Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Hiking, Walking, Running, Orienteering and Geocaching => Topic started by: Kirth on January 25, 2010

Title: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: Kirth on January 25, 2010: I had my first Proper walk in the Mournes on Sunday, I had only been up one time before to the top of Donard but it was the middle of summer.

I started off at the Cecil Newman Car Park, or should I say road as it was bunged, The Wee Binnians were there and there must have been 40 cars right down the road, I would say there was over 100 of them, some wearing kilts too!

So myself and two friends & Mo the Dog set off up the Trassey Track. We chose to go up the zig zag path on the right to the Hare’s Gap and Mourne Wall.


(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4301163849_7d929c99db_m.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2729/4301164279_96181f86ed_m.jpg)

When we got up there we met two really nice guys who come up every week, so the told us to carry on up to the right up the steps and walk round a bit for nice views of the reservoir below.


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/4301912400_4a7dd67524_m.jpg) (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4301165013_88dca4fbb3_m.jpg)

When we had done that, I was surprised that I wasn’t knackered and didn’t really want to come down just yet. The two guys then told us they were heading up Bernagh and did we want to go for it.

So off we set up to Bernagh, the first ascent was fine and we stopped at the big rocks for a rest and food, before the second ascent. On our way round we met Daryl Grimson from “Off the Beaten Track” Who had just came down.


(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4301166157_1df58a8445_m.jpg) (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4301913876_fe0b4b47f0_m.jpg)


(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4301166995_ebb63d94dc_m.jpg) (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4301915338_16808af163_m.jpg)

On the lst ascent I found it tiring hauling my 16 ½ stone frame up the side, footing was tricky, but I took my time and paced my way up. So glad I did, such a good feeling having made it.


(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4301167499_540050c387_m.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4301168141_c773cbc410_m.jpg)

We rested and took some photos before descending. I found the way down the other side tricky through all the rocks but when the fog & clouds cleared, it was amazing to see how high we were. I definitely think Bernagh is harder to climb than Donard.


(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4301917120_cacddde51c_m.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/4301917376_6df9f57d7c_m.jpg)

When we got the bottom we took a breather and chatted to some of the Wee Binnians group who were all really friendly.


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/4301917656_ff01267c68_m.jpg) (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4301918000_91845129db_m.jpg)

We then set off down towards the Trassey Track.


(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4301918316_db4d454390.jpg)

In total we walked for five hours, while the dog ran the whole thing (Bloody Springer). I definitely pushed myself, and think I did well for my first go.

Kit wise, I had everything I needed, my clothing and boots I use for work were perfect. The only thing I didn’t have but will be investing in is some Trekking Poles.

I cant wait to get up again, and I suppose looking at the map I bought, you don’t have to bust yourself every time you head up.
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: Spark on January 25, 2010: Looks like you had a really good day and yes Bernagh is a rotten climb...........!! lovin the post with pic an all with Mr D G...!!
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: chris on January 25, 2010: good to see you enjoyed it mate. Bernagh is a bit harder than donnard but I think its one of my favs! You should try and get on the brandy pad on a clear day, gives a really good view of her!
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: 666_pack on January 26, 2010: I saw that bloke of the telly while we all gathered at the hares gap so you must have been there around the same time as us on sunday mate ;D
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010: I must have just missed you all by a matter of half an hour!

Come to mention it, there was an awful wiff of camp fire in the air!! :D
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: 666_pack on January 26, 2010: great pics by the way mate.
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010: You can see more of them at:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirthferris/sets/72157623152038399/

biger images and more of them.

I didnt use my tripod at all as we were contsantly moving. To be honest, I dont think I will bring it in future, maybe just if I was to camp and get some sunset stuff.
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: RedLeader on January 26, 2010: You must have been at Hares Gap around the same time as us. Excellent meeting the guy from Off the Beaten Track - was watching an ep of that last night myself (we'll have to climb Cuilcagh!). If you can do Bearnagh in the winter I don't think you need to panic too much about fitness - it's a tough climb..
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010: Quote from: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
I saw that bloke of the telly while we all gathered at the hares gap so you must have been there around the same time as us on sunday mate ;D

If you saw some big fat wallop crawing up the side on his hands and knees, that was likely me!
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010: Quote from: J on January 26, 2010
You must have been at Hares Gap around the same time as us. Excellent meeting the guy from Off the Beaten Track - was watching an ep of that last night myself (we'll have to climb Cuilcagh!). If you can do Bearnagh in the winter I don't think you need to panic too much about fitness - it's a tough climb..

I was asking him were I could get a copy of that series, he said the BBC are funny about giving out copies, and even he struggles to get them.

If any of you have them, I would love to get a copy off you.
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: 666_pack on January 26, 2010: here's a list of walks from the series.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blueprint/
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010: Yip, would defo love to see that again.
Title: Re: My First Mourne Adventure - Slieve Bernagh
Post by: Daithi2004 on May 08, 2012: Came accross this post and I read it.

Great pictures and I was also at The Hare's Gap where I met Daryl Grimson. Good guy. I was trying to catch up with the Wee Binnians but didn't catch up with them until they were coming off Bearnagh. This post was put up before I joined this forum.