Wild Camping Mournes | Almost to Slieve Bearnagh

[@wendingourway]

Those views...WOW!! The rock walls I am totally fascinated by...just amazing! Nothing better than fresh mountain waters! Bruce and Otis

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers👍 There are some cool hills in the Mourne Mountains and totally agree that fresh mountain water is the best for tea😊

[@MiriamKennedy]

11 people involved in assisting the person with the leg injury - easy to forget how many people are impacted by an injury! It definitely didn’t seem like a night for the high summits but a great night to be out before going back to work, love it!! That guy was moving so fast going down The Devils Coach Road - as tough as it was climbing it, I wouldn’t like to go down it 😮 10/10 for the fruit cake and views 🤩

[@gerrymcveigh]

Miriam, the operation I witnessed on Benevenagh in the Sperrins with the air ambulance, Mountain rescue and the Ambulance service must have had 20 people involved. It really does give a sense of the scale of supporting someone injured or ill in the mountains where accessibility is a challenge (never mind the cost). It was way too windy for a summit camp and it was great to take a few hours off on the Tuesday to go with my Monday to spend some quality time in the hills😊 I don't think i would be too keen on going down either, though hands and bum seems to be a good technique😊 There is a bakers in Ballymena that does the most amazing fruitcake and I will commit to bringing some on the next meet up😊

[@MiriamKennedy]

@@gerrymcveigh 👍🤗

[@walkwatchers]

Another belter Gerry. I love how you included the bird song and late spring flowers. Beautiful. The mountains look so good in the sun, you got some great views and great shots of the DCR. That guy was mad racing down there! He must've had somethin else in the diary. And that is the crag I faced up to on Ben Crom but you were braver than me man, I skirted round the bottom and headed up the long slope. Thanks for another great adventure Gerry

[@gerrymcveigh]

Alyn, I had to think long and hard before attempting those crags on Ben Crom and it was quite hands on going up😊 Might have prefeered that though to racing down the Devil's Coachroad😊

[@leeyoung4305]

Seeing you trekking alone, I want to join you too. I was able to see nature as it is, and there are even mountain goats living on the ridge! And next to the ruins of Commedagh's castle, there's even water to quench your thirst! It was wonderful to see you skillfully passing the rocky mountain! This is the best video ever.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍 It was a great trip and that water was most welcome😊

[@leeyoung4305]

@@gerrymcveigh My friend, thanks for the reply! Your travel videos are always the best!

[@Jonnydoherty115]

Spot on as always Gerry, cracker views. Hope you get to enjoy a few more trips with the cracking weather we're having!

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Jonathan👍 Always good to be out in the Mournes😊 I have been lucky enough to get a couple of trips to Donegal in with this glorious weather☀😊

[@RamblingOn]

Hey Gerry, class footage as always. The close ups and the compositions you get are savage. It looks very remote up there in the Mournes which is ideal 😄 Class as always 👍

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Jason👍 It can be pretty busy in parts of the Mournes though it all quietens away in the evening so when wild camping there is often no one else about (or it certainly seems that way)😊 the Mournes have to be one of the most picturesque ranges in the whole of Ireland👍

[@andrewwright2524]

Great to see yeah bck in the mournes. Enjoyed the video great job.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Andrew👍 It was great to be back in the Mournes and to spend a night is always superb😊

[@JenniferLupine]

Wonderful trip Gerry! The Mourne Mountains are beautiful, but really, all the places you visit are too! The rocky outcrops about 6:00 to 7:00 and the ‘gully’ area really fascinating. Great to admire, but I wouldn’t want to go up, or down the narrow gully! Lots of loose rock doesn’t sound fun. Loved seeing the reservoir from down below and up above other moments of flowing water. I know what you mean about getting outside and recharging batteries, so to speak, a perfect way to refresh! Thanks for sharing your trip and these amazing places! Cheers - Jen

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Jennifer👍 The Mournes are beautiful with so much to explore😊 The only thing missing is all that natural forest that you have over there🌲🌲 I don't have much of a head for heights so gullies and loose rocks wouldn't be a first choice😊 Being outdoors is the perfect way to get in touch with so much😊

[@shaunmcintyre8996]

Nice one that's what I'm watching tonight, a double bill with Murray from Scottish mountains.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Shaun👍 A good trip if a little too windy for my liking, especially for trying to manage sound for video😊 I hope you had popcorn at the ready😊

[@Andrew.........]

Hi Gerry, no wonder you slept well 😴 , that was a lot of ground you covered. I have only been in the Mournes once and it is a fantastic place. The rock formations are very unique. I am with you as regards the Devils coach road once is enough. Thanks for sharing your experience. Take care 👍

[@gerrymcveigh]

Andrew, I am not sure what brought on the good sleep, it may well have been that I was totally knackered with all the walking and the heat😊 The Mournes are like no where else with what you have in such a small space. The Devil's Coachroad was a fantastic climb/scramble and not too difficult to be honest, though there was definitely a sense of fear if a foot slipped😊

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice hike. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍

[@IrelandOutdoors]

Always love watching your videos Gerry, the quality is outstanding. The effort you out in is second to none. The bubbles in the Trassey where memorising! Cool footage of the coastguard chopper. As for your ascent of Ben Crom, I thought at one stage you where going looking for that cave to sleep the night😂 I reckon you are getting a taste for the scrambling though!😃 Thanks for sharing another one Gerry, ATB!

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Gary👍 I was thinking about that cave and going looking for it, though the climb/scramble knackered me and I had reached my quota of head for heights for the evening😊 Had never seen the coastguard chopper in action so it was cool to see and hear about how they work so well with other agencies to treat casualties and get them off the mountain👍

[@WicklowOutdoors]

Great job Gerry, fantastic trip! I was in the Mournes on Wednesday. I done 16km from Meelmore Lodge - Donard via The Brandy Pad. My longest solo trip in the Mournes to date!! Nearly sure I seen the mountain rescue team descending Bearnagh with a patient. Must have been a week for it 😅.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers John👍 That is a cool trip from Meelmore to Donard and back along the Brandy Pad 👍 It was the first time seeing the Irish Coastguard in the Mournes. It is so easy to have a fall or twist something and if you think of the numbers of people walking in the Mournes.

[@mphigham1963]

Wonderful video as always Gerry, not long now until our visit ! 😃😃

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Martin👍 A really cool trip, though the wind was pretty strong over the tops. I hope your trip is super cool😊

[@tcshaitan1]

This is great. I just found your channel and I love it. I'm heading for the Mournes tomorrow morning from Sligo and hoping to get a days hike in. I don't think I'm confident enough to wild camp this time but maybe book into a local campsite for the night and try to do another hike Friday. I love going on a solo ramble and recently passed my mountain skills so going to take my time and put my navigation to the test. 😊

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Teresa👍 I hope you had a good time in the Mournes? You are in a perfect position in Sligo to explore those lovely mountains to the north and south😊 Spending a night in the mountains is pretty special when you pretty much have them all to yourself and often experience sights and sounds that wouldn't come from a day hike. It sounds like you are on a cool journey of building those skills and confidence👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Great to hear you broke from the norm gerry and went out with some people. Sounded like fun. Hey, good you got your hat back. It does take us by surprise. I must say the res looked good - I mean full and flowing because here it's been dry. Well, a decent bivvy in the end - slept like a baby and back down for work. Good going. All the best over there. Mark

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Mark👍 It was really cool to be out with a group of like minded people who love their walking and wild camping and all the health benefits it brings. Still lots of water, though it will have gone down big time with the dry weather over the past 3 weeks☀ Not often I get a good nights sleep whilst wild camping so I will take it (drool and all)😊

[@WyeExplorer]

@@gerrymcveigh Hey, good to hear of the group walk gerry. It's a boost at times for sure. I thought this may have been a few weeks back. Yeah, it's been dry although we've just had an almighty dump. Here's good to sleep in the wilds.

[@TomMcClean]

Hi Gerry. I have met up with quite a few local KZbinrs at different times and the craic has always been mighty. I would love to meet up and maybe go for a dander with yourself but you know, I honestly think that any kind of hill walk would be beyond me. I'm not overweight but I'm really out of puff on any kind of slope. I'm just not fit. I don't think my new hip would take it kindly either. I used to walk those slopes you are on but I haven't been in the hills in decades. Running after wee ones has just about busted me. I'm just like a game of golf. I would spoil a good walk for anyone I was with! Wow that was an unexpected bonus to get that rescue helicopter on film! I think that's the first time I've seen you really red in the face! You are game. Did you not set your alarm!!!! lol You were cutting it fine!! Job done once again. Another very good one in the can! Work!!!!! Oh no!!!!!!! You take care now! Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Tom, maybe a walk in the Castlereagh Hills😊😊

[@TomMcClean]

Ah Gerry you're being kind. At 69 my idea of a walk would be a lot different to what you are used to! It would be more like a wee dander with a coffee shop probably somewhere along the way. lol But if you are ever down our way such a meet up would be good.

[@Kev_Russ]

Always enjoy your wild camping trips across the pond Gerry. Defo need to get over there. Looked a steep gully that. I'd want a helmet climbing it in case I got a brick tae the heed. 😁

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Kevin👍 Care, if not a helmet, definitely needed😊

[@mandymartin4312]

Incredible shares my new friend ❤️🌻🕊️❤️🌻🫶🕊️

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Mandy👍😊

[@WalkTalkBrew]

Great views and Hike Gerry, the Mournes look very impressive. I've been mostly sticking to the woodlands so far this year. Maybe, i'll venture to the Mournes later this year.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Mike👍 The woodlands would have been a lot less windy😊 though the Mournes are well worth a visit👍

[@WalkTalkBrew]

@@gerrymcveigh we were out yesterday overnight in the lower woodland of Binevenagh. It was majestic. I do love the woods. Will have the video of this one up next week. I’ve hurt my feet whilst coaching so am keeping off the walking for a while.

[@patrickobrien8902]

Nice hike and great footage Gerry.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Patrick👍 Always good to spend a night in the Mournes😊

[@RuggedTrack]

great footage....never took that route up to Ben Crom,, seemed a bit tight, great trip!

[@gerrymcveigh]

It was a bit tight and not to be repeated😊

[@HikingandcampingwithAdrian]

Love it Great video really good shots you got. Always a good idea to camp down low if too windy good choice 👌 fair play after all that hiking then camping. You go to work after I don't think I'd have the energy to work straight after that 😂 thanks for another great video 👍

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Adrian👍 It was way windy and the first time a wind gust has taken me off my feet🌬😊 so a lowewr camp was definitely the best option👍 After a rare good nights sleep out on the hills I was all set for work that afternoon💤😊

[@nialloutdoors]

Such different weather to the week before and since too. Great route though I don't think I'll ever tackle your alternative route up Ben Crom 🤔😉

[@gerrymcveigh]

It is a difficult choice between the wind and the midges😊 I don't think I will tackle that route again either😊

[@learn2rideVIDEOS]

Last time I was up Bearnagh, it was really misty and I didn't see much sadly.

[@gerrymcveigh]

it is a stunning viewpoint over the rest of the Mournes, though it can be very atmospheric up there among the tors in the mist😊

[@lifesahobby]

❤

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers👍😊

[@cavehillrock...wildcamping]

Great stuff Gerry! That did look like a crackin' wee spot, Bernagh summit is def not the right call in big wind! atb...Sinco

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Sinco👍 It is a reliable spot that I have used a few times close to water and with some shelter. I finally managed to get a bivy on Slieve Bearnagh last week after many attempts the weather was just right☀😊

[@BoomBoom7621]

Great walk and camp there, Gerry. What do you think was the reason you managed such a decent sleep on this one? Also, interested to hear you only have an ok head for heights. Watching you on another video (Corrabinia ridge I think...) I had guessed the airy spots were easy enough for you. All the best, Steve

[@gerrymcveigh]

Cheers Steve👍 I really don't know about the sleep to be honest - I had a pillow on top of a stuffsac with my down jacket which seemed to be way comfy though i have used the same since and not had such a good sleep. I do find it difficult to settle even in beds that aren't my own so maybe just struck gold with this one😊 I definitely don't have a head for heights, the Corranabinnia ridge isn't too bad at all😊

[@inkedgermanexplorer]

Incredible footage of the Mournes, some hike you did 😊 well done and thank you for sharing it 🧡 Are you on Instagram ?

[@gerrymcveigh]

Thank you👍 I did create an Instagram though I don't use it - FB, Twitter and KZbin take up enough time😊

[@Its-me-Chris-z3p]

Hi, im new to camping and wanted to head up the mourne mountains with my daughter, do you happen to know if your allowed a firepit/fire?

[@RobertBerry-qc3md]

I'd give fire a miss at any time of the year but especially right now. With the fine dry weather there's potential for a serious fire. Otherwise go, you wont be disappointed.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Chris, have to agree with Robert that a fire carries too much risk. I find a small camping stove does the job for cooking and hot drinks👍

[@Its-me-Chris-z3p]

Im very careful and want the campfire experience with my daughter, i bought a portable fire pit and was just wondering if theyre allowed on the mournes

[@gerrymcveigh]

Chris, I wouldn't be too sure. I know quite a few guys have fires when camping in some of the woods like Annalong or Fofanny. I have also seen people keep a small fire off the ground with various methods. This did come up in a search if it is helpful: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/plan-your-trip/visitor-information/leave-no-trace

[@ScottCheggs]

did u have a tent mate ?

[@gerrymcveigh]

Usually bring the tent and bivy and then decide which will work best depending on the weather and the midges😊