Northern Ireland

Day 1 - Slieve Donard

Written by Elliott Wright

Having met at the Guild at 4 pm, Wayfarers headed to Birkenhead to catch the Stena Embla ferry for what promised to be an enjoyable week of hiking. Upon reaching the port, we were greeted with a view of Liverpool’s skyline, and were soon able to embark. Most went to sleep, although myself, Peter and Anna found ourselves catching the last half of Top Gun: Maverick.

After a long and exhausting 8 hour journey on the ferry, Wayfarers took to Asda to do our classic shop at 7 am. We were, however, quite naive in saying it would be a quick trip, as it wasn’t until an hour and a half later, having spent an amount of money I dare not mention, that we finally left. Soon after though, our company was back on the road, singing the best-loved Irish hits until we finally arrived at the barn. There, we were greeted by blue skies and beds to sleep in, a luxury rarely afforded to us. Teas were then made and the fire lit, so we could all sit and discuss our first hike. A few biscuit-eating minutes later, it had been decided that our first hike in Northern Ireland would be up the great nation’s tallest mountain, Slieve Donard. Standing tall at 850m, it promised to be one of the tallest mountains climbed in my Wayfarers’ career, and we all prayed for jaw-dropping views. 

We took the minibus, once again singing away, this time to ABBA, passing Newcastle (the one in Northern Ireland obviously), before finally stopping at the base of the mountain. Initially, the ascent was relaxed, with most of us being charmed by the rainbow in the sky, and the waterfalls and forests surrounding us. But soon, the forests gave way to a steep, rocky incline, soon heightening in intensity when forceful winds broke. The sun began to set ahead of us, casting golden beams onto the peaks away to the south, in the Republic. On the final ascent, we climbed on terrain that crumbled below us, causing Peter to almost lose his footing several times. I almost lost my footing too due to the wind, but luckily I, as well as everyone else, reached the top. There, a flag photo was taken by our loyal photographer Martin. We had to be quick about it, though, for the sun was setting. By the time our company reached the forest again, the moon shone in the night sky amongst hundreds of brilliantly glowing stars. Having reached the bottom when most would be having their dinners, we all embarked on the minibus for the final time that day, although I can’t comment on the journey to the barn because I promptly fell fast asleep.

Back at the barn, preparations were made for chef Anna’s aloo gobi curry. I graciously accepted the role of sous chef, chopping various vegetables as Peter sang ‘We didn’t start the fire’ and Matthew and Martin helped out. An hour or so later, it was served up, going down a treat with the rest of the Wayfarers. After this, a few rounds of Monopoly Deal was played before we all snuggled into our icy beds and called it a night.

Day 2 - Slieve Binnian

Written by Matthew Armour

Following on from a busy day, it was decided a relaxed morning was required. Therefore a rather lax Wayfarers alarm call of 8 am was set and it was decided to put the 2 trolley-loads worth of shopping to good use in the form of an Ulster fry. What was supposed to be a relaxed start soon turned into the usual kitchen mayhem. Despite almost forgetting the mushrooms and nearly cross contaminating the vegan food with bacon, the potato bread was eventually toasted and both meaty and non-meaty meaty breakfasts were enjoyed by all. After breakfast a serious amount of whipping into shape was required before a somewhat tardy departure for the hills at noon.

Having learned no lessons from the day before, a long steep ascent up Slieve Binnian from Silent Valley was on the days agenda. After Harry T gained free entry into the car park by not understanding the local dialect, the weary legs of 12 fried-food-filled Wayfarers began plodding up the Mourne Wall to the aptly named Wee Binnian. After much debating over which ‘paths’ to take, Binnian was finally summited. Unfortunately the fantastic views on the way up were mostly obscured on the summit, but nonetheless an obligatory flag photo was snapped.

After a lunch dominated by Asda own-brand crisps, the descent was began with most the days vertical distance still to be travelled. As darkness descended we questioned how we were once again finishing in the dark. This was soon followed by the confirmation from Agent Brightling that President Curtis had finished shovelling 40 tonnes of soil and was booked onto EZY198. With this news a sense of urgency was instilled in both drivers as they hoped to enjoy dinner before heading for Belfast International Airport. However, this urgency was soon replaced by concerns the car park had closed. With no desire to wake up an angry Northern Irish car park attendant, Harry and I began a rapid return to base. As mobile signal was finally regained at the far end of Silent Valley reservoir, it was discovered that the car park closed in 20 minutes. Thus began a stressful run/speed-walk back, with us rocketing out the car park gates in the minibus at 18:31. Drenched in sweat, we understood why we had joined a walking society – we were certainly not cool running in our 3-layers. Having read the sign and found out the car park actually closed at 4 pm, the others caught up with us and we headed back to the barn with the car park gates still wide open. After a hit and run on the chopped tomatoes at Asda Downpatrick, the kitchen team kicked into gear and produced a chilli in record time with unparalleled Wayfarers efficiency.

With Peter only having time for one round of seconds, he and Harry set off to collect Harry C. Thanks to Peter's leisurely approach to driving, Air Force One had long since touched down when a cold Curtis was extracted from the corner of the long stay car park. Finally the prodigal son returned in the early hours to be met by a few Monopoly stragglers and some lukewarm chilli.

Day 3 - Cock Mountain

Written by Anna Pitt-Francis

After the excitement of the presidential arrival the night before (and all the fun of travel Monopoly), we started the day in a traditional style with breakfast over a map. Of course it had to be the well-advertised Cock Mountain that took our fancy (along with its cousin Hen Mountain).

The hike consisted of some dodgy sheep tracks and a bridge that had less bridge in it than it should have. Thankfully we had Peter to send across to test its strength (and a handful of civil engineers too). We had to do a bit of climbing en route and took a few tumbles but made it back to the minibus before the darkness set in (finally!!).

President Curtis was very keen to experience the seaside so we stopped in the delightful Newcastle for an ice cream and a pint of Guinness. Elliott was also lured by the prospects of winning big on the amusement arcade.

Lidl tempted us and we ended up making food for the masses with Peter's salty coleslaw and Elliott's accidental Irish delicacy accompanying some so-called burgers and sausages. Well-deserved after a long day.

Day 4 - Belfast City

Written by Harry Curtis

The Saturday of our Northern Ireland trip was a bit different to our usual trips, with a night in Belfast planned. After tidying and sorting the barn, including leaving a treat for the resident goat we headed to the bright lights of the city.

Belfast is a city with a rich but troubled recent history, so on the way in Matthew took us on a short minibus tour of the Shankill Road, Falls Road, and the peace walls. The murals, memorials and flags were an interesting insight into the difficult history that is shamefully left out of much of the History education in this country. We soon checked into the “luxurious” Belfast International Hostel and once we had convinced Harry he didn’t have to guard the minibus all night we split up and explored the city.  

We went off in all different directions so I can’t list everything we saw, but some highlights for me was the Ulster Museum, the Titanic Quarter and finally seeing the Glider buses in person [insert heart eyes emoji here]. At this point the group split further, with most going to the very cool street food venue Trademarket but myself and “the Guinness gang” going on a hunt for the best pint of the black (actually ruby red) stuff. This table outlines the findings from my research: [side bar]

Overall, the day was lovely, and a great way to round off the trip with something a bit different to our usual events, as well as a fascinating insight into some difficult British history. 

A Sunday Reqiuem

We awoke with fond thought of the prior night

But with memories of a hostel night rest

Wondering why we'd to so early alight

Covertly some trying to look their best

As the ship left Belfast and head off home

Races were won just, and the rent was due

Whilst some preferred silence and went off alone

Those others made game of knowledge pursue

Back on the mainland and cards put away

Our way back obscured unable to see

The golden arches to round off the day

Lights of Birmingham would fill us with glee

Now in Chinnor with nothing more to add

Just memories of Ireland for which I'm glad

Sonnet 12 - Peter Brightling