Gaisce Hike 2012

Five Silver candidates and two PAL’s set out early on the 10th of May 2012 for the Mournes. We walked a gruelling 25km along what is locally known as the Newcastle challenge trail. This walk took us on the old railway line through country lanes, rights of ways and forest back to our accommodation at the Tollymore National outdoor centre. We enjoyed a hearty meal and good night’s rest to prepare ourselves for day two.

On the Saturday morning we were joined by the 21 Bronze candidates and guides from Life adventure group Castlewellan.  We were taken on a 15Km trail through the Mournes over Meelmore and Meelbeg and back through Tollymore forest park.  Each group was given a tent and cooking equipment and with their budget had to plan and prepare all meals for the weekend.  The tents were erected and the stoves were lit and the smell of camp food filled the air, after dinner we all gathered around the campfire for a singsong with Jack and Mr Cullen providing the acoustics on the Guitar.  We enjoyed some smores and retired for some well earned rest for our final day.

On Sunday we enjoyed a leisurely 10km walk through the Forest park and packed up the campsite and headed for Dundalk. A great weekend was had by all and hopefully we will see some of the Bronze participants pursue the silver award nest year.

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