Lough Dan, County Wicklow
This year's two night expedition will be in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains National Park. We will set off from Ashbourne Friday June 19th some time shortly after 5pm (exact time TBC). Scouts must be fully prepared, packed and ready to walk out the door at that time. They should also have had a proper dinner before leaving. Scouts should bring a medium/large backpack, at least 45 litres is advised. There must be enough spare room in the pack to carry half a tent and some cooking equipment. Don't go crazy packing, fully packed the bag should weigh no more than the child's age - 2 kilos (we'll be adding another 2 kilos of tents, cooking gear etc.) A full sized heavy sleeping bag may be too much. Advise a lightweight sleeping bag (less than 2kg) or sleeping bag fleece liner instead.
Our first night will be spent in Lough Dan where there will be access to Scouting facilities, toilets, showers etc. We will do a light evening hike from there and then return for supper. Next morning we will set out for Tonelagee Mountain, one of Wicklow's highest peaks via Kanturk. We will take our time and travel with care enjoying the views. After reaching the summit we will make camp in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Wild Camping in the Wicklow National Park is strictly regulated and one of the leaders has Leave No Trace awareness certification to ensure these rules are complied with. Sunday morning sees us return to Lough Dan and we should be back in Ashbourne by 5pm.
Parents please note: Wild Camping means no toilet facilities other than a spade! All sanitary waste must be put in zip lock bags and carried out of the park. Be advised that this is a tough hike, scouts must be in good health and capable of carrying their own pack all day.
In addition to the standard equipment list here, you will need to bring the following:
- Additional water bottle (be equipped to carry c. 1.5litres if need be)
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Sponge bag
- Plenty of zip lock bags (sanitary waste must be bagged and brought back to Lough Dan!)
- Sun cream
- Hat with a brim
- Supper, breakfast x 2, lunch, dinner, energy bars and/or emergency rations
- Sleeping bag
- Lightweight ground mat
- Spoon, Fork, Knife
- Mobile Phone
Additions
- Lightweight towel
- Headnet for midges and mosquitos, insect repellent (optional)
Equipment we will supply:
- Portable stoves, pots, pans and utensils
- Lighters
- Trekking tents
Note suitable dinners should be light enough to carry and something warm and nutritious e.g. pasta meals in a pouch for hikers and so on. Food needs to be suitable for cooking easily in the wild on a portable stove.
Note: This camp can count towards badgework for the Chief Scout Award as well higher level badges for Camping and Hill Walking.
This camp will be subject to weather. It will be cancelled if conditions become too adverse.
Leaders on this Trek: Damian McGrath, Paul Fanning
Parents of Scouts going on this trip must get approval from Damian first, 085 1754797.