I'd like to take my son for an over night at Lough Shannagh. I know that no car park is secure, but can anyone tell me if the car park there is ok, or should I not take a chance on it? Thanks
It was news to me that you could even drive to Lough Shannagh.
However, I think that all unlit car parks in the Mournes are risky. I've had a car broken into at 2 Mournes car parks. Unless it's a lit or monitored car park then I think it's really down to luck I'm afraid.
We're heading for Donard Forest this weekend for a wild camp, you're welcome to join us - there'll be a few kids there.
There is space at the end of the track (Banns Road...its on the OS Maps) leading up to Lough Shannagh...just round the back of the equestrian centre...but would I leave a car there all night...mmmm not sure. One possibility would be to ask the equestrian centre if you could park in their yard?
Another option would be to see if you could park in the Silent Valley car park (the car would be locked in) overnight and then walk out over the top to the Banns road?
I think it would be very difficult to drive all the way to the Lough....even in a prepared 4x4 as th track is bouldery, steep and narrow in places...then disintergrates to bog near the Lough
I have seen 4x4's there, "proper" ones, not "soft roaders". They'd even brought trailers with canoes!!
As for parking, you just have to take your chance, I've parked all over the Mournes for 25+ yrs with no problems. Yet have got back to find car next to mine broken into.
Then this is not just confined to NI, the same thing happens in the UK and Southern Ireland as well. The 'scumbags' know that a car parked at night means that owner is probabally camping and they have time to do what ever they like.
You could do what I try to do when I can and hire a car for as long as I need. Then if summat happens to it I don't give a sh1t!! Breakdowns or broken into. h
Thanks for the tips guys. I've no intention of attempting to drive to the lough. I think I'll try the equestrian centre though - thanks Simon for that one and thanks to JonnoS for the invitation, but we've other plans for the weekend
Hope you have a good time, I'd advise you to take Insect Repellant, as being still water will more than likely be 'midge heaven'. Sand Flies can also be a problem for some reason, never came across them anywhere else in Mournes, they usually are a coastal thing. Remember to check for Ticks, as far as I know NI, DOESN'T have Lyme Desise yet, but they can still cause a nasty infection. h
