Cycling UK Forum

Maybe I shouldn't have had that last pint...

But I had a strange idea. Snowdon, Carrauntoohil, Ben Nevis and Scafell in a round trip from Yorks.
Cycling to the hills and walking up them.
Lots of useful posts on 3 peaks but not much on Ireland also.
I'm not good at in-depth planning, just tend to 'suck it and see' and can be flexible with time but wouldn't want to go over three weeks.
I've got the gear - lots of lightweight things from walking, running and climbing - but not much idea.
Also I have limited funds so would be wild camping and minimising costs.
Only did one tour a couple of years ago in sunny France. Three weeks, 740 miles including festering days.
I've a nicer bike and will probably carry less kit so should be less slow.

Ferry crossings look likely to be Wales-Ireland and N Ireland-Scotland.

Any ideas/suggestions are really welcome...

If you are going in/out of Belfast or Larne you could always add in Slieve Donard in the Mournes, the highest peak in Northern Ireland at 850m (2,790 ft) without adding much to the cycling distance and a pleasant (at least in good weather) half a day round trip from Bloody Bridge on the coast road south of Newcastle.

Rick.

Go from Ireland to Kintyre rather than via Stranraraer/Troon?

http://www.kintyreexpress.com/ferry-service.html

I did the Three Peaks, cycle-camping from Hampshire and back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxvvD9UkQFA

You could probably do the 4 peaks from York in many less miles. I would probably go for Sca Fell first, then Snowden, ferry from Holyead to Belfast then from Larne to Stranraer, the Ben, home in time for tea and medals! Just seen the other post recommending Kintyre, which makes sense.

We had to carry a little bit more gear and I forewent my telescopic walking poles at the last minute, but I wish I'd taken them as my legs aren't what they used to be coming down the mountains! We did Sca Fell from Langdale, which is a much longer walk, but access in and out on the bicycle is much easier and saved time in the long run. I only used outdoor trail shoes, which were sufficient for me and I'm very familiar with each walking route. I used a Karimore Mountain Marathon 35 l rucksack for the two of us (which my mate carried most of the time!) bike lest at the camp site in all instances. We camped in Betws Y Coed and caught the bus to the Llanberis pass, but came down the Rangers' Path and luckily caught a bus within 20 minutes, but they're not as frequent from there.

I'm not sure about wild camping, as I do like a warm shower in the evening, but I think the most expensive campsite was only a tenner.

Any specific things you want suggestions on?

irc wrote:Go from Ireland to Kintyre

Thanks IRC, this is great for avoiding Glasgow and the costal route through Oban looks nice. I've always wanted to visit Kintyre!

RickH wrote:If you are going in/out of Belfast or Larne you could always add in Slieve Donard in the Mournes

Brilliant, 5 peaks! This is developing into a suitably daft plan though I draw the line at Snaefell and the Isle of Man! Thanks RickH

Phil, cheers for your experiences, I'll probably be wanting to finish with Sca Fell - I've friends in Cumbria and would like to visit them before heading back home. I'll also use trail/fell shoes for the walking and cycling and will use a 20ltr running sack for the walking.

I'm now wondering whether I should aim to go as lightweight as possible and use the road bike rather than the tourer. I'll be carrying all the usual gubbins but it will just be lighter versions of things.

A quick Google shows that the ferries from Holyhead only go to Dublin or Dun Laoghaire, not to Belfast, so you'll have to factor in getting from Dublin.

Graham O wrote:A quick Google shows that the ferries from Holyhead only go to Dublin or Dun Laoghaire, not to Belfast, so you'll have to factor in getting from Dublin.

Whoops! It would have to be Liverpool - Belfast then!

Double Whoops. Liverpool only goes to Dublin as well. http://www.directferries.co.uk/routes.htm . Belfast would have to be leaving from Larne.

No, there is a Belfast-"Liverpool" ferry - http://www.stenaline.co.uk/routes/belfast-liverpool - though it actually arrives/leaves from the other side of the Mersey.

Yes, I have been from Liverpool to Belfast - so I know that is possible!

You use to be able to sail from Larne (which is just north of Belfast) to Fleetwood (which is just south of Blackpool).

I have had a quick look online and have been unable to find any crossings but it may be a summer only crossing so it may be worth a call or two to the ferries companies to see.

Have a good trip

ndmbike wrote: Snowdon, Carrauntoohil, Ben Nevis and Scafell in a round trip from Yorks.

At the risk of being a pedant, Scafell Pike (3210') is the one I assume you're looking for, 48' above Scafell (3162').

Cheers for the ideas all...

I will probably go for the following...
Yorks - Snowdonia - Snowdon
ferry - Holyhead to Dublin or dun Laorghrie (sp)
Dublin - Tralee (or thereabouts) for Carauntoohill
Tralee to Antrim for Slieve Donard
ferry - Bally-something to Kintyre
Kintyre to Fort William and Ben Nevis
Fort Bill to Cumbria and Scafell Pike etc...

I shall use your website Richard! Marvellous! It seems to give me better routes round my local patch. Thanks!

Probably with the touring bike but with light kit if possible.

Got back last week from the 5 peak tour.
Fantastic weather at first then a bit wet.
I really like the Kintyre express to Campbeltown but didn't enjoy the up-down road on the East coast of the Kintyre peninsula.
10/10 to Oban Cycles who sorted me out after I trashed my rear wheel. If only all bike shops were like them!
1292 miles at 61miles per day ave.