Brandy and BBQ

[MG1]

I'm out guys Easter Monday busy day for us.

I'll go later in the week either Tollymore or Meelmore with the wee man.

[racer]

Hi
would be interested in doing this,  what sort of time would you be starting at and how long is this,  experienced walker myself but might bring along friends who wouldn't be, so would this be ok for less experienced walkers

[666_pack]

yeah mate this walk would be fine for all level of walkers.

[LandyLiam]

The brandy pad is one of those walks anyone can do, but some will hurt more than others the next day 

[suspectmonkey]

Hi
would be interested in doing this,  what sort of time would you be starting at and how long is this,  experienced walker myself but might bring along friends who wouldn't be, so would this be ok for less experienced walkers

Hi racer, not sure exactly what time we will be starting out.  Will be sometime in the morning, but I'm not an early bird and going by the usual NI-Wild standard the time could be in double figures before we are setting foot on trail   Once we know who all is going we will sort a time that suits everyone though!

As the other fellas have said the Brandy Pad is a fairly straightforward walk.  The main ascent is from the Bloody Bridge car park to Bog of Donard, then its a fairly level going all the way to Hares Gap before dropping down to Meelmore Lodge.  Here is the route map/profile:

[RedLeader]

I don't want to throw a spanner into the works but what about walking from Meelmore to Bloody Bridge and camping at the Bloody Bridge Campsite. I've never stayed at it but I'd be interested in giving it a whirl and it could be a bit less crowded than Meelmore.

http://www.bloodybridge.com/html/campsites.html

[RedLeader]

There's a pay and display meter, in the car park, it's £4 per night. If you're camping you can park by your tent and I don't think there's any charge other than for camping.

If camping at meelmore do you still have to pay to park? sounds a silly question in my head but cant shake the feeling for some reason.

[LennyJ1]

I am defo going to this now. Maybe bring the wife along as well.

Signed the contracts for the house yesterday so will not be getting the keys till next thursday.

[suspectmonkey]

Hi guys, thought would try and get the finer details squared away today so we all know where we are staying and what time to meet up at.  RedLeader suggested camping at Bloody Bridge which might be a good idea as it probably wouldn't be as busy as Meelmore Lodge.  Personally I'm happy to stay at either site as the walk is the same either way, so we should probably go with the group concensus. 

Also need to get an idea of who is definitely going, so can you post if you can make it and whether you'd prefer to camp at Meelmore Lodge or Bloody Bridge?  I will update the original post with the names of those who are going etc.  Ta

[Matthew]

I am happy with anywhere mate. If I had to be pushed I would say camp at meelemore as a taxi back from Bloody Bridge might be easier to get.

[LennyJ1]

im in. I would say start at meelmore the walk to Bloody bridge. If we do it that way round I may be interested in camping as well. 

[Matthew]

Was also thinking if we camp in Meelemore we can just carry day packs to BB then taxi back to the cars and our kit.

[RedLeader]

Just so there's no confusion, I'm talking about camping at the Bloody Bridge Campsite which is an organised site like Meelmore Lodge. It isn't wild camping. I've never been and can't actually vouch for it but I'm keen to find out if it's any good so we can add it to our list of usable spots. I was also hoping it wouldn't be as full of plonkers as Meelmore is.

http://www.bloodybridge.com/html/campsites.html

I'm not adverse to camping at Meelmore either, I'm just bored of the place. Either way we'll likely be leaving our cars at a campsite and taxi-ing to the opposite side of the pad to walk back to the cars.

[surfnscenic]

I was trying to work out how I could get away for an overnighter on Monday but brother was available so this is an excellent opportunity to get and meet some of you guys, put faces to names etc.  I have to do a lift from Anahilt to Crossgar for my daughter and friends to a Duke of Ed event, time not known but hoping it's early AM. STOP PRESS just been told I am no longer required.

The linear route and camp site idea is very attractive as it means, as MatthewRBlack has said all items don't have to be carried.  Bloody Bridge site would be my preferred option as I never stayed there.

I'll keep an eye to this thread and particularly the logistics of getting from the end of the walk back to the chosen overnight location.  I'm thinking that if there are two groups then if numbers dictated and a larger taxi-bus/MPV was available then the driver could make a decent run by doing a return trip.  Might also get a litle discount?

Now need to start getting kit out for inspection and thinking of snacks and grub.  Starting to feel happy already.

[suspectmonkey]

Just a bit of further info; I phoned Shimna Taxis this morning and they will have two 8 seater taxis running on Easter Monday.  An 8 seater between Meelmore Lodge and Bloody Bridge would cost £15, so less than £2 per head.

What I would suggest is all meeting in the one place (either Meelmore Lodge or Bloody Bridge) and getting a taxi in the morning to our start point.  That means we can walk back to the cars and campsite and don't have to rush or worry about getting back at the end of the day.  Sound good?