Hi Gerry Loved your video 🙏. I’m familiar with the Mournes courtesy of Tom Heaney’s extreme tent reviews! A question about Hunka and XL. I’ve never bivvied yet, but thought buying a simple bag for using inside my tent would be a sensible precaution in winter against condensation onto my sleeping bag, and in case of tent failure while on a mountain top. My mat would be outside the Hunka therefore. But I might try the bivi without a tent sometime too! I’m wondering why putting a sleeping mat inside the Hunka is better. Yes, the mat will get damp otherwise, but if it rains presumably you can turn you and your Hunka over to keep the rain out? With the sleeping mat inside that would mean you lying on the ground whereas with the mat outside you could just turn over on top of it? Curious to know your thoughts. I’m 6’2” long and 72kg and use a high lofting down bag for freezing winter and a slightly thinner version for most of the year. Thanks! Peter
@racheldolfi6533Күн бұрын
Gerry I hope you’re doing well and resting up this summer! My partner and I have missed your uploads so much, but we’ve been rewatching the old ones constantly for the sense of peace and joy you bring us. Wishing you nothing but the best and hope to see your adventures soon!
@alanphelan153 күн бұрын
Just wondering what camera you use amazing stuff we’re going camping there next month 3 of us hopefully 🙏
@Sparky-ov1ot19 күн бұрын
I know I used to have a wee gurn about the rain years ago, but the older I get I realise it's why we have such beautiful places, when you look around the world at the fires, drought and the rest of it I think we have it just right!
@thomasshafe19 күн бұрын
Great footage of the Sperrins. A range I definitely need to visit.
@marcusd238023 күн бұрын
Great video close to where I live and place I have often walked. Very encouraging to go out and do more walking
@gerrymcveigh23 күн бұрын
It is a beautiful place and it is very cool that you have it on your doorstep👍
@DesHoulihan24 күн бұрын
Well done Gerry. What sort of bivvy bag are you using Is that waterproof as it doesn't look like the usual plastic ones
@gerrymcveigh23 күн бұрын
Des, it is an Alpkit Hunka XL which is waterproof and breathable. It is large enough to fit a full size sleep mat inside.
@christee322528 күн бұрын
Hi, do you have the location handy?
@mikeb928 күн бұрын
Thanks Gerry, it looks gorgeous as ever.
@gerrymcveigh23 күн бұрын
Cheers👍 It was a great little visit to somewhere pretty local, that can often be forgotten about.
@manfredvon-bw1kc28 күн бұрын
Gerry how is your camera ?
@gerrymcveigh23 күн бұрын
As you might expect after 5 days sitting out on the Donegal Hills in the wet it wasn't in great shape. Fortunately I had accidental damage cover (the report said it had liquid inside😊) so I got a brand new camera which I am still using, though it does take a battering out on the hills.
@johnners911Ай бұрын
Brilliant! I'd recommend a head net for the midgies. They really make a big difference keeping them off your face. Not much good when you're eating or drinking though.
@gerrymcveigh23 күн бұрын
Cheers👍 I have actually bought a head net recently and must remember to bring it along😊 I can live with bare hands - it is the face and ears getting constantly bitten that drives me mad😊
@johnners911Ай бұрын
Nice video! Incidentally, I was reading a story the other day about an old boy up near Carnlough who had used the wheel off of a crashed bomber for a home made wheelbarrow. Someone had just recently fished the barrow out of a hedge and it was all rotted away, but the wheel was still in fine condition. Some stores up in the hills, my favourite part of the world.
@gerrymcveigh23 күн бұрын
I love that walk out from Glenariff Forest Park along the hills and it is one I have been doing for nearly 40 years. There were access issues a few years ago with No Trespassing signs put up. I have met the farmer out on his quad the last couple of times I was up there and he stopped for a chat (and probably to check me out😊).
@footslogger_niАй бұрын
Gerry, where was the "no dogs allowed" sign? Cheers
@gerrymcveigh22 күн бұрын
Darren, it is a track that leaves the road near to the northern end of Lough Feeagh, going east around Srahmore Hill. Continuing along the road to the west of Srahmore Hill will easily avoid this section. A walk that I might even consider doing again😊
@slievesnaghtАй бұрын
wow - currently looking to extend this walk a bit to Belderg (and get the bus back - not sure I could handle the long road walk)
@gerrymcveigh23 күн бұрын
There is a bus!!!! 😊 It is a stunningly beautiful and remote walk with coastal views hard to beat anywhere in Ireland I would say. I loved that I pretty much didn't met another person along the way. The road walk back was long though enjoyable in a way😊
@robertmccrea1957Ай бұрын
Hey Gerry what a fab video. Views are epic and location inspirational. Heading out to Luisburgh Sept and will most definitely put a wild camp on the list. Any restrictions on dogs in there do you know? Hey, thanks again really enjoyed as ever. Take care.
@gerrymcveigh23 күн бұрын
Cheers Robert👍 I don't think there was any signage restricting dogs. The Wild Nephin National Park website says dogs are welcome though must stay on a lead.
@robertmccrea195723 күн бұрын
@@gerrymcveigh thanx Gerry. Really looking forward to trip. Take care
@gregorymclaughlin6206Ай бұрын
"I can see Scotland!! I can see Sligo!! I can see across to county Antrim and the Sperrins!!" Hmmm. But he can't see Derry?? Amazing how walkers roam around Donegal, Tyrone, and Antrim...seeing EVERYTHING!!!!!! but Derry. No Derry. Derry, not mentioned!!
@gerrymcveighАй бұрын
Thank you for mentioning (and reminding me) Derry which is a beautiful county, within which much of the Sperrins sit - the county line for Derry/Tyrone passing over the summit of Sawel Mountain.
@inkedgermanexplorerАй бұрын
Oh great Gerry what a lovely micro adventure. Yes it doesn't need alway to be a huge trip to clear our head 😊. Thank you for sharing. See you on the trail 🧡
@gerrymcveigh23 күн бұрын
Cheers👍 Something small and local can have a great feel to it and create that space to relax and breathe😊
@JenniferLupineАй бұрын
Hi Gerry- Great to see your bivy adventure in the forest! Good that you were able to escape the midges… loved hearing all the birds singing, esp. the cuckoo!! Nice trip, good for the head and heart! 😄👌👍👍
@gerrymcveighАй бұрын
Cheers Jennifer👍 Definitely good for the head and the heart spending a night out not too far from home. The birdsong is a joy to listen to and the call of the Cuckoo so loud and clear was very cool😊
@JenniferLupineАй бұрын
@@gerrymcveigh (Sorry about the typo- lol- just noticed and fixed bicycle with bivy.) Hope you’re having a great summer!
@123kieradАй бұрын
Brilliant video. 👏
@gerrymcveighАй бұрын
Thank you👍 That was a lovely trip with a just about perfect wild camp on the beach up in the mountains.
@mikrowyprawyyАй бұрын
Amazing
@gerrymcveighАй бұрын
Thank you👍 I had great weather and it was pretty special to have a cloud inversion below my summit wild camp in the morning. Could sit and watch clouds and mist rolling around all day😊
@mikrowyprawyyАй бұрын
Hi , I have a question :) are there campsites on Arranmore?
@gerrymcveighАй бұрын
I honestly don't know. If you are happy to wild camp there are so many options along the west of the island. My wild camp wasn't too far from the lighthouse which has a road to it. Would just have to have enough water with you for drinking/cooking. It is a beautiful place to visit and well worth the trip for a day or overnight👍
@mikrowyprawyyАй бұрын
@@gerrymcveigh thanks for the answer :)
@WyeExplorer2 ай бұрын
Any forest bivi that includes a Cuckoo calling gerry has to be good. that was a nice serenade. Have a great week ahead. Mark
@gerrymcveighАй бұрын
Cheers Mark👍 Birdsong has to be one of the best soundtracks for bringing peace and calm to the mind (along with water). I felt like I should have bought a ticket for all the performers in the forest😊
@WyeExplorerАй бұрын
@@gerrymcveigh Hey, yeah I agree with that gerry - such perfection in it all. A cosmic performance unrivalled. Peace old mate.
@libmananchannel2 ай бұрын
Hello "Walking & Wild Camping In Ireland"! Thank you for showing us such a great video! I feel very happy! I look forward to your next work! Have a nice day!
@gerrymcveighАй бұрын
Thank you👍 it was a cool little adventure that didn't take too much effort though had great rewards😊
@Diamond-bd5ox2 ай бұрын
Great video but I just can't help but cringe every time you pronounce Nephin "Neh-finn." The correct pronunciation is "Nay-finn"
@gerrymcveighАй бұрын
I do a lot of cringing at my pronunciation too😊
@Kev_Russ2 ай бұрын
Looked a magic night away Gerry. I fancy more camps like that. Maybe in colder conditions with less midge. That was a loud Kooku. My dogs kept looking around. 😂
@gerrymcveighАй бұрын
Cheers Kev👍 I kept looking around too to find that Cuckoo😊 Without the midges at a different time of year would have been good alright.
@MiriamKennedy2 ай бұрын
Looked like you enjoyed the new experience of a forest bivy camp Gerry! Not sure I’d be up for the midges and creepy crawlies 🫣 Great to get out for a night in the elements so close to home. The cuckoo surround sound must have been a joy to hear and absorb! 😎
@gerrymcveighАй бұрын
Cheers Miriam👍 It was something a little bit different to create some of that precious breathing space from the day to day routine. The air was so still in the trees that the sound of the Cuckoo was something else, had only ever heard from a good distance before. Lots of places close to home that would be good to spend a night just have to do a wee bit more research😊
@paddyarmstrong10662 ай бұрын
legend gerry. thank you mate
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers Paddy👍 A lovely trip not far from home and just using up a Saturday evening and night though it all had the feel of something bigger and grander😊
@richardjohnson34632 ай бұрын
Great wee mini adventure Gerry of a place I know very well (as a member of the fly fishing club on the two reservoirs). A lovely peaceful place where you can see Hen Harriers, Buzzards etc regularly. I've never walked up to the pine forest (wouldn't be fit to do it now) but have often looked up at that treeline on the horizon and wondered what it was like. Loved the sounds of birdsong and the cuckoo calls in the forest. Thanks again for sharing your rambles...all the best
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers Richard👍 Those reservoirs are a hidden gem and a place I haven't visited in a good few years. It was cool to go back (twice in one week). There was a couple of guys fly fishing late evening and early morning and I can imagine it must be so chilling to spend time there fishing. Lots to take in including the birdsong😊
@mfree92022 ай бұрын
Why did you not use a tent? Thank you for the video
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
I prefer a bivy over a tent if the weather conditions permit as it gives a closer connection to what is around. Some of my most memorable trips have been lying in a bivy staring up at a sky full of stars and seeing shooting stars streak across the sky whilst feeling a breeze on my exposed face. If the forecast is for significant rain or if it is very cold I would use a tent.
@paulkennedy50212 ай бұрын
Very nice. Saturday evening was great. Think that was our summer!
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers Paul👍 We seem to be getting small glimpses of Summer with nothing prolonged and settled - the pattern since last Summer methinks! Always cool to use those small windows though to get out walking and/or wild camping😊
@GeoffGreenawayOutdoors2 ай бұрын
Wow Gerry what a sound to wake up to, that’s brilliant the natures alarm clock, sounded amazing. Nice part of the world to lay your head for the night. Good watch Gerry 👍.
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
It was brilliant to hear the Cuckoo calling so clearly and obviously not far away. All the other birdsong was fantastic and I do believe has such a calming effect for the head and heart👍
@RamblingOn2 ай бұрын
The midges are relentless when they get going and that was cuckoo was very cool. The little micro adventures are well worth it, especially if you don't have time for the bigger adventures 👍🍀
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Jason, I don't think I realised how bad they were until I saw how many bites I had on my face and them flying around on the video. The price to pay when there is no wind at this time of year - we can't win either way😊 The Cuckoo sound was pretty awesome. I think more these shorter adventures would be cool to explore and spend the night in new areas not far from home - just have to do some planning😊
@Outlier7772 ай бұрын
Shame about that hideous planted forest. It would be nice to see a native tree, for a change.
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Totally agree👍 Pretty much the only significant forest in upland areas here in my experience. There is a lovely broadleaf forest on the other side of Soarns Hill though it is on a private estate and is used for shooting. There were a few isolated Rowan trees on the hillside though they were struggling with the sheep grazing which is ever present on the hills throughout Ireland.
@zordono20662 ай бұрын
Look good Irland wild is nice
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Thank you👍
@ashleyjarnold2 ай бұрын
Brilliant hike and wild camp, Gerry. Lovely to hear the cuckoo so well, he must have been near. So too the midgies!! Regards, Ashley
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers Ashley👍 It was a great wee micro adventure and shows that trips and camps can be done close to home with not too much time and effort. The Cuckoo was crystal clear and lovely to hear👍 The midges🦟 not so much and my face was covered in bites when I got home, though didn't feel any irritation so all good👍
@patrickobrien89022 ай бұрын
Fair play Gerry, that Cuckoo must have been close, saw my first one ever up close last Saturday in the Ballyhouras, always hear them but only ever seen them flying away.
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
The Cuckoo call was like the best Dolby Surround Sound that you could imagine in amongst the trees with no other noise😊 I have heard them in both Donegal and Mayo though this may be the first time I have heard one up here in N. Ireland. Never seen one either - though if we keep looking......😊
@Hikingjoe3832 ай бұрын
Nice one Gerry certainly looks like a great area.
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers Joe👍 It is lovely up around the Quolie Reservoirs. I had been there the previous week to tackle Soarns Hill and it reminded me how cool it was so it was great to go back soon after with the plan to spend the night.
@oskarilemmetyinen5702 ай бұрын
good stuff
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Thank you👍 It was a cool wee trip that didn't involve hours of driving and miles and miles of hiking - something to do more often I think to explore some of the places closer to home👍
@alanlyness84132 ай бұрын
Good man Gerry. Nice wee forest camp that. I see the aul rucksack is starting to show its age. It could tell a few tales of your adventures I am sure. You may get the biscuit tin out from under the bed and treat yourself to a new one.😂
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers Alan👍 There is a much better forest nearby with a real mix of trees though it is in the Cleggan Estate and private land. I haven't bought a rucksack in probably 10 years so I have got my monies worth (as I always do) and the 2 I use have seen plenty of trips and abuse😊
@alanlyness84132 ай бұрын
@@gerrymcveigh Hi Gerry. You may just put up with your nose having to be a wee bit further from the ceiling when you are sleeping. That lump under the mattress might be about to get smaller 🤣🤣
@jamesoutandaboutn.i2272 ай бұрын
Brilliant matey. Looked like a really nice camp
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers James👍 Something a bit different for me with not too much effort and no hills climbed though it was a brilliant wee trip😊
@jamesoutandaboutn.i2272 ай бұрын
@@gerrymcveigh brilliant mate
@TomMcClean2 ай бұрын
Good man Gerry. Always on the go! No swimming in those reservoirs mind! Beautiful scenes but it will get a wee bit nippy. I'd rather be in my bed though! lol Oh no the midgies! Aaaaah! I've been wanting to film a cuckoo for decades. i've seen them but didn't have a camera. You were pretty close there. you keep safe! Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers Tom👍 Always love to hear that distinctive call of the Cuckoo and all the other birdsong was a beautiful soundtrack on this wee trip. It was a bit nippy in the evening though I was all toasty in my sleeping bag🔥
@TomMcClean2 ай бұрын
Good man indeed Gerry!!!!
@jj25362 ай бұрын
way too many Blair Witch vibes there. do you not worry about a rat climbing over your face when youre bivvying?
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
It was all grand in among the pine trees, probably more worried about a slug trail over my face than a rat😊 The midges had a good go at me and I was covered in bites when i got home - a small price to pay though to spend some time outdoors😊
@NorwayHikesTrails2 ай бұрын
Great video Gerry. Really nice hike and wild camp. Have a wonderful evening 😊
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers👍 It was really cool to have the experience of an adventure pretty much on my doorstep and to be able to camp out overnight😊
@TheHoustonWay2 ай бұрын
Nice one Gerry. Really relaxing video and a great glimpse into the local biodiversity
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers👍 It was a lovely relaxed walk with not too much effort and it did still have that feel of being away from it all. Birdsong is a real nature therapy😊
@seanmcdonnell3422 ай бұрын
Brilliant Gerry i never knew we had cuckoo here an loved the clips of the wildlife
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers Sean👍 It was pretty cool to hear the Cuckoo and all the other birdsong in the forest and along the hike. It all has a very calming and soothing effect.
@nialloutdoors2 ай бұрын
Brilliant wee micro adventure Gerry 👌 Good to see you showcasing this, not everything has to be difficult and challenging to be enjoyable and a very accessible way for anyone to get a night outside. The forest is fab, good for the soul, body and mind, I find it a very refreshing place to spend time 😊 In the mid 90s I worked for 6 months with the forestry and in among the trees is the midges' favourite place. I remember a week in Slieveanorra Forest being eaten alive and driven demented by them 🤣 That cuckoo though was worth the midges 👌 He must have been very close to you to be so clear, not a common sound here in Ireland 👍
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers Niall👍 I had been up through the forest a week before on a longer hike and really felt the urge to return and spend the night. With these longer evenings it was so easy to leave at 6pm and spend a couple of hours walking to the camp spot and then up early in the morning to be back home shortly after 9am. Really good for the soul😊 When I returned home my face was covered in midge bits though didn't feel them at the time - maybe was bitten during the night🦟 The call of the Cuckoo was very cool as was the racket of calls from crows that evening.
@daveandemmaoutdoors31712 ай бұрын
Fair play , I could maybe do that in a tent solo , but couldn’t do it in a bivvy 🙈. Think I have watched 2 many scary films in the past involving a forest 😂
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
I was just at the edge of the forest so it was all cool😊 I love the bivy as it is so quick and simple to set up and doesn't have those layers between you and the outside that a tent does. I did have quite a few midge bits when I came back though😊
@roadwarrior85602 ай бұрын
Are you not worried about ticks and Lyme disease?
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
I do have it in my head when going through some of the tall grasses though I don't think I have ever had an issue - definitely wouldn't wear shorts when hiking in the hills here though.
@roadwarrior85602 ай бұрын
@@gerrymcveigh Thanks, just another thing to worry about! amazing the harm a little tick can do though, safe travels buddy👍
@roadwarrior85602 ай бұрын
Excellent video, have to hike up there sometime, never camped before, looking to buy a tent! something that's good but not too complicated to set up, and tips? taking the tent on a motorbike, one or maybe 2 people max if she comes with me sometime!
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Cheers👍 The Derryveaghs are stunning hills and well worth a visit (or two). I haven't bought a tent in 10 years or so so not sure if I would be up to speed on what would be best - loads of stuff on youtube to help you get the right one I am sure😊
@hprpbp2 ай бұрын
Been watching a few of Ur videos and thought I know that person. I didn't know u did this.
@gerrymcveigh2 ай бұрын
Kim, you can bump into people in the most unlikely of places😊 Thank you for watching👍