Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Information => Introductions => Topic started by: gavin on January 09, 2014

Title: Hello
Post by: gavin on January 09, 2014: I've been lurking for a while but finally got around to signing up. I'm up in the north coast but I usually hit the Mournes for my outdoor escapes, which are few and far between now that I'm married with a couple of kids. I've a new year resolution to do some more wild camping so I guess that's what I hope to get out of this forum most of all - locations and ideas for wild camps and to share my knowledge in return.

I often feel frustrated living here because I think we have extremely limited space for outdoor activities. I love the States and the huge choice of places for hiking and camping, where you can easily find places to hike and camp for days in a row, without bumping into civilization. Still, we have to make the most of what we have I guess!

Even though I don't get out hiking/camping much, I always like to plan my next trip and buy bits and pieces of gear (my Xmas present to myself was the Optimus Crux stove with the Optimus Terra Weekend Cook set, which I used for the first time at the top of Tollymore's mountain trail on New Year's Eve - I'm really impressed with it!)

Anyway, that's it, hello!
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: LandyLiam on January 09, 2014: Welcome Gavin, we're never too far away from civilisation in this country but there are plenty of spots were you can go and see no one for days (usually my office ;D )
Title: Hello
Post by: Kayakgirl on January 09, 2014: Welcome to the forum!!
Title: Hello
Post by: clairebear on January 10, 2014: Welcome to the forum, I find early starts in the hills solves bumping into people most of the time anyway.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: RedLeader on January 10, 2014: Welcome Gavin!
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Glenn B on January 10, 2014: Hi Gavin.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: seanc on January 10, 2014: Hi Gavin and welcome
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: gavin on January 11, 2014: Quote from: clairebear on January 10, 2014
Welcome to the forum, I find early starts in the hills solves bumping into people most of the time anyway.

Yep, this is my favourite tactic. Maybe I need to plan a trip over to somewhere more remote in Scotland or Wales etc.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: whoRya on January 12, 2014: Hi Gavin, welcome to NI Wild. Whilst the areas we have to explore aren't extensive they do present a nice variety. Going off the beaten track can often throw up wee hidden gems. That is where I am at now, in some areas I am keen to try a different angle of approach for a different experience. That often means seeing very few others too, which can be nice at times. I don't mind a wee chinwag either.