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C Group

B Group

What a weekend!!

Well done to everyone who walked with us in the Glendalough Area this weekend, two very enjoyable walks.  A special thanks to all the Leaders who made it possible, Helen, Marie, Eileen, Sean, Adrian and Brian, without their commitment and hard work there would have been no walks, well done and thank you all from the “Mad Gang” of 56 who traveled down!!

Check out the photos on our facebook page!!

Tomorrow sees us off to Wicklow for the long awaited weekend away!! We will have 2 groups out walking on Saturday morning for two separate but demanding walks.

“B” Group will climb Lugnaquilla at 925 metres the highest mountain in Ireland outside of Kerry. This walk will be 14.5km and climb a total of 850m,  we estimate it will take 5.5 hours at a good pace.

“C” Group have no less a challenging walk at 14km and a climb of 720m, they will climb alongside Pollanass waterfall, continue along the “Spinc”, over a boggy section and then finally climb “Mullacor” at 657m.

The forecast is promising for the weekend, but expect very cold temperatures and windy conditions, at the top. Everyone must have a rucksack lined with a plastic bag, walking boots, waterproof jacket, several warm layers, a warm hat and gloves. As always walking poles and gaiters are recommended. Walkers should also be carrying as part of their regular kit; a personal first aid kit, with compeed or blister patches, a head torch, and an emergency or bivvy bag.

Lunch is being provided by the club so be sure to pick it up Saturday morning before you depart! Bring a flask which can be filled with a warm drink at the hotel.

Walkers should pack a bag of dry clothes and leave it on the bus Saturday morning before it departs at 9.30 sharp, with the “B ” Group, we won’t be returning to the hotel straight away after our walks, instead both groups are meeting up in Glenmalure Lodge for a drink.

Remember we all want to enjoy ourselves but safety is our number one objective, rules and leaders must be obeyed at all times!

                                               Seamus doing his History bit!!

The Folly, Tiffcrum Mountain

We had 32 walkers out with us yesterday for a great walk in our own backyard, from the Flurry to Forkhill !! So much of historical interest from castles and follies to Neolithic burial sites and ring forts. Thanks to Seamus for putting the history into context and explaining the significance of the numerous sites.

Our walk this Sunday the  6th of October, is Flurry to Forkhill,  and will take us past Moyra Castle enroute to Carrickbroad and then Tiffcrum mountains before dropping down into Forkhill village. We will have 2 groups out, with a slight variation in routes, both walks will have road sections but in other sections we will be on open rough hillside where there are no paths. There will be stops along the way for some history from Seamus. As always we will meet at 10 am in the Gap pub Jonesboro’ for route information and a safety briefing. We will be leaving cars to the route end and then transporting drivers back to the beginning.

As always walkers must be adequately kitted out with deep tread walking boots, a waterproof jacket, a packed lunch and water. Gaiters and walking poles are recommended. With the recent rain expect wet and slippery conditions.

Thanks to Tollymore Oudoor Centre and particularly our trainer Joe, for a very enjoyable course over last weekend. As the photos show, the course was practically based with plenty of scenarios thrown in to practise all our newly acquired skills! For those leaders considering taking part in the next round of training, go, it is a big commitment of your time but the course is well delivered, relevant and above all enjoyable!!