have any experiance of Salt island if theres a sheltered enough bay there to moor the boat up overnight etc ?
-
hi Kayakgirl
just wondered if i could launch a small speed boat at the outdoor centre ,
and if there,s a safe place to leave the car and trailer over night.
Do you have any experiance of Salt island if theres a sheltered enough bay there to moor the boat up overnight etc ?
Closest public slips would be Strangford or Portaferry
The bay to the South marked by the star dries out completely the wooded area on the map is where the camp will be
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xITVYl45r3M/T3oGqjwurCI/AAAAAAAAF7E/F_4zS_AO15M/s640/Screenshot%2520at%25202012-04-02%252021%253A05%253A32.jpg)
The predominate wind in that area blows S or SE so mooring to the north should be ok , however you'd need to play it by ear on the day
Andy
-
Killyleagh have a slip were you could launch. Would need to check with the centre.
-
The bay to the South marked by the star dries out completely the wooded area on the map is where the camp will be (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xITVYl45r3M/T3oGqjwurCI/AAAAAAAAF7E/F_4zS_AO15M/s640/Screenshot%2520at%25202012-04-02%252021%253A05%253A32.jpg)
I think the North would be better, it looks much sunnier there ;)
-
Is this still happening .... this weekend ?
Andy
-
Is this still happening .... this weekend ?
Andy
My boats still not ready :( Weathers been awful and I've been lazy :-[
Will be June for me unfortunately
-
Anyone else going over ?
-
Unfortunately I'm not free the 13th but also have no boat at the mo :)
Anyone else going over ?
-
It's looking like July for me now as I'm away in June to the US.
-
Have paddled to and stayed on salt island many many times over the years. We even made big plans to renovate the old bothy before its recent refurb. It is possible to bring a small speed boat but there is only a few hours either side of high tide when it is dooable. Even if you get the tides right you will need to be prepared to let it beach when the tide is out.
We have got caught out a couple of times with the tides and it is a hard muddy slog to drag the canoes to deep enough water. One night we paddled across to get chips from killeagh and nearly had to spend the night beached on mud flats. To build up fat reserves in case we would be stranded we had to eat all the chips before we made it back but the guys on the island didnt appreciate the seriousness of our survival dilema. I think they would have rather we ate each other before eating their chips.
-
Iknow this may not apply to this specific trip, but would you guys mind if me and my mate both joined a campout some time?
We're both 18, probably alot younger than you lads, be abit awkward but we'd get used to it haha look like right youngins
-
We are all young at heart!! No ageism here lol
-
Hahaha agree'd aye but I'd hate to feel a burden of some sort
being judged due to age! was at a camp out before with aload of other men and they didn't seem to take us to seriously, treated like children lol
was a laugh though
-
I work with kids so you'll be grand with me lol