Quick Overnighter in Ardglass

[Dowser]

My quest to find the perfect "Wild" Camp Site that doesn't require a calf busting, back breaking trek when camping with the kids, and all their gear, took me to Ardglass last weekend.

I have recently discovered a place called Sheepland's Harbour and so far I think this is the best spot that I have found for a short camping trip with the kids.

It's part of the Ulster Way and camping seems to be accepted.
You can park 2 minutes from the campsite.
Excellent fishing from the rocks.
A shoreline littered with very healthy rock pools just teaming with wildlife.
Hills for the Kids to climb.
And, a stunning coastal walk which stretches all the way to Strangford (Approx 7 Miles)

Only downsides that I can see is no fresh drinking water or natural supply of fire wood.  There is a stream, but I would only use it for washing dishes.  It may be possible to boil the stream water prior to consuming but with parking so close it's not difficult to carry a few litres down to the camp site.  Same goes for the firewood.  Bring a bag of logs and you would be sorted for the evening.

As always, here's a few photos:

[LennyJ1]

Great bunch of photos andy, no DPM Blanket yet .

Did you pick that mushroom? Was it a edable one?

[RedLeader]

Fishing, camping and close to the car. Sounds perfect.

[Dowser]

Great bunch of photos andy, no DPM Blanket yet .

I know, I know!!!  It was ordered about 15 minutes after Landyliam stuck the post up about it but it's coming from China I think.  Hopefully it should be here this week 

Did you pick that mushroom? Was it a edable one?

It is an edible mushroom.  Same as you get in Tesco but it has been allowed to grow fully rather than being picked and sold as a closed cup mushroom!!!

[FlapJack]

Nice one Dowser, i have yet to get a family wild camp done yet 

[Mourneman]

Top thread Doswer,& great crac for the kids,nice to see some camping other than the hills,karma

[Ed]

Good to see the primus in action. Takes a good stove, 3 kids takes a bitta feeding!
Karma added for having the wee beasties outside enjoying something healthy

[twentyclicks]

That's an amazing spot. Well done discovering it, sure the kids had a blast.

[surfnscenic]

That looks brilliant.  Them kids are going to have plenty to tell their friends about.  For the start of school essay;
"What I did during the summer holidays."  They'll be able to fill a few pages.
Enjoyed the photos.

Thank you.

[whoRya]

The last couple of camps that you have had just seem to sum up what the innocence of childhood is all about.  Thanks for sharing the pictures which are really heartwarming.  I talked about camping last weekend with the kids but never got round to it.  I was a bit sulky on Saturday night.

[Spud]

Great pictures, one of my favourite spots, spent many happy days there myself!

[LandyLiam]

great report, good to see the little fella in his scout jumper, future bear grylls there methinks 

[Dowser]

Thank you everybody for your comments... Glad you enjoyed the post and the pictures. 

I have another couple of places in mind that I would like to try and will post again when I've given them a tester.

[Rumblebum]

Nice one Dowser but there's no way that's Ardglass, Norn Iron just had had weather like that this year 

[Dowser]

Nice one Dowser but there's no way that's Ardglass, Norn Iron just had had weather like that this year 

Somebody up there was looking out for me lol.  I got up early to pack and it rained from 10am to 4pm.  I arrived at camp at 6pm and the sun was splitting the stones. The skies stayed clear right through till 13:30 the next day when I was leaving.  The rain came on again whilst I was driving home.

In Norn Iron it's all a matter of timing... Forget bushcraft and survival skills.  You just need to learn how to use the valuable information provided by the Met Office and BBC Weather On-line and then use that information wisely!!!

The basic theory is... If the Met Office and the BBC say it's going to be sunny then stay at home with a good DVD cause i''s gonna lash and blow a gale.  If they give a "Weather Warning" then get your gear into the car and away you go, and don't forget your sun cream