| It was a Saturday, early evening and the weather was good when I started up Slieve Binnian for my camp. Carrick Little car park was full but I knew that I would only need to wait for a short time for a space to come available. Due to the good conditions there was, of course, a large number of hikers on their way down. The hike up to the summit was pleasant. It had been a reasonably warm day although, once in the shade, the northerly breeze could definitely be felt. Most of the snow on the way up had melted through the day so it was closer to the summit before I got into any real snow. The summit itself was mostly clear of snow due to the wind. The views as the sun was setting were, as always, fantastic. |
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 Stunning views from Binnian summit as the sun began to set. |
 There was a little snow on the last stretch to the summit. |
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| Once stopped at the summit the northerly breeze began to bite that little bit more so I wasted no time in getting the little Vango Banshee pitched and getting some more layers on before enjoying the sunset. It was a very cold evening and once the sun went down ice began to form quickly on the ground and the outside of the tent. Thankfully I was well prepared and was able to settle down into the warmth of my down sleeping bag. The wind was quite light, unusual for a summit in the Mournes, so I was able to sleep well throughout the night. | |||
 Donard was still snow capped in the distance. |
 The extent of the frost the next morning. |
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| It was a struggle to get out of my sleeping bag the next morning due to the cold. It was clear and frosty though and once I heated some soup on the stove I was soon enjoying the fantastic views again. I had plans that day so I didn’t spend too much time before packing up and starting down. At that stage I was beginning to meet the first on the Binnian hikers for that day on their way up. | |||
| Check out my long term plan to camp on all of the Mourne 500’s here | |||