Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Hiking, Walking, Running, Orienteering and Geocaching => Topic started by: MG1 on March 13, 2010
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Who s up for tackling the Mourne wall in April?It be a good test for those of us planing to take on Ben Nevis.
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Aye, im up for it.
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I would like to give this a blast also but fitness is not up to it at the min. Got my car pranged about 2 weeks ago and neck is killing me since, going to start training again this week hopefully.
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The old "sore neck"
;)
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The old "sore neck"
;)
Think I have it too. Lol Nah I'm up for it.
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i'm in too ;D
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Im up for it too, only question is, what are you planning on doing ? Walking a section of the wall, all of it ?
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Im up for it too, only question is, what are you planning on doing ? Walking a section of the wall, all of it ?
all of it. If we take the same route as the last attempt then we'll start at hares gap towards bernagh and camp on the other side of slive lough shanna, leavin binnian donarard and comedagh for the next day.
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Sounds like a plan mate 8)
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In are on thread now J :P but we'll still count you in. :P
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In are on thread now J :P but we'll still count you in. :P
so the 16 and 17 of apr then?
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It suits me.
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so the 16 and 17 of apr then?
Yeah thats fine with me
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I'm going to be support for this one and by support I mean probably from the seafood restaurant in Dundrum ;)
In are on thread now J :P but we'll still count you in. :P
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where would we be without you dude ::)
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Thats what happens when you start bring steaks into the mountains. You put a nice meal over 2 crackin days in the hills. Shame on you. :D
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And they prob don't even serve vintage chilled Buckfast.
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So its looking like
MG1
666_pack
Chris
The Hero a.k.a Mr Backpack
Fatty-Arbuckle
MikeD
Possibles
J
NeilB
If i left anyone out stick your name down.
Its not a race guys so don't think people are going to blast off leave people. Its at your own pace!
All welcome
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So its looking like
MG1
666_pack
Chris
The Hero a.k.a Mr Backpack
Fatty-Arbuckle
MikeD
Possibles
J
NeilB
If i left anyone out stick your name down.
Its not a race guys so don't think people are going to blast off leave people. Its at your own pace!
All welcome
As Long as I finish in better shape than you ;)
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Do you not mean if we finish :P
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ahh dude this has to be the last time round that fucker!
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See how its for the 16th and 17th April, does this mean taking Friday off work - or a late start?
Just wondering, why its not 17th and 18th ??? (Sat and Sun)
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we would need t b starting a the hares gap at 8 in the morning.
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See how its for the 16th and 17th April, does this mean taking Friday off work - or a late start?
Just wondering, why its not 17th and 18th ??? (Sat and Sun)
Sunday as a day of rest.
but 8am start at the trassey sounds good to me whatever day we do it on.
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makes sense..... hope the weathers good......
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how many miles do you reckon this is?
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22 i think
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Are you interested ?
Don't worry about the miles, it's the ascent that is usually the problem ;)
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22 miles, 9,000 feet of ascent. Bit of a dander :)
how many miles do you reckon this is?
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Are we sure of these figures ? :o :-\
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The internet never lies :)
http://www.mournewall.co.uk/
Are we sure of these figures ? :o :-\
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Ok then, so thats that ...no probs just a bit of a challange but achievable in a day ;D
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22 miles, 9,000meters of ascent. Bit of a dander :)
how many miles do you reckon this is?
Just encase this is putting some people off its 9000ft not metres.
Any one else interested?
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Sorry about that, I've fixed it - it is indeed feet. 9000meters is higher than Mount Everest and probably not totally achieveable in a weekend :)
22 miles, 9,000meters of ascent. Bit of a dander :)
how many miles do you reckon this is?
Just encase this is putting some people off its 9000ft not metres.
Any one else interested?
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Jonno are trying to put yourself off doing this? :D
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As the dates for this are soon .... are there any peeps that would be interested on doing a part of the wall ie either the first day or the second or even meeting for the overnight (all are welcome).
There has been talk on the sidelines about some doing this and the more the merrier !
If there is some interest then we can work out the whens and where's :D
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I hope the weather s as good as it now.For the wall.
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See Slieve Bearnagh, coming down it towards Slieve Melmoore its very steep near the bottom, its like, cliff like !!
Are we actually - literally - following the wall down there or will we be taking a little detour to get down??
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You pretty much follow it like a hand rail the whole way. Dont worry about bernagh, its easy enough to come down as long as you stay on the left hand side of the wall. Over the right are the bernagh slabs!
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I would defo be up for doing a bit of this, but no way could I do it all.
I think John is lanning to do a bit also.
What date are you guys thinking of? Need to juggle work commitments and Stuff.
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You pretty much follow it like a hand rail the whole way. Dont worry about bernagh, its easy enough to come down as long as you stay on the left hand side of the wall. Over the right are the bernagh slabs!
Maybe thats where I was going wrong then, I tried to get up it, from the Trassey Track, inside the wall, and I didn't have my pack on, and thought to myself, i'd better stop before I got to where the wall restarts as its gonna be a bit dangerous getting back down.
But, I'm sure you guys have got it covered, but maybe, there are some people who will get scared (not me tho :P) when not walking on tracks\trails on a steep ascent\descent, so maybe they need to be warned in advance of how difficult (for a novice) some sections may be.
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See Slieve Bearnagh, coming down it towards Slieve Melmoore its very steep near the bottom, its like, cliff like !!
Are we actually - literally - following the wall down there or will we be taking a little detour to get down??
Yeah mate she's not as steep as she lets on if you know what I mean.
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Weather update
Looking good guys.
(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20100412/06/99/ukprec.png)
And set to stay this way till sat morning but only light rain or as I like to call it low cloud ;)
(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20100412/06/123/ukprec.png)
If anyone wants a heads up to the wall have a look at this.
http://www.mournewall.co.uk/
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sweet i'll prob just bivy then.
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I would defo be up for doing a bit of this, but no way could I do it all.
I think John is lanning to do a bit also.
What date are you guys thinking of? Need to juggle work commitments and Stuff.
Its next weekend, friday and saturday. You should try for the two days, or at least the first, That way you get to camp and if you wake up on sat morning and absolutely feel you can't go on then no sweat, easy enough to escape. However you might surprise yourself and decide to finish it.
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sweet i'll prob just bivy then.
I'll keep an eye on the weather. I was talking to gareth about this and was planing to take the tent but there that constant niggle that wants to bivvi.
If the weather is with I might too.
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I would defo be up for doing a bit of this, but no way could I do it all.
I think John is lanning to do a bit also.
What date are you guys thinking of? Need to juggle work commitments and Stuff.
Its next weekend, friday and saturday. You should try for the two days, or at least the first, That way you get to camp and if you wake up on sat morning and absolutely feel you can't go on then no sweat, easy enough to escape. However you might surprise yourself and decide to finish it.
wise words there chris. Come on guys you know you want to. What could be better than 2 days in the hills with the chance of a summit camp thrown in for good measure.
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I would defo be up for doing a bit of this, but no way could I do it all.
I think John is lanning to do a bit also.
What date are you guys thinking of? Need to juggle work commitments and Stuff.
Its next weekend, friday and saturday. You should try for the two days, or at least the first, That way you get to camp and if you wake up on sat morning and absolutely feel you can't go on then no sweat, easy enough to escape. However you might surprise yourself and decide to finish it.
Its actually this weekend today being monday! The 16th and 17th of April.
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i can't wait. we have to finish it this time.
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I'm officially cleared for takeoff to come and meet you guys early Saturday morning at the wall up from Carrick Little car park and walk the Annalong - Meelmore part. Just need to sort some way to know that you're defo continuing, where you stop and what time you're heading off on Sun so I can be waiting.
I've attached the route incase anyone else wants to come too!
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Also, here's a 3D map of the full route incase anyones interested.
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nice one
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Could we get the itinerary posted up, I wasn't sure whether we are staying Saturday night or not, now from J's comments, its seems like we are, so I'll need 2 dinners !
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we should a be meeting at Meelmore lodge @ 730 am to be at the hares gap for 8. The rest is just one foot in front of the other ;)
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Are you bring dinner for 2 nights or one - or are you brining 2 breakfasts or one !!
(And 30 minutes to get up to the Hares Gap !! doesn't give much time - must be a bunch of power walkers !)
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The walk is just Friday / Sat. I'm just tagging along for the Saturday, then off home again.
Could we get the itinerary posted up, I wasn't sure whether we are staying Saturday night or not, now from J's comments, its seems like we are, so I'll need 2 dinners !
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Are you bring dinner for 2 nights or one - or are you brining 2 breakfasts or one !!
(And 30 minutes to get up to the Hares Gap !! doesn't give much time - must be a bunch of power walkers !)
All you really need/want food wise is (assuming you have a good breakfast before you leave)
lunch for friday:- If your going the ration pack route then it'll be biscuits and pate, choccy bar, boiled sweets.
Dinner for friday:- boil in the bag whatever
Snacks for the day:- jelly babies are a walkers best friend!
Breaky on sat:- again boil in the bag
Lunch on sat:- same as fri
Bring some of your brew kit, for a hot drink before you go to sleep and bobs you uncle!
Oh and I would recomend putting a flask of tea in your ruck, its good at luch time and In a proper diaster can be a life saver!
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Sounds good, thanks for the info, though I think my bag is already gonna be too heavy for a flask, so I'll make the tea on my gas boiler !
I still haven't got a bivy or tarp yet, if I don't get sorted soon, I'll have to bring the most excellent, but 3kg Mongoose 2 !!
Think I'll have to buy the Rab Survival Bag (.5kg) as a bivy for £50 in Jackson Sports, though I still need to secure a tarp......
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how come your bags so heavy?
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what you want mate is one off these.
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=967.new;topicseen#new
I'm def gettin one for the summer
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I had it out, at the weekend, did like 4 hours walked on Sat and Sun, over Bernagh etc, and it was 13KG when I weighted it when I got home, and it was 3 litres of water and some lighter then when i left. Bit of mystery.
2 kg rucksack itself
1 kg sleeping bag.
1 kg sleeping mat
3 kg tent
1 kg extra layers
1 kg rain coat\fleece
1 kg food
3 kg water
Though I'll be able to bring my 1kg rucksack, only real saving i can see, if less water and a lighter tent type device.
Saying all that, i didn't find the bag too heavy, but its probably gonna be too heavy for this weekends exertions.
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what you want mate is one off these.
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=967.new;topicseen#new
I'm def gettin one for the summer
Aye it looks good. I'm in 2 minds as too whether bite the bullet and buy a laser comp. So I'm finding it hard coming to terms with potentially paying £80 for it, and another £220 (know someone who can get me a discount) for the laser comp.
Decisions decisions, trying to avoid spending money too !
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Mike if your stuck for lighter tent you could use my pro action, if we're using tents i'm sharing with 666-pack in the tadpole. No need to rush out and buy.
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Your biggest saving would possibly be buying a travel tap and only bringing 3/4L water depending on where you'll pass streams. I have a travel tap and platypus 2L water carrier (which weighs next to nothing). I just fill it at whatever water is closest to where I'm camping.
I had it out, at the weekend, did like 4 hours walked on Sat and Sun, over Bernagh etc, and it was 13KG when I weighted it when I got home, and it was 3 litres of water and some lighter then when i left. Bit of mystery.
2 kg rucksack itself
1 kg sleeping bag.
1 kg sleeping mat
3 kg tent
1 kg extra layers
1 kg rain coat\fleece
1 kg food
3 kg water
Though I'll be able to bring my 1kg rucksack, only real saving i can see, if less water and a lighter tent type device.
Saying all that, i didn't find the bag too heavy, but its probably gonna be too heavy for this weekends exertions.
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2 kg rucksack itself
1 kg sleeping bag.
1 kg sleeping mat
3 kg tent
1 kg extra layers
1 kg rain coat\fleece
1 kg food
3 kg water
I'd definitely go with less water, Mr. Billy Backpack taught me the error of my ways at my first Donard Wood camp. There are loads of places in the Mournes to resupply with water so if you take just a litre with you, thats around 2kg saved already.
Also, your rain coat and extra layers add up to 2kg. Bound to be some weight to be saved there. For an overnighter I would just bring spare baselayer top, leggings, socks and an insulating layer such as a fleece. Basically you just need something dry to change into for sleeping if you should get wet.
Maybe some savings to be made with the food as well. 1kg seems like quite a bit for an overnighter, although some fellow NI-Wilders (cough cough) do seem to like eating like princes rather than paupers on trips :D
If you need a bivvy I just got an e-mail from Alpkit to say there ones are back in stock again. I'm also looking at the Rab Storm bivvy (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product374.asp?PageID=112) rather than the Surival Zone as I think its a bit more robust.
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Yeah your bound to be able to chisel some weight of that, also I dont want to be the bearer of bad news but I cant help noticing that you've no stove on your list. or is that included in you food weight?
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Thanks MG for the offer of the tent, I was tempted, but with the J recommended Alpkit Hunka back in stock for £33, I think, thats the best value thing I can do at the moment. And they say they have 24 hour delivery.
Thanks as well for the water advice. I've bought some of that water cleaning chemical stuff (the one that comes in 2 bottles), and I have to say, I felt a bit sick after drinking the water I'd 'purified' !!
But, yes, hopefully, I can shed the tent, 2 litres of water and some food, and it'll all be a happy pleasant experience !!
And yes, have my pocket rocket\titanium kettle - which brings me joy.
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Weather update
Still looking good for a dry first day fellas
(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20100413/06/75/ukprec.png)
and you might wanna dust of those bivvi bags too ;D
(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20100413/06/93/ukprec.png)
And looks to stay dry too
(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20100413/06/105/6hrprecip.png)
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I've just bought this tarp too, hopefully it will all arrive in time..
DD Tarp, 3 x 3 metres, 650grams.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/*-NEW-DD-TARP-*--Ultralight-(650g),-3m-x-3m,-Tough-Tarp_W0QQitemZ220572993922QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq20100318?IMSfp=TL100318185001r12400#ht_1074wt_1165 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/*-NEW-DD-TARP-*--Ultralight-(650g),-3m-x-3m,-Tough-Tarp_W0QQitemZ220572993922QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq20100318?IMSfp=TL100318185001r12400#ht_1074wt_1165)
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I'm officially cleared for takeoff to come and meet you guys early Saturday morning at the wall up from Carrick Little car park and walk the Annalong - Meelmore part. Just need to sort some way to know that you're defo continuing, where you stop and what time you're heading off on Sun so I can be waiting.
I've attached the route incase anyone else wants to come too!
I think I'm in for the Saturday leg as well if thats okay :)
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You could have bought that cheaper from DD themselves plus they do same day shipping (not guaranteed to arrive on any day but at least they'll defo have it in the post) plus they'll help you if you have a quality issue.
I can vouch both for the product and the company.
I've just bought this tarp too, hopefully it will all arrive in time..
DD Tarp, 3 x 3 metres, 650grams.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/*-NEW-DD-TARP-*--Ultralight-(650g),-3m-x-3m,-Tough-Tarp_W0QQitemZ220572993922QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq20100318?IMSfp=TL100318185001r12400#ht_1074wt_1165 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/*-NEW-DD-TARP-*--Ultralight-(650g),-3m-x-3m,-Tough-Tarp_W0QQitemZ220572993922QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq20100318?IMSfp=TL100318185001r12400#ht_1074wt_1165)
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Awesome. Is Kat coming too?
I'm officially cleared for takeoff to come and meet you guys early Saturday morning at the wall up from Carrick Little car park and walk the Annalong - Meelmore part. Just need to sort some way to know that you're defo continuing, where you stop and what time you're heading off on Sun so I can be waiting.
I've attached the route incase anyone else wants to come too!
I think I'm in for the Saturday leg as well if thats okay :)
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The ebay people 'worldexplorer101' say they are the ebay arm of DD Hammock, so, to guarantee delivery tomorrow, its now costing....
£36.98 = Total
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It seems they are:
http://cgi3.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=worldexplorer101 (http://cgi3.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=worldexplorer101)
Wonder why their prices are different on eBay than on their website.
The ebay people 'worldexplorer101' say they are the ebay arm of DD Hammock, so, to guarantee delivery tomorrow, its now costing....
£36.98 = Total
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Awesome. Is Kat coming too?
Unfortunately Kat can't make it this time (sorry Andy, no bananas ;D) so it will just be me!
Any one else doing the Saturday only leg?
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I have to work, so am going to head up on Sunday.
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I'll be about Castlewellan on Saturday with some friends on a slightly more leisurely stroll but I'm sure I will be about at the end of the day when you guys are coming down the mountain so can walk up near the end to meet you!
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I'll be about Castlewellan on Saturday with some friends on a slightly more leisurely stroll but I'm sure I will be about at the end of the day when you guys are coming down the mountain so can walk up near the end to meet you!
With Banana's and Chocolate I presume ;)
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aye to eat in front of us! ;D
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still looking clear people so who's up for a summit bivi on binnian to finish day one?
(http://charts.netweather.tv/gfsimages/gfs.20100414/06/69/ukprec.png)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Sounds like a plan .... although I don't fancy looking at a glow stick all night ::)
So how do we feel about bringing a few hobo stoves like J's and some fire logs between us for something to keep us occuppied !
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I'm up for a bivvy. Who needs a fire when you got buckfast.
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I'm up for a bivvy. Who needs a fire when you got buckfast.
Amen Brother ;D
Sounds like a plan .... although I don't fancy looking at a glow stick all night
So how do we feel about bringing a few hobo stoves like J's and some fire logs between us for something to keep us occuppied !
my feet will be producing so much heat you wont need a fire. ;)
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all packed and ready to roll, bags punching in at a tad over 5kg. thats with no water tho.
Think I've remembered everything this time:
Spoon
Pot
Cup
stove, fuel+striker
Bivvy
Sleeping bag
Montane+Hood
Food+Brew kit
Buff,Gloves
Spare Underwear
Head torch
I'll prob throw the old tinfoil blanket in aswell, I've a bit of space left in the old 22lt ;)
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5kg! i can only dream!! lol
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If I emptied my pockets it'd prob come to more than 5kg :)
Tho you have no tent or roll mat which is helping and not worrying about clothes or waterproof trous will save a bit too.
all packed and ready to roll, bags punching in at a tad over 5kg. thats with no water tho.
Think I've remembered everything this time:
Spoon
Pot
Cup
stove, fuel+striker
Bivvy
Sleeping bag
Montane+Hood
Food+Brew kit
Buff,Gloves
Spare Underwear
Head torch
I'll prob throw the old tinfoil blanket in aswell, I've a bit of space left in the old 22lt ;)
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plus if you have a dump before you leave that will save a bit of weight too!
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You're taking a head torch Chris?! Surely thats some kind of mistake, think of the grams man ;)
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Half seven at Meelmore guys?
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We still need to organise some way for me and Jon to know where and when to meet you ladies on Sat morn.
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What about the bottom of Binnian on the trail from Carrick little at 9?
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Thats good for me if it suits you guys.
What about the bottom of Binnian on the trail from Carrick little at 9?
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That's probably the best and I'm sure we'll get a phone signal somehow just to be able to confirm that alls well and we will be there !
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Good luck guys. For Gawds sake someone take a few photos :)
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Yip, hope you all have a great safe trip
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I spoke to the guys and they were already at Hares Gap by 9am. Apparently the weather is awesome.
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nice1! i wish i was able to get to this one! weather looks good for the weekend.
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.... Burger king........
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Did you guys make it?
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Awesome day guys.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4528489141_35ef783c39_o.jpg)
I attached the route for today. Felt worse than it looks :)
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Some photos guys. (pic heavy)
(http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww89/fatty_arbuckle/DSC_0014.jpg)
Coming down Carn Mountain.
(http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww89/fatty_arbuckle/DSC_0036.jpg)
Getting cosy
(http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww89/fatty_arbuckle/DSC_0039.jpg)
Coming down Slievenaglogh
(http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww89/fatty_arbuckle/DSC_0049.jpg)
Another water resupply
(http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww89/fatty_arbuckle/DSC_0061.jpg)
Starting up Moolieve
(http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww89/fatty_arbuckle/DSC_0088.jpg)
Andy telling war stories.
(http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww89/fatty_arbuckle/DSC_0090111.jpg)
(http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww89/fatty_arbuckle/DSC_0109.jpg)
The morning after.......
(http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww89/fatty_arbuckle/DSC_0117.jpg)
Long Seefin to Donard
(http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww89/fatty_arbuckle/DSC_0123.jpg)
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looks like a good time had by all, and u got cracking weather guys
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Great photos, particularly the night time silouette is fantastic.
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Really good trip lad's ...... we had great craic and that's the wall done !
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Great trip guys, really enjoyed the day out! And kudos to the guys who did the entire route, was certainly a tough one and respect deserved :)
Nice photos too!
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Super Photos, I really love the silhouette one. Get that framed.
Being up today, I really got to see the size of the challenge you guys undertook. I take my hat off to you all.
I think a Dpnard Wood Camp is in order to hear all about it.
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What route did you guys take?
When you got up to the mourne wall, did you do Bernagh first or last?
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first
and im still sore.
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I had a nightmare last night and guess what it was .....................BINNIAN
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According to 6 you might be still on it :)
.BINNIAN
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jealousy!! :'(
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all I hve to say on the Mourne wall is that it's a one time deal. NEVER to be repeated.......... ;)
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You say that now, after Nevis you'll be looking for another challenge :D
How are the legs?
all I hve to say on the Mourne wall is that it's a one time deal. NEVER to be repeated.......... ;)
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fine mate. I feel great to be fair. how about yourself.
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I'm rather shamed to say that even though I only did the 2nd day my knees and feet were sore and I was in bed asleep by 9 :D
Still, that's my longest one yet - next time Beg, Cove, Lamagan, Binnian!
fine mate. I feel great to be fair. how about yourself.
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Great trip but never again.
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Since it's a bit of an achievement does anyone fancy doing a bit of a writeup on how it all panned out?
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Since it's a bit of an achievement does anyone fancy doing a bit of a writeup on how it all panned out?
Yeah sounds fair.
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I think we should have you tested for bloody steroids. Managing to arrive at a point long enough before the rest of the group to get the mat out and have a full 40 minute nap suggests either drug abuse or a terminator from the future to me ;)
What was your full kit list? You seemed to get away with a fairly small bag.
Since it's a bit of an achievement does anyone fancy doing a bit of a writeup on how it all panned out?
Yeah sounds fair.
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Inov8 Race 22 Ruck + OMM Chest Pouch
Army Issue Bivy bag stuffed in the back support section
Softie Merlin 3 Sleeping Bag
Montaine Extreme Smock and Hood
Msr Titan Kettle and Ti Cup
Ti Hexi stove and Fire steel
Ti spoon
Food- Mars bars, peanuts, chewing gum, ceral bars, pasta'n'sauce and salami, cuppa soup
Brew kit-Coffee's hot choc
Buff, gloves, spare pants and socks
Sigg Bottle
Head Torch
Nikon D3000 and spare battery
Think thats everything
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well done guy's! i'd love to have been there!!