Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Information => Introductions => Topic started by: FairWeatherCamper on February 05, 2013

Title: Just Starting Out
Post by: FairWeatherCamper on February 05, 2013
Hi All,
I am just starting out with hiking, and hoping to do a few 3-5 hour walks and a couple of overnighters (small tent, not bivvy to start with). I have always loved being out in the hills and forests.

I don't have much in the line of equipment so will build that up over time. I'm likely to start by doing a section or two of the Antrim Hills Way, which is local to me (I'm in Larne).

More info at my wee blog (larnerambler.blogspot.com (http://larnerambler.blogspot.com))

I'm only in it for the fun and views.

If anyone is heading out for a walk in the area and fancies some company, let me know.
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: Oisín on February 05, 2013
Hello Will.

Welcome to the forum. I spend a fair bit of time in Larne as thats where my girlfriend lives. I've always said to myself that some day I should go a walk up to the Sallagh Braes but I never have. Drains bay to Ballygalley (via Carnfunnock) is a nice walk.

You should be able to get a fair bit of walking down with that kit, you may get a bit wet but thats where you get the great stories from!

You should keep a regular eye out on the topics, there is plenty going on. Hope to see you out.
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: Rusty Madra on February 05, 2013
Hello and welcome to the forum! Get out on a few hikes and camps... I was amazed what a friendly bunch Wild NI were when I first started: still am!
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: Spud on February 05, 2013
Hello and welcome!
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: Glenn B on February 05, 2013
Hi there.
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: LandyLiam on February 05, 2013
Welcome will
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: bbmcg on February 05, 2013
Hi Will , you've got the bug now and you'll probably never shake it off. I caught it last summer and am now swapping weeks of sunbathing in Spain for hiking trips to the mournes , donegal and Scotland. Nothing beats climbing a mountain and feeling a million miles away from civilization ,and those views .............WOW ! if anyone had told me this time last year how I'd be spending my time off i'd have told them to catch themselves on lol.

ENJOY  !!!!
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: RedLeader on February 06, 2013
Welcome!
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: FairWeatherCamper on February 06, 2013
Thanks Everyone. I think I caught the bug on the RUC Ramble when I was a teenager. It's taken me this long to get back to it!

Sunbathing has never appealed to me much although I like exploring new cities - Barcelona is a favourite. I love Majorca mostly for it's geology and landscape. I'm a former Geography student (yes useless degree I know).

Larne is my launchpad for the Antrim Coast and Glens so I wouldn't swap it. I think my next little expedition will be with my son (5yrs old) again so it'll probably be a quick climb up Slemish or something to that effect. After that, the Antrim Hills Way as I mentioned before.

Looking forward to getting to know some of you.
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: whoRya on February 06, 2013
Hi willmarks1984, welcome to NI wild. 

If you haven't been up already then Agnew's Hill is a nice spot, might give you a nice view of your house.  Like all the Antrim Hills, gaiters are recommended.

I think if I find myself in Tenerife doing the summer holiday thing I might just try to take Mount Teide in, the highest mountain in Spain, it'd be rude not to.  Combine both holidays I say.
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: Mourneman on February 06, 2013
Welcome to the forum
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: specimanYak on February 07, 2013
I'm from that neck of the woods but managed to escape :).
There's a topic here about the Knockdhu Souterrain on the Sallagh Braes, there's a guided tour upto it every year usually in July/August, it still has to be updated for this year  but keep an eye on the link, looks like an interesting walk:

http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2248.msg25968#msg25968
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: Wolf_Larson on February 11, 2013
willmarks1984 i am very interested in doing any walks in the artrim hills after Feb, im going to get my foot looked at on the 20th of Feb as i have some sort of injury. But plz let me know if your heading on to the antrim hills.

Even PM me to if your hitting the artrim hills ;-)

Many regards Dave
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: FairWeatherCamper on February 11, 2013
Hey Dave, the Antrim Hills are a mucky mess right now, so it won't be in February anyway. I'll PM you when I have a better idea when I'm going, or if you are heading out, let me know.
Title: Re: Just Starting Out
Post by: Wolf_Larson on February 13, 2013
Thanks will, I'll pm you also if heading anywhere.

Regards dave