NOT the MMM

[suspectmonkey]

What: NOT the MMM
When: Saturday 18th September, 8am
Where: Meelmore Lodge

Saturday 18th September sees the start of the MMM (Mourne Mountain Marathon).  There are several forum members taking part, so best of luck to those guys!  For those of us who don't quite have the legs for a mountain marathon I thought we could get a good day out in the hills on the same day.  

Plan is to start early so we can get a good days walking in!  So we will be meeting at Meelmore Lodge at 8am, and once everyone has arrived we will take a couple of cars to the start point at Carrick Little.  I've attached a route plan (thanks J!) below, but the route is basically:

Carrick Little car park > Slieve Binnian > Slievelamagan > Cove Mountain > Slieve Beg > Brandy Pad > Slieve Donard > Slieve Commedagh > Slieve Corragh > Slievenaglogh > Trassey Track > Meelmore Lodge

So that's just over 12 miles and just under 1700 metres of ascent.  Plan is to take it nice and easy so we can all enjoy the day, and take plenty of stops for breaks and grub along the way.  As it happens I originally planned to do the Seven Seven's using this route, but I might leave that for another day

If you are a new member you are especially welcome and it would be great to put faces to forum names!  Really hope we can get a good number of people out for this one  So who is in?

Going:
suspectmonkey
Kat
LennyJ1
J

[Kat]

I'm excited about this route!  We may even bump into those NI Wilders doing the MMM! I could set up a water & powerade station on the top of a mountain! 

[LennyJ1]

Count me in. 

[LandyLiam]

looks like great hike, even a wee shortcut at the castles for those not up for Donard, but i can't make it out that day  might bring the kids up to hares gap though near the end of the day and maybe bump into you

[RedLeader]

I'm in! Plus it's worth remembering that anyone wanting a shorter route could bail at Beg and just head straight for Hares Gap and anyone wanting something longer can throw in the rest of the Sevens.

[suspectmonkey]

I could set up a water & powerade station on the top of a mountain! 

I could probably do with one of those at the top of Slievelamagan!

I'm in! Plus it's worth remembering that anyone wanting a shorter route could bail at Beg and just head straight for Hares Gap and anyone wanting something longer can throw in the rest of the Sevens.

Yep, quite good options for alternative routes on this, so we can cater for all abilities!  I'm really looking forward to this, as I've never been over Lamagan, Cove or Beg.  Will finally get a good look at this Devil's Coachroad as well

[twentyclicks]

Good route guys - just so you know, there is also a charity hike up Donard that day (Marie Curie), so might be busy from the top to the saddle.

[suspectmonkey]

Jeepers, theres plenty going on in the Mournes this coming weekend!  Cheers for the heads up, will know not to loiter on Donard for lunch

[suspectmonkey]

Don't suppose anyone knows what time the cafe opens at Meelmore Lodge?  Hoping its nice and early so I can squeeze a bacon buttie in before hitting the hills

[LennyJ1]

I really really really really really want to come to this but can get access to the car.

Need a lift please

HELPPPPPPPP

[LandyLiam]

Don't suppose anyone knows what time the cafe opens at Meelmore Lodge?

never open when i'm there that early (before 9am)    their website doesn't seem to work but you could try calling them (028 4372 5949)

[LennyJ1]

Can't get a lift down, sorry guys I wont be making this.

[RedLeader]

Thats a shame, we'll catch you next time.

Can't get a lift down, sorry guys I wont be making this.

[suspectmonkey]

Can't get a lift down, sorry guys I wont be making this.

Sorry you can't make it Lenny... I can't even help out with a lift as I'm heading from a totally different direction.  Hopefully see you soon at another meet!

[suspectmonkey]

So any other takers for this one?  Weather looks like it will be reasonable

If you aren't doing the Mourne Mountain Marathon, then you've no excuse!  Ditch the remote, get off the sofa and get out in the hills... football sucks anyway