Wild Camping Mournes | 3 Attempts to Bivy

A 25km walk through the Mourne Mountains with 2,000m of ascent and 3 attempts to set up my bivy. The midges were loving the still conditions and I had to abandon the first 2 camp sites and eventually found a consistent breeze on the summit of Ben Crom Mountain to settle down at midnight.
GPX track
out.ac/IFTioH
Silent Valley
www.niwater.co...

[@JenniferLupine]

Beautiful! Love the rock walls! The berries look amazing! Crazy weather and midges … nice that you finally found a good spot to sleep. Lovely sounds of the flowing water! Lovely nature! 😄👍💚💚

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Jennifer, it was heaven to find a breeze to keep the midges away to get set down for the night😊 Bilberries are beautiful👍

[@JenniferLupine]

@@gerrymcveigh 👌😄

[@TeaInValhalla]

Happy Thursday Gerry, another beautiful video and a real treat, TV quality as always! 📺 ❤️ Popping you on with dinner in the TIV house, have a great end to the week! Can't wait to see what treats lay in wait up the hills today! Hope you don't get ticked 😬 Catch you soon, Ceri and Kat ☕️ ❤️ 👍 🗺🧭

[@gerrymcveigh]

Ceri & Kat, Happy Friday and weekend👍😊

[@WyeExplorer]

I always admire them Walls gerry. They took years to evolve and are as impressive as the mountains. Now that's an irony. Loving the stillness of the res and wishing for wind later on. Well, you managed to escape the midges in the end. But was a saga! A lovely bivvy spot to be fair. You ended up on the tight place. Ha ha you made me laugh I have to say. 'They must have some purpose.' Yeah, to motivate you gerry and to entertain us - on this trip at least. Good going mate. Very enjoyable. Mark

[@mardyTV-USA]

Wow. Such an amazing place. Thanks for hiking us around. New friend here from New Jersey USA. ❤️❤️❤️

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍 from Ireland to New Jersey😊

[@TeaInValhalla]

Kat was pleased to hear about the lizards 🦎 glad you didn't give up either, really appreciated your endeavours here Gerry! The midges that bite are the female, all part of the reproduced cycle, your blood will help the next wave of midges 🦟 have a great weekend, Ceri and Kat 🧭❤️⛰️🗺🏕

[@gerrymcveigh]

I am glad that I helped produce even more of them! It is always super cool to see lizards in Ireland and it has been years since seeing any in the Mournes so that says something positive about the environment👍 Have a great weekend too👍

[@deekelley891]

Lovely! Thank you again for sharing your lovely home. Sorry about the bugs-I often tell people that’s some critters escaped from Hades-while heaven gave us butterflies!

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you Dee👍 I know that all the bugs are good in their own way so just have to get on with it🦟😊

[@laagangkatabang]

Absolutely stunning and very comfortable place... Beautiful spot for hiking . Excellent video

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍 It is a beautiful spot for hiking😊

[@TeaInValhalla]

Some fine stone walling Gerry 🧱 ideal strom shelter for the cautious camper ❤️🏕

[@gerrymcveigh]

The Mourne Wall is a grand structure running 22 miles through the mountains to protect the resevoirs. It recently had a £4.5 million facelift to repair the damage that had taken place over the last 100 years👍 Have used its shelter from the wind on many an occasion😊

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice views, beautiful scenery. Wishing you a wonderful day 👍

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍 and have a great weekend😊

[@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure]

Lovely spot. I've heard the Mourne Mountains are a stunning place and you can clearly see it. I went up that way a few years back but only for a day. Thanks for checking out my channel. 👍🏻

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers👍 The Mournes are stunning and are well worth exploring for a day or a lifetime😊

[@richardjohnson3463]

3rd time lucky Gerry! Great to see evidence of trout in Ben Crom

[@gerrymcveigh]

Richard, definitely third time lucky😊 would have had to go back to car if hadn't found that breeze! It was amazing to see the fish rising in the still waters of the reservoir👍

[@ranjauajad]

wonderful scenary at the above. thanks for bring us this experience, amazing place with nice weather

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍

[@therapyofnature3549]

So very beautiful nature 😍 thanks for sharing 👍

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍😊

[@MiriamKennedy]

That was some climbing Gerry! Your question on whether ‘they’ had a purpose prompted me to ask Prof Google….it seems they do, or at least they’ve been given some positive attribute amongst their many irritating characteristics!! Beautiful views of the Reservoirs and surrounding mountains yet again - I’m actually heading to the Mournes tomorrow so your video was perfect timing to remind me of the fab terrain and views 😊 Great you persevered and got to stay amongst the elements rather than the car! A long day with some satisfying cups of tea and Noodles no doubt 😎 Great you got that breeze in the end!! 🎉

[@gerrymcveigh]

Miriam, have a superb trip, the Mournes are stunning and the weather isn't to be that bad👍 hopefully with a breeze to keep you midge free😊

[@MiriamKennedy]

@@gerrymcveigh Plenty of breeze Gerry to keep them away last night 😊

[@walkwatchers]

Aw Gerry, isn't it mad that such a tiny creature can make a beautiful walk so frustrating! Isn't nature beautiful! 🤣. Was great to see though, that you had the rewards of that amazing view over Ben Crom reservoir. Like a mirror. Superb. And so good to hear that you spotted the lizards great news!

[@gerrymcveigh]

Alyn, nature is beautiful😊 Have never seen Ben Crom so still and it was great to see the fish rising on its waters👍 It was super to see the lizards coming down through the heather from Ben Crom summit too😊

[@dominicmurray8406]

Fair play for sticking it out Gerry, another great video

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Dominic👍 I was definitely on my last legs as I found that breeze😊

[@orandoyle]

Lovely video, Gerry. Very peaceful.. at least for this non-midge-pestered viewer.😀

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Oran, it was a beautifully peaceful trip, even when being pestered by midges😊

[@smilewalker7998]

Wow amazing place. Big like for your adventure my friend.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍 It is an amazing place and it was quite the adventure😊

[@ashleyjarnold]

Awesome video, hike and camp, Gerry. Blue sky. No wind equals midges!! They may be small but they can be persistant, maybe you need a crocodile Dundee type hat!! You did some hiking and hit so many summits. Drinking tea seems to be your energy secret, which I can't copy as I can't drink it! Great camp spot too and well done on finding it. Some of your video clips of the water and the terrain were top class. You've become an expert editor/director. Regards, Ashley

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Ashley👍 might have to get a midge net to see what difference it makes! Only a couple of months and then they will be gone😊 I definitely do not drink enough water when out walking and the tea makes up for it a little I think. It is cool to try and think of different routes in the Mournes and see how they turn out👍

[@pikeontheflyguide]

Great video as usual Gerry you put a few steps in that one hahaha......roll on the winter so we can be midge free 😀 ATB Stuart

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Stuart👍 the midges definitely made me put in a few extra steps😊 I am looking forward to the colder weather too, though it would be brilliant to have it with the longer evenings too👍

[@mphigham1963]

Simply stunning Gerry. I do admire your editing skills pal. I hope you`re well ! 😃

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Martin👍 That was a tough trip and I was never so pleased to find a breeze, even if it took me to near to midnight😊

[@kevinpuertovlogz]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing.❤️

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍😊

[@explorewithlloydi]

this was a super hike, got away with some of that weather too which is always a plus

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers 👍 it was great weather and brilliantly still conditions, just unfortunate that the midges🦟 love them too😊

[@hamo-gt5cq4iw4x]

The best thing in the world is that our hearts are on each other by activating 🔔🔔 the communication between us lasts. I wish success and good luck to all.🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍

[@andrewwright2524]

Great vid as usual. Some lovely colours of heather. I watched Stephen Reid fight the midjis aswel in a vid this week.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Andrew, beautiful colours in the Mournes at the minute which sort of make up for the midges😊

[@RamblingOn]

😄 ah Gerry those midges are a nightmare this time of year. I'm happy to see that you got some respite from the buggers.. Stunning footage as always, I don't know how you managed it. I sometimes give up on filming for a while because I'm half dead after a climb but you carry on. Fair play

[@gerrymcveigh]

Jason, they are a menace in still conditions during these months, any breeze at all is a relief👍 I was really close to heading back to the car and it was great that the wind picked up on the top of Ben Crom and allowed me to set up for the night😊

[@MamaSenda]

Beautiful , water liliy flower si pretty

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍 The water lilies are beautiful😊

[@outdoorsdave.7270]

Brilliant video as always mate 👍

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Dave👍 plenty of fish in those reservoirs😊

[@michaelfinn1317]

Thanks for this great video. Beautifully filmed as you’ve set the standard. Well done in finally getting a tolerable bite spot, but 2000m of ascent overall, that’s some shift. Done about 1100m in Wicklow today and I’m well tired.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Michael👍 I was well tired too😊 It isn't too bad if you have a nights rest in the middle😊

[@Kelfella]

That's an impressive hike Gerry especially when you think you've found your camp then have to pack up and get going again . I can't even say the M word but fair play you didn't let them win .

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Mark, I should have stayed high and went for the summit of Ben Crom, though at the time there was no wind up high either and I stuck to my original plan of dropping to the shore of the reservoir. I will return to there as it is a fantastic spot, just need to wait for a windier day or the autumn😊

[@TomMcClean]

Oh dear Gerry. Those darn midgees! Looks as though you have the whole place to yourself again but you nearly awakened all the tent people so not quite empty. Lesson for the day or night. It's hard to beat the midges! lol Not fun!

[@gerrymcveigh]

Tom, only the wind or the cold can defeat them🦟❄️💨😊

[@streetwalkerphoto]

Bivvied at Hare’s Gap a few years ago…someone had left a bin bag full of rubbish there, which was disappointing!

[@gerrymcveigh]

Hare's Gap would be a great spot to camp👍 Leave No Trace is definitely a principle to follow👍

[@alanlyness8413]

Great video as usual Gerry. The Mourne Midge can surely test your willpower. You beat them in the end ( for now anyway ). ps they make great food for the fish

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Alan, it was great to see the fish rising (to eat the midges no doubt) on the still waters. I had always wondered if there was fish in the 2 reservoirs and it was cool to see those circular ripples in the water as a tell tale sign👍

[@alanlyness8413]

@@gerrymcveigh Wild Brown Trout in that reservoir Gerry. Lovely wee fish and great to see 👍 Take care and keep up the good work.

[@merkyw4187]

:) Thank God for Tea Gerry lol I actually felt your tiredness after 11 pm I was ready for the bed myself lol Fantastic adventure and great vlog in your own special style. Makes me want to get up to the Mournes again, it's been a few months. Still don't know how you bivvy :) thanks for the vid it was great viewing.... M

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Merky👍 I was wrecked after dropping down to the reservoir and pacing around for half an hour to avoid the midges and then having to climb all the way up again😊 It was fantastic to find that refreshing breeze and to get some lovely tea on the go alright😊 I love the simplicity of the bivy and that you are so open to the elements and at the same time so protected and comfortable. Definitely my preferred choice if the weather conditions and midges allow👍

[@merkyw4187]

@@gerrymcveigh Tea :) can't beat it lol where u off to next ?

[@gerrymcveigh]

Have been along the North Mayo sea cliffs doing some filming which should be sorted soon😊

[@introkoreawalkingtour4572]

Nice sharing good video! good luck 😊😊😊 stay connected 🤝🔔 my friend!!!💖💘

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍😊

[@commane21]

I thought the midges were there only in the spring!

[@gerrymcveigh]

Stephen, they usually stick around to early autumn before the colder weather gets rid of them.

[@WildIrishman]

Lovely video Gerry, you have a great eye for shots. what size bag do you use? im still trying to figure out what i really need when im out, always seem to pack way too much. everything bar the kitchen sink 😀

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers👍 I use a 44 litre bag which still has plenty of room left and on occasion I use a 33 litre which is full to the brim👍 I do have it pared down to the essentials (I think)😊

[@adventurousdavee]

Great video 👌. Can you leave your car in the car park overnight at the silent valley , ie safe enough ?

[@gerrymcveigh]

Have parked there a few times overnight, the gates are locked at night and there is security. I would normally leave a note on the dash to say I am camping overnight.

[@nialloutdoors]

So glad your perseverance paid off as you seemed to have a great second day 👌 I had my own battle with the Glenveagh midge last week and it wasn't pretty 😆 Some great filming as usual. Do you do it all on the GoPro or do you carry a second camera? Cheers, Niall 👍 🙂

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Niall👍 Going by your pics the midges had a better time with you, maybe you weren't walking around enough🦟👣😊 Seriously it can be infuriating, I remember one occasion in Glenlough were a black cloud literally surrounded me and I was roaring and shouting like a madman. I only use the Gopro for the talky bits and use a dslr for the other stuff - much more stopping and starting and the walks take twice as long though that is the way I do it😊

[@nialloutdoors]

@@gerrymcveigh good man Gerry, I did wonder how you managed to get such good close up shots. While sheltering in my tent I did think about you and your bivvy but I agree more walking would probably have helped 😆

[@silesianwalker507]

Great one, thanks! Did you leave your car on the Silent Valley Reservoir car park?

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers👍 Yes I used the Silent Valley (and have done a few times recently) with no issue parking overnight - I did leave a note on the window that I was camping.

[@silesianwalker507]

@@gerrymcveigh I've tried to leave my car there recently but I was told by the guy at the gate that I wasn't allowed to :( Maybe I shouldn't reveal my plans :)

[@gerrymcveigh]

I didn't😊

[@Alan_AB]

What are those sites like for midges? Last couple of times I camped up there I was ate alive at nights.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Alan, they aren't good in calm conditions during midge season. All it takes is that little breeze to keep them at bay and it is usually there, though it was hard work to find it on that trip in the calm conditions.

[@shaunward923]

Mate bit of a weird question but do you work for translink? Think I know you from somewhere. Great videos I have been binge watching all day

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Shaun👍 Afraid I don't work for Translink😊 Have a great 2023👍

[@TeaInValhalla]

Like midge ninja Gerry 🥷 😆

[@TeaInValhalla]

Uuuuurgh! Midge on 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟

[@gerrymcveigh]

They are a nightmare in still conditions👎