Camping On Friday Nights, Leaving From Belfast?

[AdamMcC5]

Hi Folks,

It's been a while since I've posted on here. Been keeping a close eye but I haven't really said much. To say 2015 was eventful was an understatement but when it came to camping, I spent more time in the Bell tent we have rather than on a summit  As it draws to an end I'm hoping to get some Friday night overnighters booked in, either Newcastle or else open to suggestions. I need to get my winter camping fix used up by March as I'll be nail deep in baby poo with the new arrival. The main reason I've posted this is to see if anyone is Belfast direction and has the same idea, I'm happy to drive and give you a lift to wherever we decide. Saturdays are out of bounds with me with work and various other Christmas activities so if you're free some Friday night, let me know. I've camped with Liam before so he can back me up when I say that I'm not mad or anything like that, I've just no like minded camping mates 

[seanbranagh]

Hi Adam,

I am trying to camp on the summits of all the 7's during winter months between now and the end of February. Thread here
So far I have managed Donard Summit on Saturday night past. I work every other weekend which doesn't help.
Initially I had ruled out Friday nights because I would have to drive down after work, hike up to a summit and set up camp in the dark.
In saying that I have had plenty of experience night hiking and actually don't mind it, especially with a bit of company to stop me freaking myself out with the shadows from the headlamp! lol
I don't have a lot of available weekends so I wouldn't mind doing a Friday night if I had to. My next available weekend is not until the 4th/5th though anyway when the Christmas camp is on.
I would hope to get a few more camps in January and February.
I do live in south Belfast. I am perfectly happy driving down though as I often call with my mum in Downpatrick on the way.
Do you work Fridays? Would it be evening time you would be going down?

[LandyLiam]

I've camped with Liam before so he can back me up when I say that I'm not mad or anything like that

He's as sane as me 

[seanbranagh]

I feel much safer now...

[AdamMcC5]

Sean,

I had picked Friday nights because nearly every Saturday up to Christmas I have something planned with work or else my own commitments. I finish at 4pm on a Friday so in theory I could be there and walking at 5 / half 5 but if you were finishing later then I don't mind waiting for you and heading together. I could try and squeeze in Friday the 4th for a quick overnighter then pick up again after Christmas? January and February are a lot quieter for me so that is when I hope to get most camping ticked off  I'm just off the Castlereagh road but work in the centre. I'm also up for doing some of / if not all the 7s and I probably wouldn't have done them alone as I usually pitch up about an hour into my walk and hide from the dark haha! If you seen the pics from when me and Liam camped, you would be afraid....We ended up walking back with someone else's boxers  ill take a look at the link you posted.

[LandyLiam]

We ended up walking back with someone else's boxers

he's telling the truth!


Vaguely plausible explanation here http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4856.msg51724#msg51724

[Fred]

I think Friday night camps are a good idea, it keeps most of the weekend free for other stuff. I might be able to join you guys sometime though I reserve the right to retain my own underwear.

Fred

[seanbranagh]

The jury is still out for me on the explanation of the boxers but anyway...lol

Adam, I apologise; I was misleading in my previous message. Yes, I am free on the 4th and the 5th but I am planning on going to the Christmas camp on the 5th so realistically I won't be able to camp on the 4th also.
After that the next available one would be the 18th for me then into next year.
I can probably get away from work a bit earlier (around 4 also) on a Friday though and drive straight down from Bangor if we can get a date that suits both of us.

[AdamMcC5]

As Fred said, Fridays are good as you still have 2 days to yourself and 2 days which you can spend with the other half to build the brownie points back up. We can't really release too many details about the boxers due to legal reasons but one thing lead to another and well, you know how the rest goes .... I think it'll probably be best to book in a few camps after Christmas and aim for the beginning of January. Talking of Christmas, is anyone getting anything new?

[seanbranagh]

New year should be better for me too.

I just bought a load of new gear earlier in the year for my Himalayan trip and I have just recently bought not one but two new tents so I don't think I could dare ask Santa for anything else! lol

[No time for anything]

Hi all, I'd be interested in a Friday night away when I get back to the UK in the middle of December, been away for 2 years and have a brand new tent collecting dust

[seanbranagh]

I might be able to manage the 18th December this year. Probably Commedagh summit and after work so I would be hiking up in the dark.
After that it will be Jan and Feb. Welcome to join any time. I will post to confirm closer to the time.

[No time for anything]

That sounds like a plan, I only hope you can go easy on me and don't mind the occasional stop as I'm unfit at the minute due to eating too much in the last two years lol.  How long would it usually take to reach the peak?

[seanbranagh]

Well, that's a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question.
For me, fully loaded with 15+ kg of camping gear, by myself I would be at the top of Donard or Commedagh in about an hour and a half from Donard car park but my legs are well conditioned to it at this stage.
I have been up there with various friends over the years and have taken more than twice that long on occasion, carrying no weight at all so it just depends on the individual.
Main thing is, if the weather is not totally awful and we have plenty of spare batteries for headlamps then there is absolutely no rush to get up.

[Fred]

I don't think I will be able to go camping this side of Christmas wit would be keen to join you guys in the new year. An hour and a half sounds about right for Donard although Stephen Nolan took somewhat longer recently.

Fred