Next trip

[spartan00117]

I was looking at my map of the mournes last night planning my next trip and I was wondering if any of you have camped below the dam wall of Silent Valley.  There seems to be a little wooded area there but was just wondering if it was worth while or not. 

[Drongo]

Chances are if you camp there, you'll be moved on by the water board...

[spartan00117]

OK it's good to know these things, thanks.

[twentyclicks]

Yeah - it would have to be a late in/early out stealth camp. Not sure it would be worth it other than to say you've done it as it is a bit out of the way from hill access.

[spartan00117]

See this is why I asked the experts.

[RedLeader]

We called Silent Valley to ask whether it was okay to leave a car there overnight and they said no so I'd say camping within the bounds of the "visitor area" would definitely be frowned upon. The shelter stone at the other end of the reservoir is popular (and one of the few remaining places in the Mournes I still haven't been to).

[suspectmonkey]

How about having an overnighter on the summit of Doan?  Know it's not a forest, but it's a good spot and one of the easier summits to reach.  You get a great view of Silent Valley from above!  Only problem is that the quickest/easiest walk in would be from the Ott Track car park which I'm always a bit wary of leaving my car in.  Nearest secure parking would be Meelmore Lodge but you'd have to walk in either by Fofanny Reservoir or coming from Happy Valley/Pollaphuca direction.  Myself, RedLeader and MikeD had a great overnighter on Doan not so long ago - http://www.jonpatterson.co.uk/2011/up-and-doan/.

[spartan00117]

Ok guys, thanks again.  The shelter stone at the other end of the Valley sounds interesting.  On Doan did you pitch a tent or did you bivvy just.

[RedLeader]

Up and Doan - who writes your lines 

How about having an overnighter on the summit of Doan?  Know it's not a forest, but it's a good spot and one of the easier summits to reach.  You get a great view of Silent Valley from above!  Only problem is that the quickest/easiest walk in would be from the Ott Track car park which I'm always a bit wary of leaving my car in.  Nearest secure parking would be Meelmore Lodge but you'd have to walk in either by Fofanny Reservoir or coming from Happy Valley/Pollaphuca direction.  Myself, RedLeader and MikeD had a great overnighter on Doan not so long ago - http://www.jonpatterson.co.uk/2011/up-and-doan/.

[suspectmonkey]

Up and Doan - who writes your lines 

It's the way I tell 'em

On Doan did you pitch a tent or did you bivvy just.

Both!  RedLeader and I bivvied under a tarp, MikeD tented.  Surprising amount of room on top of that little mountain!