This Sunday 30th of March we will be checking out a new trail, following what was the path of the old railway line, from Griers Quay, Omeath to Carlingford, It offers spectacular views along the water’s edge and of the Mournes and Cooleys. (The above picture was taken earlier in the year whilst the path was under construction).
To facilitate the club’s A.G.M. our walk will be shorter than normal and will predominately be on the flat and so not at all typical of our usual hikes!!
If you want to join us meet us at the Gap Pub, Jonesboro’ for 10 am, for a safety briefing and to organise car pooling. As usual be prepared for the changeable weather conditions, bring a waterproof jacket, hat and gloves, deep tread walking boots are advisable. Expect to be out for 3/3.5 hours, bring a packed lunch and drink.
Members please note, membership is now up for renewal. Renewal forms will be available on Sunday, membership remains £20 or €25 for the year, which runs from April 1st 2014, until March 30th 2015.
Please note there will be no stew after this Sunday’s walk, it is Mother’s Day!!
David leading “B Group” last time we were out on Annaloughlin. A good example of our walks discipline- all walkers must obey the front man/ back man rule and pace is set by our walks leaders to suit the Group of walkers on the day.
If you would like to join us our next walk is this Sunday 16th of March and is in the Cooleys- Annaloughlin. We will have 2 groups out, you will need a reasonable level of fitness to walk with either group. All walkers must have deep tread walking boots, gloves and hat and a waterproof jacket, we advise use of walking poles and gaiters. Bring a packed lunch – expect to be out for 4/4.5 hours. Meet at Gap O’ the North pub, Jonesboro’ at 10 am for safety briefing and to organise car pooling before the short drive to our starting point!!
We are walking tomorrow Sunday 2nd of March in the Fathom area. Lots of history associated with this walk and if you would like to find out more about the tower featured why not join us!!
We will have two Groups out a B and C, to walk with either group you will need a reasonable level of fitness. Expect to be out for 4/4.5 hours you will need deep tread walking boots, and a waterproof jacket, as there are steep sections in places, walking poles would be recommended. Gaiters are also recommended conditions underfoot will be wet!! Bring a packed lunch, water and a hot drink.
The forecast is for rain but don’t let that put you off!! See you at the Gap at 10 am for safety briefing/registration and carpooling.
Spring is definitely sprung, these hazel catkins or “Lamb’s tails” were spotted this week on Slieve Gullion.
These, are the male flowers of the hazel, the female flowers are almost inconspicuous and could be easily mistaken for buds, but on closer examination you can see the crimson stigmas which protrude to receive the pollen from the male catkins as they are blown by the wind. The flowers when thus fertilised, develop into the familiar nuts you see in Autumn.
The hazel has its place in folklore, as it was believed that hazelnuts gave one wisdom and inspiration and one story relates to Fionn Mac Cumhail.
The story goes that nine hazel trees grew around a sacred pool and dropped nine nuts into the water. These were then eaten by a salmon, who it was believed absorbed the knowledge and wisdom. The poet Finn Eces spent seven years fishing for this particular salmon and when one day he finally caught it, he gave it to his servant, the young Fionn to cook, with strict instructions not to eat it. During the cooking process Fionn burnt his thumb, which he then put into his mouth to cool. Thus Fionn absorbed the wisdom and knowledge allowing him to become the leader of the Fianna and one of the most renowned heroes of Irish mythology!
These photos taken on Sunday clearly illustrate the extreme conditions you can encounter on any walk, from sunglasses to ski wear within a few metres of climbing!! Luckily everyone had taken heed of the warnings and were well prepared for the conditions. We cannot emphasis enough the importance of fitness and kit, and in case anyone has forgotten here is a gentle reminder!!!
Fitness- As a baseline if you can walk from the Courtyard Car Park, to the Cairn at the top of Slieve Gullion and back within 3 hours you could comfortably walk with our C Group.
Kit- From the outset get used to carrying a rucksack. We recommend one with a waist strap as this helps distribute the weight on your hips rather than pulling on your shoulders and back. You should be carrying: a personal 1st aid kit with the basics- plasters, blister patches, headache tablets etc., a whistle and head torch, a dry layer of warm clothing, and at all times of the year, even Summer, a hat and gloves. In addition always carry food, a hot drink and water, it takes only the slightest mishap to turn a gentle 3-4 hour walk into a mammoth 6-8 hour hike even without the conditions we encountered on Sunday!
The following are non-negotiable:
Boots- deep tread walking boots, these protect and support the ankles from sprains and breaks
Jacket– a proper outdoors water/wind proof jacket- all jackets designed for outdoor activities carry a rating for precipitation, anything with a rating over 10,000 is the ideal.
Clothing– layers of clothing is best, avoid cotton and denim as they get wet and stay wet. Most outdoors wear is made with quick drying properties.
Highly Recommended:
Walking poles– poles take the pressure of the knees, the most common problem for avid hill walkers is bad knees!
Gaiters- these clip onto your boots and cover the lower leg, thus keeping feet and trouser bottoms dry when you are crossing streams or as invariably happens, step into a bog hole!
Our leaders and members are always happy to share their experience and advise new walkers on fitness and equipment, alternatively check out the FQA section of our website- www.gaponorth.co.uk
Membership re-opens in April, and at £20 or €25 for the year is very reasonable, gym membership would set you back much more and you won’t have half the craic or the snow!!
