Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: RedLeader on July 15, 2016
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Where : Donard Forest
When : Saturday 6th-7th August
What : Family night round the fire & The Festival of Flight
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4872346646_e221705c89.jpg)
I've had a very quiet year for a mountain of reasons but I'd like to squeeze in at least one quick camp before the end of summer. At the moment the 6th August seems the best date. The plan is to park at Newcastle and dander up to the forest across the river from the Ice House, our old stomping ground.
There are no direct plans at the moment beyond a bit of craic around the campfire. Getting pitched and wandering up Donard for a giggle has been suggested but isn't definite as yet.
Update
As Fred has pointed out, this is the weekend of the Festival of Flight. We watched the Red Arrows display from Slieve Commedagh in 2010 and then camped at Meelmore Lodge and had a great time and got a superb view of the air display. We'll get a great view from around the Ice House looking down the valley or anyone who's full of energy can head up Donard or Commedagh. The Red Arrows are due to display at 345pm. More info here (https://newcastleairshow.wordpress.com/).
The one thing worth bearing in mind is that Newcastle will likely be well busy on the Saturday so getting down early will probably be important.
You can see the 2010 trip here:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1311#
And some pics here:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1311.msg11790#msg11790
Anyone who wants to come is welcome, more details to follow. Please reply if you're interested.
As ever, you need to read and agree to the Safety & Responsibility notice if you want to come.
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=278.0
Attending
RedLeader +1
LandyLiam
Martin
Dowser +3
Matt
Iva Bogdanova
StepStew
SpecimanYak
Torp 2+2
Potential
Kayakgirl
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How much of a dander is it Red?
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It's a good enough dander Torp. About 1 mile and 220m ascent. The distance isn't too bad but it's steep enough.
(http://i.imgur.com/Jn1sdZx.jpg)
How much of a dander is it Red?
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oh no, that's sunflowerfest weekend!, sure i'll squeeze both in ;)
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Thanks for the reply Red count me out of this one sorry :'(
Torp
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Annoyed I missed the return to Rams Island - pencil me in for this one?
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Newcastle festival of flight is on that weekend. It would be good to watch the air show and retire to the camp afterwards.
fred
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I'm in for this one.
Dowser + 3 :)
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I'm a tentative maybe, will know closer to the time.
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is it in the wooded area grid 363296??
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I am up for this too, count me in.
MB
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I am in...
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Yes, that's the one.
is it in the wooded area grid 363296??
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I've updated the first post to reflect Fred pointing out that the Festival of Flight is that weekend and we will be able to watch the Red Arrows display too. Should be a great weekend.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4871736693_6ae3cdbcf6.jpg)
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Thanks for the confirmation Red ;D
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I'm a maybe!
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We still on for this? Any particular rendezvous points/times?
Can we light a fire for cooking?
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Could me in too.
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We'll just meet up there, I'll fly a Jolly Roger so people know who's who 8) We'll light a small fire for cooking and warmth.
We still on for this? Any particular rendezvous points/times?
Can we light a fire for cooking?
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;D
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Hi Red could you put me as potential 2 + 2
does anyone know if there is secure parking in the area please? as I my be there from Friday (need the extra day to make the climb lol)
Torp
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Good stuff!
There's nowhere I know that is advertised as actually being secure but we've always parked in Donard Park car park at the foot of the trail. It has cameras and is a pretty busy spot and we've never heard of there being an issue. I suppose there's always risk everywhere.
Hi Red could you put me as potential 2 + 2
does anyone know if there is secure parking in the area please? as I my be there from Friday (need the extra day to make the climb lol)
Torp
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No probs Red that's good enough for me thanks.
Torp
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Hey, is there somebody with whom I can meet before the final point (as a new in the country and with some experience, but not enough to go by myself)? I'll go with the bus in the morning from Belfast and I'll be in Newcastle between 10 and 11 a.m.
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You're welcome to dander up with me, Matt, Stepstew and SpecimanYak. We might be there a bit after you though. We're planning on leaving Belfast at about 10am so we'll likely be setting out walking at about 12ish. Though our timekeeping isn't always just brilliant ;)
Hey, is there somebody with whom I can meet before the final point (as a new in the country and with some experience, but not enough to go by myself)? I'll go with the bus in the morning from Belfast and I'll be in Newcastle between 10 and 11 a.m.
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This would be great, thanks! I'll look around the city in the mean time. :)
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Perfect, I'll PM you my mobile phone number and details of where to meet 8)
This would be great, thanks! I'll look around the city in the mean time. :)
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Sounds that this could be good. It could turn into to a Midgefest though with being low down, near forest and water. I'm checking with son if he could go, not sure yet. I'll let you know if it is possible. Have a good one though!
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Great stuff, hope you can make it. Midges are definitely an issue in Donard Forest at this time of year, however, it's due to be quite windy this weekend, I'm hoping that will keep them at bay.
Sounds that this could be good. It could turn into to a Midgefest though with being low down, near forest and water. I'm checking with son if he could go, not sure yet. I'll let you know if it is possible. Have a good one though!
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Hi Red,
Torp + 2 confirmed as going see u there
Torp ;D
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Great news ;D If you're up before us try and bag one of the pre-existing fire circles, whichever one has the most space around it for a crowd of people and tents. I'll PM you my mobile number.
Hi Red,
Torp + 2 confirmed as going see u there
Torp ;D
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Still planning to join you guys. It'll be teatime before I get there, airshow traffic permitting. Keep me a berth?
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Of course, we'll reserve you the penthouse suite 8)
Still planning to join you guys. It'll be teatime before I get there, airshow traffic permitting. Keep me a berth?
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:)
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The weather looks great which might for once not be top news, Torp says the midges are plentiful which might be annoying. The weather is for the wind to rise later, hopefully that will drive them away.
I'm aiming to be at Newcastle around 1130 and up at the site shortly after. The airshow is due to start at 3pm.
One thing to note, I can't for the life of me find the pirate flag but I'm sure we'll be fairly unmissable 8)
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Hi Gang!
I was away in Donegal last weekend and used my pass up, so sadly il not be able to join you on this one.
Looking out the window though, it looks like it's gonna be crackin evening and hope you all have a great time!
Enjoy the sore heads tomorrow suckers! ;D
RB.
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That was an excellent camp guys, good to see some old faces and new ones as well, hope every-one had a great time.
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Here's a few more photos. Another great camp... right up until the point were I got washed down the river while trying to rinse toasted marshmallow residue off my hands :(
I'm pretty sure the embarrassing photos will follow shortly :-[
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8)
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Another brilliant camp, can't believe we got such great weather but a nice enough breeze to keep the midges at bay. Has been a while since I've been up there, it really is a lovely spot and nice dander.
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DANDER you kidding nearly killed me lol
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Yeah, it's a taxing enough hike, especially with a load of gear 8). Still, nice to get up somewhere different.
DANDER you kidding nearly killed me lol
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Looked like a great camp folks, really getting me in the mood to get out again 8) 8) 8)
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only because I was carrying 2 bergens, one on my back and one on the front (sorry that was my belly) ;D ;D
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Was nice to meet you and the others on Sunday morning Torp.
Sorry I missed the rest of you, glad to hear you had a great camp.
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Same here Ed had a great time and looking forward to the next one ;D ;D ;D
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It was great weekend, I am going to keep an eye for next campings and walks. Thank you folks for everything - it was a really beautiful place, looking forward to see more of Northern Ireland..
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Was nice to meet you Iva and if I am going out any weekend your more than welcome:)