Category: Weekend away

In very un-Bear Grylls fashion …

We have caved to the freezing conditions and will be spending both nights indoors in hostels in Wicklow.

Bookings have had to be made so numbers have been limited – sorry.

The good news is that there are 6 places left to get a spot just text Lisa with your name.

***WARNING you need to say you are going on this TODAY – TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9***

Ok,
This is very short notice but we are going to Knockree this weekend for some really extreme Bear Grylls awesomeness.

We will be leaving the Den on Friday 12th Feb at 8pm staying in the hostel the first night and then doing a full day of backwoods – building shelters and cooking – on Saturday and then Bivi-ing or camping that night (providing the weather is okay).

It’s going to be bitterly cold so the following are absolutely essential – and will be checked in the Den.

1. Hiking boots
2. Pairs of thick socks
3. 3 warm jumpers
4. Sleeping bag
5. Rain Gear top and bottoms
6. Warm Hat
7. Warm gloves
8. Torch with spare batteries
9. Ground mat
10. Bivi/Survival Bag
11. Mug for drinking tea out of all night
12. Eating utensils
13. Emergency rations

These things are absolutely flippin’ essential – just to make that point.

The patrol who won the Hiker Challenge will be announced and a prize will be given out for the most extreme ‘Bear Grylls’ style activity* on the weekend.

You have to contact Lisa TODAY to get a place we need to book pronto.

*This does not include killing or terrorising livestock or wildlife.

The Mourne Mountains are one of the most beautiful ranges in the country and offer the most challenging terrain on the east coast. Because of this we need to – BE PREPARED.

Things to remember for spending a night in the Mournes:

Temperatures drop one degree for every 100m climbed. So if Met Eireann expect the overnight temperatures to be a comfortable 3-5 degrees we could be camping in below zero temperatures.

Solution: Bring a good sleeping bag with an extra bed sheet inside it for warmth. Also make sure you have a ground mat because when you lie down you lose most of your heat to the ground.

It could be wet. Getting wet and up to your waist in a bog can be a good laugh but it won’t be so funny if you have to sleep in a wet sleeping bag or put on wet clothes the next day.

Solution: Make sure everything in your ruck sack is inside a plastic bag, especially your sleeping bag. Don’t forget full rain gear; head to toe. This is essential.

Solution: Make sure you have a survival bag. This is a big orange bag that they sell for about a fiver in outdoor shops. The idea is that if you are caught out at night you get into it and it keeps you warm and protected from the elements. You will also need a torch (preferably a head torch) with spare batteries (essential) and a whistle.