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Sunday’s walk, 9th November is a Mournes walk – Lietrim Lodge-Tievedockaragh-Pierces Castle-Rocky. 

We will have 3 groups out-

 The  T Group are walking from Leitrim Lodge to Hen Mountain via the Mournes Way. 

We will be staying local for our walk this Sunday, the 26th of October, and walking from the Flurry to the Flagstaff. It will be a breeze for our walkers pictured on top of Carrauntoohill a fortnight ago, where they climbed 1,038 m and walked for 6/6.5 hours over very tough terrain!!

This week we will have B and C groups out taking a similar route but at a different pace. In addition our recently formed T (training) Group will have a shorter walk, at a more leisurely pace in the same area. New walkers are always welcome, check out the FAQ section of our website page for further information about fitness levels, kit required/recommended, etc. www.gaponorth.co.uk

On Sunday all walkers must have deep tread walking boots and a waterproof jacket, walking poles save the knees and are always recommended. In addition after the recent wet weather conditions gaiters may be needed. Bring a packed lunch and a drink. We meet at the Gap O’ the North Pub, Jonesboro’ at 10 am for registration and a safety/route briefing from this week’s  leaders, Jimmy, Margaret and Seamus. B and C group walkers can expect to be out for 4/4+ hours, T group 2/2.5 hours.

The walk in a fortnight’s time, 9/11/14 is a Mournes’ Walk, Leitrim Lodge, Tievedockaragh, Pierces Castle, Rocky Mountain.

Thanks to the Mournes’ Mountain Rescue team who met up with our walkers at Slieve Donard yesterday to explain about their work in the hills and to demonstrate some of the equipment they carry. We are all conscious of the fact that accidents in the hills can happen very easily and in recognition of the vital work these guys carry out, the club were delighted to make a donation to the Mountain Rescue service. Whilst we all hope we never will need their help, yesterday as our Groups descended safely from the hills, they met the guys again, only this time they were running up the path, on their way to help a walker in difficulty!

A few details about tomorrow’s Slieve Gullion walk, the B Group walk is approximately 14 km and climbs 700 m, conditions should be dry underfoot and the walk will last around 5 hours! Note 5 hours!!!!

The C Group will have a similarly challenging walk keeping up with their preparation for Kerry.

Remember this is the penultimate walk before Kerry, all those of you travelling down, and there is an expectation that you attend these more challenging walks in preparation for Carrauntoohil! 

The Beginner’s Group on the other hand will have a more leisurely, shorter walk lasting only about 2/2.5 hours, keeping mostly to paths. Seamus will be along to relate some of the history and stories associated with the mountain and its hinterland.

All walkers should meet at the Gap O’ the North Pub, Jonesboro’ at 10 am, for registration and a safety briefing. Walkers must be wearing deep tread walking boots, have a water/wind proof jacket and bring a packed lunch/drink.