Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Hiking, Walking, Running, Orienteering and Geocaching => Topic started by: Kirth on January 26, 2010

Title: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010
I bought Paddy Dillons book The Mourne Walks today, I think it is great.

The next walk I wold like to do is the Full brandy Pad satrting at Bloody Bridge and Finishing at Trassey Road.

Have any of you guys done this one? and more importantly, could I do it? I am so scared of biting off more than I can chew and getting caught out.

Looks like a nice walk though.

K
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on January 26, 2010
I fancy this one myself. Until this weekend I'd never been on the Brandy Pad but now I've walked the part from Donard/Commedagh to the Trassey. It wasn't too bad - decent path and not too up'n'down. Though, it's hard to tell whats too hard for anyone - you just need to experiment and always have an out if you find you've bitten off more than you can chew.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010
If ya want to arrange it for a few weeks time I would defo be up for it. Would need a few cars for start / finish.

Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on January 26, 2010
I'm game. Would need cars at Bloody Bridge and Meelmore Lodge.

Quote from: JT701 on January 26, 2010
If ya want to arrange it for a few weeks time I would defo be up for it. Would need a few cars or start / finish.


Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010
I can take my car and give a lift to anyone
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: suspectmonkey on January 26, 2010
I'd be up for this as well.  I did the Brandy Pad from Meelmore Lodge to just past the quarry which is fairly close to the Bloody Bridge last summer.  Was a miserable day though, so I'd like to do it again in hopefully better conditions :)

Mind you, I'd prefer to start at Meelmore Lodge and finish at Meelmore Lodge.  That way I can start my day with a pot of coffee and finish it with a(nother) sausage & egg soda :D
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on January 26, 2010
Just want to check you realise this means you have to walk double the distance  :P

Quote from: suspectmonkey on January 26, 2010
I'd be up for this as well.  I did the Brandy Pad from Meelmore Lodge to just past the quarry which is fairly close to the Bloody Bridge last summer.  Was a miserable day though, so I'd like to do it again in hopefully better conditions :)

Mind you, I'd prefer to start at Meelmore Lodge and finish at Meelmore Lodge.  That way I can start my day with a pot of coffee and finish it with a(nother) sausage & egg soda :D
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010
That would be a 16 mile round trip, no way I could do that.

I'm a beginner ya know  :o
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: MG1 on January 26, 2010
You'll never know till you try mate.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
do you fancy this one stain might be a good MMM practice route. Start at meelmore-Brandy pad-Bloody bridge and back again?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on January 26, 2010
Could a 2 router again. There and back for some and just to Bloody Bridge for others. I'd be keen to being the small boy to do the Pad.

Quote from: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
do you fancy this one stain might be a good MMM practice route. Start at meelmore-Brandy pad-Bloody bridge and back again?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010
How about trying to set something up for the 7th Feb?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: MG1 on January 26, 2010
Quote from: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
do you fancy this one stain might be a good MMM practice route. Start at meelmore-Brandy pad-Bloody bridge and back again?
Sounds good not sure bout dates though my weekends are pretty much out the window for a while.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
if we can't make this one I def think we should give it a blast when you have a window.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: MG1 on January 26, 2010
Are you talking day trip or overnighter?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: billy backpack on January 26, 2010
Won't matter to me I'M IN regardless !
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
just a day.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: billy backpack on January 26, 2010
Quote from: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
just a day.

There and back ?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on January 26, 2010
I'm tentatively up for this on Sun 7th as a day hike. Will need to check with the chief and I'd be bringing an 11 year old.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
Quote from: billy backpack on January 26, 2010
Quote from: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
just a day.

There and back ?


oh yes ;D
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010
Would be a day trip for me because I only plan to go the one way
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: billy backpack on January 26, 2010
Quote from: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
Quote from: billy backpack on January 26, 2010
Quote from: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
just a day.

There and back ?


oh yes ;D

Was I to expect anything less  ::)
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: suspectmonkey on January 26, 2010
Quote from: J on January 26, 2010
Just want to check you realise this means you have to walk double the distance  :P

Opps, slight brain lapse on my behalf :D

Think last year I did around 17km of it which took me from Meelmore to just past the quarry on the Bloody Bridge side.  From memory I dont think I could have made the extra 5km or so to the BB car park :)  Will definately be up for this in some shape or form though!
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
it's about a 14mlie round trip with very little assent.
I don't think it a crazy idea :P
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: MG1 on January 26, 2010
I'm up for it, if i can get away.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
Quote from: MG1 on January 26, 2010
I'm up for it, if i can get away.

5-6 hours max at walking speed;D

So if we even only run the flat parts 3-4?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on January 26, 2010
So should we pencil this in for Sun Feb 7?

3 possible routes :
Meelmore - Bloody Bridge via Brandy Pad
Meelmore - Bloody Bridge via Brandy Pad and return to Meelmore
Meelmore - Bloody Bridge via Slievenaglogh, Corragh, Commedagh, Donard

Who's up for it?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: chris on January 26, 2010
I'd be in for meelmore tp bloody bridge and back again! sounds like fun! although comming back up from bloody bridge wont be!
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010
Still think for my first time I will just go the one eway. Is anyone else wanting to go just the one way from Bloody Bridge to Meelmore/Trassey?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: suspectmonkey on January 26, 2010
Quote from: J on January 26, 2010
Meelmore - Bloody Bridge via Brandy Pad and return to Meelmore

I'm up for Option 2 :)  Minus any running that is!  Kat fancies doing it as well, so you can count me in +1.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on January 26, 2010
Hi just be talking to Joan and we will both on for this one I would say we will be for the out and back or Slievenaglogh, Corragh, Commedagh, Donard..!!  ;D
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: NeilB on January 26, 2010
Right Im def going on this 1, I have missed to many trips.

Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on January 26, 2010
How long do you thnk it would take to walk there and back?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on January 27, 2010
Unfortunately the 7th might be a problem for me, I'll not know until nearer the time but if I can't make it we'll just do a Brandy Pad mkII a few weeks later!
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: chris on January 27, 2010
Quote from: JT701 on January 26, 2010
How long do you thnk it would take to walk there and back?

Say Its about 14miles round trip with say 500m of ascent either side (roughly), with light packs normal walking speed would be about 3mph. So, If I can still remember old naismith's rule it should take us about 7 1/2 hours? Plus what ever for breaks, breathers, photo stops etc.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on January 29, 2010
So are you guys going to do this on the 7th? If so I'll put it in the calendar.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on January 29, 2010
I wouldn't be able to that distance at the speed you guys go. So I will leave it for another time.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on January 29, 2010
Quote from: JT701 on January 29, 2010
I wouldn't be able to that distance at the speed you guys go. So I will leave it for another time.

Some people will walk both ways, other will just walk one way so there's no need to worry.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on January 29, 2010
Quote from: JT701 on January 29, 2010
I wouldn't be able to that distance at the speed you guys go. So I will leave it for another time.

You'll never get anywhere that attitude ;)

It's all in your head really you'd be surprised just how far your legs will carry you with the right mindset.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on January 29, 2010
And with a bit of campany and craic..........give it a go.......!! ;D
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on January 29, 2010
There's no need for anyone to feel pressured into walkiing both ways. Those that want to go both ways can, the rest can just organise lifts and walk one way.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: MG1 on January 29, 2010
I def on for this, any further plans or numbers or times?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: suspectmonkey on January 30, 2010
Quote from: JT701 on January 29, 2010
I wouldn't be able to that distance at the speed you guys go. So I will leave it for another time.

JT - Honestly, there is no speed involved, especially on my behalf!  If you did Bearnagh you really wouldn't have a problem with the Brandy Pad, Bearnagh is one of the tougher routes whereas once you are on the Brandy Pad its pretty much flat from Hare's Gap to the quarry on the other side.

Since there are a fair few people interested in this, do we want to try and get times and numbers sorted?  Reading through the thread I make it as follows:

Definately:
billy backpack
chris_8764
Spark + 1
NeilB
MG1
666_pack
suspectmonkey + 1

Maybe:
J
JT701

If it takes around 7 1/2hrs to do the full route then setting off at 9am is probably reasonable?  If you added in 30mins of breaks that would take you to 5pm.  Although given that I'm not alone in my tendency to be late, maybe we should meet up before 9am :D

Other thing to sort is the start point; Bloody Bridge or Meelmore?

Finally, if anyone wants to do just one direction then I'm happy enough to do just the outward leg and between us we can arrange to leave a car on the other side.  I suppose if we can get the time and start point sorted then J can put it in the calendar and maybe even do another e-mail?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on January 31, 2010
I want to do Bloody Bridge - Meelmore, so if anyone else fancies it let me know, and we can arrange cars, then we can meet you guys somewhere on the hill for lunch maybe.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on January 31, 2010
I think i have another person for this one will no more mid week...!!
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on February 03, 2010
looks it's like me +2
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: suspectmonkey on February 03, 2010
So whats the plan, are we all meeting at the Bloody Bridge car park then?

I think I am definately going to go for an out-and-back route, but was thinking of just going as far as the top of Hares' Gap.  Thought might save heading all the way down Hares' Gap and the Trassey Track (again ;)) and shorten the route slightly for any one a bit worried about hacking the full distance.  Myself included!  Apologies in advance for my not so glamorous mapping software, but thinking something along the lines of this:


(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/suspectmonkey/Other/BrandyPad.jpg)


So that would be 8km each way, 16km total or just shy of 10 miles.  Just a thought... :)
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on February 03, 2010
I was planing to start at the trassey....have I missed something ???
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: chris on February 03, 2010
yeah i thought we were starting at the trassey too
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on February 03, 2010
The topic of the thread is "Brandy Pad - East to West"  :)
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: suspectmonkey on February 03, 2010
Quote from: 666_pack on January 26, 2010
Start at meelmore-Brandy pad-Bloody bridge and back again?

Quote from: 666_pack
I was planing to start at the trassey....have I missed something ???


Sorry, re-read the thread from the start and you did say Meelmore > BB... my mistake!  I just assumed BB > Meelmore because of the thread title and JT had mentioned it :)

Personally I'd rather do BB > Meelmore, simply because I've never walked from BB before and all I ever seem to do is walk up the Trassey Track and over Hares' Gap ;D
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on February 03, 2010
Well think me and joan had hoped to do an out and back route, with a nice bacon,sausage, an egg soda to finish with at meelmore .......... ;D ;)
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: NeilB on February 03, 2010
Spark your friend that is coming, is her surname McFall by any chance
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on February 03, 2010
Quote from: NeilB on February 03, 2010
Spark your friend that is coming, is her surname McFall by any chance

Nope she's a Trengove............ ;D

Oh and there will be me, joan, rodney +1+dog........

And possibly my son + friend..........depending on how he can behave...!!!
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: suspectmonkey on February 03, 2010
Quote from: Spark on February 03, 2010
with a nice bacon,sausage, an egg soda to finish

Well thats me sold I guess ;)
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on February 03, 2010
Quote from: suspectmonkey on February 03, 2010
Quote from: Spark on February 03, 2010
with a nice bacon,sausage, an egg soda to finish

Well thats me sold I guess ;)


LOL they are good mind you.........maybe if we all  meet at meelmore and car share the ones who want to do one way from bb..?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on February 04, 2010
sound like a plan there spark. #

hi jon looks like your sorted with a bloody bridge start too. Sometime I can't see whats right in front of my face(thread title.)

for us doing the out and back route a trassey start (I also fine myself on this trail more than I want to be ;D) The draw of a sausage, bacon, egg soda is to much of a draw.

And hopefully we all can have a coffee and a chat at the end 8)
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on February 04, 2010
There's an outside chance I might still be able to make this one but wont know until Sunday which is a bit of a pain.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on February 04, 2010
Quote from: J on February 04, 2010
There's an outside chance I might still be able to make this one but wont know until Sunday which is a bit of a pain.

Oh yea change of tunage there when a bacon,saus,egg soda is mentioned...........lol  :P
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on February 04, 2010
It's always hard to resist the lure of bacon  ::)
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: chris on February 06, 2010
What are the timings for tomorrow then?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on February 06, 2010
Ok well me and joan, my son Stephen and 2 others +dog plan to meet at Meelmore lodge for 9am. Im off to work soon but will have a look on here bout 5.15 if no set plan by then, can someone txt me the plans Andy has my number.......
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: chris on February 06, 2010
I'm fine with meelmore at nine. (Some nice rhyming there!)
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on February 06, 2010
Ok Chris thats a start..........but only me Stephen,2 others and dog now..........Joan has had to cover someone one has called in sick..!
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: MG1 on February 06, 2010
Guys was just talking to 666_pack he can't make it till 10.00am
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: chris on February 06, 2010
10 is also fine by me
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: suspectmonkey on February 06, 2010
Really sorry guys (and gal!) but I'm going to have to pull a sickie on this one!  Loaded up with the cold and feeling pretty miserable so gonna lie low with a few hot whiskeys instead!
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: chris on February 06, 2010
i've been told i should prob give this a miss, I've gone over on my ankle again and done my other ankle in! every step I'm hobbling like an old man and a double trek of the brandy pad prob aint the best recovery plan....
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on February 07, 2010
O me Stephen and Rodney will be at meelmore as planned for 9am.......
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on February 07, 2010
So did you guys do the Brandy Pad?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Spark on February 07, 2010
Waited till 10 at meelmore and no sign of anyone else, so we just set off up the trassy track to hares gap, couldn't see a finger in front of you hardly but think that was all the better as my Stephen might of died if i had of said he was walking that far...! ended up doin a few of the hills as thought it was a shame for Stephen not to get to a few sumits on his first trip..!!So we Followed to wall to Slivenaglogh over to Commedagh, the cloud only broke for a short while to let us get a we look at Commedagh when we were at the top of glogh but think Stephen was amaised when we looked back to see Hares gap and see how far he had walked and how high he was, got to the cairn of commedagh and got a we show of Donard, but Stephen was prity happy to not bother with the top of it......lol so off we went down to the saddle and back to Hares gap via the brandy pad..! once we got back to hares gap the cloud had lifted well and we got a grand veiw on our way down and think Stephen was prity chuffed with himself..........!! and was duely treated to susage bacon and egg by June in meelmore lodge.......!! great wee day have some pics but need to find lead for phone to put them up..!!

So did anyone else get out??

(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/spark_032/Stephenmournes.jpg)

(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/spark_032/Stephenmournes2.jpg)
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on February 07, 2010
I had to work so couldnt get out, defo want to get out soon though.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: 666_pack on February 08, 2010
as I was running late got to meelmore about 1015 (bloody diversion at banbridge) sorry I missed you guys.
Me and mg1 then headed of over pigeon rock and then made an assent of eagle and came back down along the great gully.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: MG1 on February 08, 2010
The great Gully looks amazing you spend a day scrambling up and down different routes, def a trip for the future
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on February 15, 2010
Anyone fancy doing this on Sunday? I would like to set off from Bloody bridge and finish at Meelmore, grab a bite to eat and drive back and collect the other car.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on February 15, 2010
I'd consider this. I'm supposed to be at the boozer with the lads on Saturday so it might be hangover dependant!
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on February 16, 2010
Quote from: J on February 15, 2010
I'd consider this. I'm supposed to be at the boozer with the lads on Saturday so it might be hangover dependant!

Best way to clear it!
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on February 17, 2010
Think I'll stick a post up to organise something for Sunday.
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: Kirth on April 15, 2010
Anybody fancy trying to get this route going again in a few weeks time?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: RedLeader on April 15, 2010
I've still not done the pad in full so I'm game

Quote from: Kirth on April 15, 2010
Anybody fancy trying to get this route going again in a few weeks time?
Title: Re: Brandy Pad - East to West
Post by: ChuckMcB on April 15, 2010
Sounds good here as well (may even give it a go this Sunday if the bivvying goes to plan)