Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Information => Introductions => Topic started by: bbmcg on October 24, 2012

Title: the mourne bug
Post by: bbmcg on October 24, 2012
Hi, newbie here ! On a camping trip to Tollymore back in August  I suggested a climb up Donard to tempt the hubby from rushing back to belfast to play golf. The trek through donard forest went on a little longer than anticipated  but the walk along the river was very pleasant . The stone steps up to the saddle were challenging and the final ascent in the mist was sheer hell to a complete novice. Felt disheartened at top that no views were to be had after all that effort and the descent back down to the saddle brought many a fall and a moan that i would never ever do anything like this again. However on descending the stone steps i felt a childlike urge to run and skip and did so right til i reached the forest again. Trekking through the forest again i was totally exhausted now and was so glad to reach the car. Back home my calves ached for a week but already we were both declaring we couldn't wait to go back again. We had well and truly got the bug !!!!!
2 weeks later we were back and did Binnian from carrick little on day 1 (amazing scenery) and Bearnagh and meelmore on day 2. And we did Commadegh via hares gap ,slievenaglogh and corragh 2 weeks ago. Hoping to head back on Friday , sore knee permitting and route undecided yet. But we're  both very excited at the prospect of many trips ahead exploring the mournes and the ultimate challenge of completing the  :)7 7s next year
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: Spud on October 24, 2012
Welcome to the forum, you are getting these summits bagged rightly!  :)
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: Mourneman on October 25, 2012
Well done with the hiking,& welcome to NI wild
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: RedLeader on October 25, 2012
Great stuff, no better way to get the bug than just getting up there. There's plenty to explore in the Mournes, they should keep you busy for a while. Next challenge, summit wild camp  ;D
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: whoRya on October 25, 2012
Aah the good bug, phew.  I was scared to read this and see what nasty bug was doing the rounds.

Glad you are enjoying it.
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: bbmcg on October 25, 2012
Haha redleader , think I'll leave the wild summit camping til the better weather next yr.
Thank you all for the warm welcome   ;D
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: Matthew on October 25, 2012
Great stuff, no better way to get the bug than just getting up there. There's plenty to explore in the Mournes, they should keep you busy for a while. Next challenge, summit wild camp  ;D

Lets get it sorted and hope for some snow. That mountain 25 of mine needs a testing.
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: RedLeader on October 26, 2012
Yep, we've been getting lazy, sitting round fires chewing the fat in forests. Let's get a Doan Summit camp penned in for Nov to ease us back in gently  :D

Great stuff, no better way to get the bug than just getting up there. There's plenty to explore in the Mournes, they should keep you busy for a while. Next challenge, summit wild camp  ;D

Lets get it sorted and hope for some snow. That mountain 25 of mine needs a testing.
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: Spud on October 26, 2012
Stick my name down for this one!  :)
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: LandyLiam on October 26, 2012
and me  :)

p.s. welcome to the forum bbmcg, impressive list of summits in such a short time, at this rate you'll be aiming for everest next year  :)
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: bbmcg on October 28, 2012
and me  :)

p.s. welcome to the forum bbmcg, impressive list of summits in such a short time, at this rate you'll be aiming for everest next year  :)
Thanks Liam, thats not on my to-do list at present but ill let you know if that changes lol  ;)
Title: Re: the mourne bug
Post by: Mourneman on October 28, 2012
I'am in as well :)