The ascent was a steady slog up bleak peaty moorland, parallel to a wire fence, reminiscent of the approach to White Hill G/SP-006. When the cross shape of the ladder stile loomed out of the thick mist, we knew we were nearly there. The path here starts to weave gently upwards through rocks and heather (and bog of course) before reaching a cairn on the long summit plateau.

The wind was strong and cold, and carrying stinging icy rain, so shelter was vital. We dropped off in a southerly direction, choosing a bank to settle into for the operating position. Jimmy and I laid out the dipole legs and erected the 80m aerial on the fishing pole. We did a decent job, with the configuration barely looking threatened despite the hostile conditions.

       

Despite being at least an hour earlier than planned (and one summit ahead of schedule), the very first call on 3.557MHz CW was answered by Mike GW0DSP, who was followed by a decent run of a further 13 QSOs. The switch to 3.660MHz SSB worked beautifully again, with Alistair GW0VMZ answering Jimmy's initial call. Jimmy quickly worked another four, before the frequency lay empty. We packed up in the miserable drizzle and unanimously agreed not to bother with the usual departing calls on 2m FM on the VX-7R and RSS.

The descent was difficult and eventful, as a result of the incredibly slippery and greasy surface of lush wet grass on steep peaty banks.  Despite the best efforts of my Meindl boots and both Leki walking poles, I was flung onto my backside twice! The second time, was on a long bank, and my waterproof overtrousers offered no friction whatsoever. The result was an accelerating slide down the bank, which appeared unstoppable as I looked for a way to arrest my plummet. I hadn't thought to bring an ice axe! A large rock accelerated towards me from below, so rather than injure myself on it, or slip past it into a large deep puddle, I thrust out my left boot at it to bring myself to a halt. Jimmy, witness to this Frank Spencer-esque mishap, lowered himself down the same slope extremely gingerly!

We were back at the car at 9.30am. Things were still going well. I turned the ignition, turned the heater up full blast, and let Jimmy direct me around to Slemish GI/AH-007.  Many thanks to the following stations, all worked on 80m with 5 watts: