Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: Dowser on August 14, 2012
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I promised the kids I would take them camping last weekend but the thought of packing all the food, coats, sleeping bags and family tents required for an adult and two kids into a ruck and carting it up into the mountains didn't appeal to me, so I thought I would try a wee spot that is only 5 mins from my house and another 5 minute dander from where you can dump the car, yet still secluded enough to be classed as a wild camp.
The place is called Gibb's Island and is located just outside Killyleagh. Although technically not an Island, once you cross the causeway (which never covers with water) it may as well be as it has all the look and feel of one.
(http://i.imgur.com/7ZMbu.jpg)
The island itself is owned by National Trust, and I notice that they have recently put up a Laminated A4 page that Reads "This is an area of natural beauty and we would ask that you do not camp here". Now, I'm all for the National Trust but when they start taking over our Islands and Coastal areas, and restricting our usage I do get a bit annoyed and my rebellious streak comes to the surface.
Anyway, as it seemed to me to be a polite notice, rather than a complete ban, and I know that I am a strict "Leave no Trace" Camper I felt no guilt what-so-ever going ahead with my plans and getting my kids back to nature. Armed with my National Trust card for added peace of mind we set off to find a nice spot to set up camp for the night and this was the outcome:
(http://i.imgur.com/8DfhZ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/O9RFl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/mFWXw.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/HQi2M.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ahm01.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Dy3ce.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UCsJi.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Esh2k.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ZBgee.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LoXjs.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/o9cRW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/8I94O.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/fHUa6.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ulIF1.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/TLPeb.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/qTfQb.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/V5P1Y.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/4bcJk.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ie4vr.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/lMMC3.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/c9U5L.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/XLdqC.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/866EC.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/pNsIW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/PFGtc.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/CvWZB.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ANAH3.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UayKf.jpg)
8)
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Good Job, You made your kids cuddle in that second to last photo. Didn't you ;D
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Great pictures, looks like you all had great fun! Gibbs is a great spot!
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Good Job, You made your kids cuddle in that second to last photo. Didn't you ;D
I can honestly say that that photo was not staged. It was one of those rare moments, caught on camera, when they are not actually pulling each others heads off lol
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Brilliant experience for the kids and you to look back on. Better than an X-Box game or DVD. Good wholesome fun, the way it should be. Thank you for sharing. All photos are very good but particularly liked the one of the tree silloutted and the kids sleeping-your time for quiet reflection?
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Absolutely awesome. Looks like a top night, will have to give it a whirl.
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Quality thread & photo's Dowser,great memories for the kids,nice one ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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great pics, the one looking up into the trees is weird :)
bit dissapointed by the picnic mat though, surprised you havn't got one of these ;D
http://www.dinodirect.com/picnic-mat-camouflage-waterproof.html?cur=GBP&AFFID=33
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great pics, the one looking up into the trees is weird :)
bit dissapointed by the picnic mat though, surprised you havn't got one of these ;D
http://www.dinodirect.com/picnic-mat-camouflage-waterproof.html?cur=GBP&AFFID=33
Dude, don't show me things like that!!! I'm trying to cut back on buying stuff right now but that is soooo cool. My picnic mat in the pictures is full of holes and needs replaced badly.
Maybe one last purchase ::)
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just read the specification and it says
"Protects you from damp grass, sand, and bleachers, calorie " ???
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just read the specification and it says
"Protects you from damp grass, sand, and bleachers, calorie " ???
I've ordered it so it looks like I'll be all set for protecting myself from bleachers lol
A bleacher is one of those tiered benches you get at high school football grounds in America. I reckon they where struggling for marketing points for selling this item!
Not sure where the calories bit comes into it. I know Americans like running up and down their bleachers to burn calories but can't see a mat protecting you from that unless you use it to sit on your ass instead of exercising ???
Anyway... Nice find. I know you meant it as a joke but I could resist it :(
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Interesting that you mentioned the national trust sign. I have mixed ideas on the good they do, but then the control they put on access.
I think I would have burnt the sign, then again, you may in the eyes of the law, been trespassing.
Nice looking safe place to camp.
Ps. If anyone wants to leave land to me, regardless of oustanding beauty, I will ensure that anyone can have free access ;D