Mourne Way Overnighter - Sat 23rd October

[Sawyer]

Good chance I can make this now guys. I'll have to head off extremely early the next morning though. Thinking of leaving the car at Hilltown which seems a short walk from the proposed camp spot. Can't seem to se any info on bus services from Hilltown to Newcastle though

Also do you have a definite meet time now?

Cheers

[suspectmonkey]

hi all, cheers for the lifts guts but I'm gonna have to give this a miss. Have a good one.

No worries Mr. 6, hopefully catch you on the next trip!

No way i can make the Saturday now but till hopeful for bumping into you on the Sunday

Liam, I will drop you a PM with my mobile number so you can give me a call if you get a chance to catch up with us on Sunday.

[MikeD]

Not sure if I can go now, as I have to do something on Saturday....

[suspectmonkey]

Good chance I can make this now guys. I'll have to head off extremely early the next morning though. Thinking of leaving the car at Hilltown which seems a short walk from the proposed camp spot. Can't seem to se any info on bus services from Hilltown to Newcastle though

Are you planning to meet us at Donard car park in Newcastle for the start of the walk on Saturday morning, camp overnight on Saturday night and then head off early Sunday morning to catch a bus from Hilltown back to Newcastle?

I had a look at the Translink network map and it looks like you need to catch the bus on route 240 to get from Hilltown to Newcastle.  Timetable is here, if you click on the tab for Sunday it looks like the earliest bus back is departing Hilltown at 11.41 and arriving Newcastle at 12.10. 

As for what time to meet at, I'd be aiming to be in Donard Car Park for 10.30am so we are hitting the trail by 11am at the latest.  If you fancy going Sawyer drop me a PM with your mobile no. and I will reply with mine just incase there is any change of plan! 

[Sawyer]

Good chance I can make this now guys. I'll have to head off extremely early the next morning though. Thinking of leaving the car at Hilltown which seems a short walk from the proposed camp spot. Can't seem to se any info on bus services from Hilltown to Newcastle though

Are you planning to meet us at Donard car park in Newcastle for the start of the walk on Saturday morning, camp overnight on Saturday night and then head off early Sunday morning to catch a bus from Hilltown back to Newcastle?

I had a look at the Translink network map and it looks like you need to catch the bus on route 240 to get from Hilltown to Newcastle.  Timetable is here, if you click on the tab for Sunday it looks like the earliest bus back is departing Hilltown at 11.41 and arriving Newcastle at 12.10. 

As for what time to meet at, I'd be aiming to be in Donard Car Park for 10.30am so we are hitting the trail by 11am at the latest.  If you fancy going Sawyer drop me a PM with your mobile no. and I will reply with mine just incase there is any change of plan! 

Thanks mate. Was actually thinking of doing it the other way round - i.e. getting the bus to Newcastle and leaving the wagon in Hilltown overnight. Just checking times now...

Thanks!

[Sawyer]

mmm no buses on Sat morning from Hilltown to N'castle by the looks of things http://www.translink.co.uk/Journey-Planner/

[suspectmonkey]

mmm no buses on Sat morning from Hilltown to N'castle by the looks of things http://www.translink.co.uk/Journey-Planner/

Thats you there - http://www.translink.co.uk/Timetables/Goldline-Timetables/Goldline-Service-240-Inbound/

Click on the tab for Saturday and the earliest bus is leaving Hilltown at 10.41 and arriving in Newcastle Bus Stn. at 11.10.  If you're definitely wanting to go I could pick you up at Newcastle Bus Stn. at 11.10 and then we will all be together for the start?

[Sawyer]

Great thanks Jonny. Your bus timetable skills are much better than mine!

That'd be superb if you could life me at 11.10am. I'll pm you my mobile.

thanks again

[suspectmonkey]

Your bus timetable skills are much better than mine!

I wouldn't speak too soon... I must admit I don't use public transport all that often so fingers crossed I haven't made a mistake

Got your PM so will send you my number now, ta!

[Sawyer]

haha hope I don't end up in Tyneside @ 11.10am Sunday morning or something!

By the way I'm used to camping in the summer so was wondering what temp rating sleeping bag you guys tend to use this time of year. Might have to pop out and get a warmer one.

[Matthew]

I'll be bring a 3-Season bag. I'm tenting it as the weather looks as if it will be cold.

Matthew

[Sawyer]

Thanks matthew. Do you usually just go with the tarp option?

[suspectmonkey]

I'll be bringing my Alpkit PD400 sleeping bag which is rated to -4C.  A 3 season sleeping bag should do grand, but you can always up the temperature rating by either picking up a sleeping bag liner or wearing an insulating layer whilst in the sleeping bag such as a fleece or down vest.

Looks like I will be going for the tent option as Kat and I will be sharing and can split the weight.  I was tempted to bivvy on this one, but weather looks a bit changable and I'm not a big fan of the tarp.  Are you planning on tarping Sawyer?

[Sawyer]

I'll be bringing my Alpkit PD400 sleeping bag which is rated to -4C.  A 3 season sleeping bag should do grand, but you can always up the temperature rating by either picking up a sleeping bag liner or wearing an insulating layer whilst in the sleeping bag such as a fleece or down vest.

Looks like I will be going for the tent option as Kat and I will be sharing and can split the weight.  I was tempted to bivvy on this one, but weather looks a bit changable and I'm not a big fan of the tarp.  Are you planning on tarping Sawyer?

I haven't actually tarped before so was keen to see it in action, but looks like everyone is in a tent this trip. Just on my way to Holywood to check out their bags.

[suspectmonkey]

I haven't actually tarped before so was keen to see it in action, but looks like everyone is in a tent this trip. Just on my way to Holywood to check out their bags.

Are you from Bangor?  If so then don't forget Surf Mountain on Main St. or even TK Maxx.  Think Surf Mtn. do some of the Vango synthetic bags which seem good value.