HIKE PROGRAMME |
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MEET: Burgh Quay
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DEPART: Sundays 10.00 am
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COST: Private bus. €10
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Date |
Route
Description |
Distance. |
Leader
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Feb 1st |
Shay Elliot Memorial to
Wicklow Gap Route: Shay Elliot Memorial, Cullentragh Mtn.,
Mullacor, Lugduffs, Lough Firrib, Turlough Hill, Wicklow Gap Car Park. |
16km/ 450m |
Tom Kenny |
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Feb 8th |
February Introductory Hillwalkers Hike Kippure Bridge, Athdown
Wood, Seefinegan, Kippure, Lough Brays, Glencree. |
16m/ 700m |
Jim Barry |
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Feb 15th |
Route: Glendalough Visitors Centre - Glendasan -
Forest Track - Camaderry |
14km./ 700m |
Philip Roche |
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Feb 22nd |
Route: Stepaside - Fernhill Tunnel -
Three Rock - Fairy Castle - Tibradden |
18km/ 900m |
Jimmy
McCullagh
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Feb 29th |
Route: Ballinfoyle - Ballineaddan Mountain -
Slievemaan - Lugnaquilla - |
17km/ 900m |
Ita O’Hanlon |
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March 7th |
Route: Lead Mine Car
park (GR 099 982) - Brockagh Mountain - Brockagh East |
18 km/ |
Frank Rooney |
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PARTICIPATION Mountaineering
is an activity with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants should
be aware of and accept these risks. People who take part in our club activities
do so at their own risk and are responsible for their own actions and
involvement.
SUNDAY HIKES
Participants on Sunday Hikes must be a member of An Óige Hillwalkers Club. If
you are not a member of the Club, but are considering joining, we invite you to
participate on our monthly Introductory Hikes.
INTRODUCTORY
HIKES An Introductory Hike is organised once per month for aspirant members.
Participants on these hikes must be a member of An Óige.
CO-ORDINATION
Tickets are given out on Sundays to ensure that participants reserve a bus
place as they arrive.
LEADER The leader has
the right to refuse anyone who is not adequately equipped (e.g., without appropriate boots, rainwear, food, torch, hat,
gloves, etc). The leader may alter the route from that described in the program.
The leader sets the pace of the hike and walkers are expected to obey the
leader’s instructions at all times.
TORCH During
winter months it is essential to bring a (head) torch on all Sunday hikes.
Check your batteries / bulb.
ENVIRONMENT Try to reduce the erosion and widening
of trails, e.g. do not walk on the edge of worn tracks; walk through the centre
of the original track or go several meters into the scruff where the ground is
untrodden, walking parallel to but not on the track.
LITTER Litter
is unsightly and dangerous to animals. Even bio-degradable items like orange
peels and banana skins take years to disappear. Bring all your litter home and
try to include at least one extra item from each day out. Do not bury litter –
animals will dig it up.
WALKING STICKS In the interest of safety and comfort
please keep the pointed end of your walking stick covered, especially when
travelling on the bus.
HIKE
LEADERS If any member is interested in leading a hike, please contact either:
Tom
Kenny Mobile: 087-9705726, Email: tomk2003@yahoo.ie
Philip Roche
Telephone: 01-6043203, Email: philip.roche@boimail.com
Additional Walk Easter
Sunday? Are you due to be in Dublin on Easter Sunday? Are you willing to lead
an additional local hike on Easter Sunday? If yes, please contact Philip Roche
or Tom Kenny.
The twin attraction of walking in the Alps and
exploring a new EU country (Slovenia joins up in May) was irresistible, so
Martin Fagan, Frankie Comerford and I set out last August on a memorable two
week holiday, spending 8 days in the mountains.
We flew to Salzburg (Austria) and then had a
spectacular 3.5 hr. train journey over and under the Austrian Alps. We spent
the first night in Bled, noted for its lake and castle, and next day bussed
south to Lake Bohinj. an hour away, getting accommodation with some difficulty
in Stara Fuzina. This village is the perfect base, lying at the foot of the
Julian Alps. Our target, Triglav - at 2864m, the highest mountain in Slovenia -
could be seen from the front door. The clockwise circuit can be done in 3/4
days, but we took our time, preferring to enjoy the mountains at our leisure.
The first day was a tough introduction under searing
heat (30 C), with a steep climb and heavy back-packs. We didn't book any
hostels in advance, which worked out fine, although we did change our minds
near Triglav, as we were arriving there at a weekend. The first hostel was
Planin Dom Vogar (1053m). As with all the 8 hostels, hot meals were available,
which is a terrific plus. This is remarkable at the remote hostels, where food,
water and staff are flown in by helicopter. Naturally, the food is a little
more expensive there, but still cheap by Irish standards.
Day 2 was a more gentle hike to Planina Pri Jezero
(1450m), an idyllic location, surrounded by mountains and forests, and
overlooking a lake. The constant ringing of cowbells added to its charm. We had
joined the Austrian Alpine Club in advance, which enabled us to avail of up to
33.3% discount on the overnight charges, as well as giving us generous
insurance.
Next day we reached Koci Pri Triglavski Jezerih
(Triglav Lakes - 1685m) after some more easy trekking. This hostel was very
full and the beds were uncomfortably side by side on the floor, so, with a
thunder and lightning storm and some noisy snoring, it was not a restful night.
A complete change of scenery on Day 4, as we moved
above the tree-line into rocky terrain, with overhanging limestone crags and
massive soil spills, yet the track was a riot of colourful flowers. Prehodavci
Hut (2071m) is just stunning, perched delicately on top of a ridge, overlooking
the Trenta valley. From a distance, one feared it might fall over the cliff
edge. Panoramic views abounded.
Day 5 was easily the most difficult one so far. A
long steep climb to the Hribarice Polje (depression) first - passing some
mountain goats- and then across this strange barren rocky desert with no track
but well signalled route markings. We reached the top of the pass - Cez
Hribarice (2358m) -and then faced a dangerous steep descent, finally taking us
to Dolic Hut (2152m), another spectacularly located hostel, with a steep drop
on its western side leading to Kovita valley.
The following day introduced us to our first
"via ferrata" and wire ropes (not seriously difficult) en route to
Planika Hut (2408m), one of two hostels at the foot of Triglav. Having arrived
there at noon, we decided to tackle Triglav that afternoon. What a climb! There
are many exposed sections and consequently lots of wire ropes. The last 30m was
frightening, climbing almost vertically. Without the ropes, it would have been
impossible. The sight of many memorials to people killed on the summit ridge
was not re-assuring! So, it was with a sense of elation we reached the summit.
Cue many photos, stamping of cards and even a certificate! Descending was even
scarier, but we managed it and had great celebrations back at Planika. We took
two more days to complete the circuit, visiting Vodnikov Hut(1817) and
Voje(680) on the way.
We intended to stay at Bled again but it was booked
out so we carried on to the capital, Ljubljana (pop. 330,000) for 2 days. It is
a charming city, very laid-back with some wonderful buildings, although the
dominating castle was disappointing. Eating out was a delight, sitting out of
doors on a warm evening, enjoying a nice meal and watching the world go by.
We took the train back to Salzburg and spent two days
there, too. It is very tourist-oriented, with the Mozart motif flogged to
death. The Mozart connection is, of course, one of the reasons why Salzburg is
on the tourist map but one can get too much of it.
A sincere word of thanks to Martin and Frankie, who
were fabulous companions on a great trip.
Finally, a thank you to Cathal O'Higgins,who kindly lent us several
detailed maps of these Alps, which he had used many years ago. These were an
invaluable help to us.
Nellie Cullen
The journey began at Gatwick. As we were due to take
a Saturday 8.30 flight for Toulouse, I overnighted at the airport, determined
not to miss my flight. I had been to Toulouse before so I felt happy going. On
my arrival in Toulouse I met my nine other companions for the trip and Andrew
the Exodus agent, who saw us on to the minibus for Lochon, a, lovely place
about two hours drive from the airport. In the group there were six men and
three other girls, all English. We all got on well together, luckily.
Having settled in, we had dinner there and sat down
to discuss the next two days of walking. Both days involved local walks. Both
were beautiful, we set out each day at 8.30a.m. and returned to base at
5.00p.m. Sunday, our first day was fine, but on Monday the rain started.
After our two days of local walks we had to pack
enough gear for three days backpacking, where we would be staying in mountain
refuges. After three and a half hours drive, we got to Gavarnie, the start of
our backpacking adventure. After lunch we set off to climb the Cirque de
Gavarnie (1300metres). I have never seen or felt such rain. The only good thing
about it was that it was warm so we were happy rather than cold as we walked
downhill to our first mountain refuge.
This refuge could sleep thirty people. After a well-earned dinner we played
cards by the light of our head torches and went to bed at 10.00p.m.
Next morning breakfast was at 7.30a.m. It was a
lovely day as we packed our bags to move on again. The rain soon found us
though! After breakfast we climbed up to the Breche de Roland; this is an
extraordinary gap in the frontier wall. It looks as though a giant cleaver had
spilt it. This was a tough climb but the beautiful scenery made up for it. Then
we climbed to Pic du Taillon (3149metres) This was like being in heaven but
when we reached the top there was a lot of mist. Then we climbed down to our
next mountain refuge for another night of cards. This place had lights however!
Next day’s walk was beautiful, though it rained from
the start. This didn’t stop us as we walked into the Ordessa Canyon. We sat
down and enjoyed our lunch in the rain as thunder crashed and lightning
flashed. Walking down was tough on our knees.
We were glad to head back to Lochon for a change of
clothes and a good wash. Friday was our day off. Some people decided to go
paragliding but I chose mountainbiking, which was great fun. After lunch I found
time to post off my cards. At 7.00 we met up for our final dinner and a lovely
evening. We exchanged emails and addresses and packed as we were to leave at
8.30 in the morning.
This was a wonderful holiday – good food, exciting
walks, great company and a leader who was great fun. I enjoyed it very much.
Trudging
through the rain in the Pyrenees (Photo: Nellie Cullen)
Date: Saturday 7th
February, 2.30pm
Venue: Ormond Quay Hotel,
Dublin 7.
The agenda and other AGM materials are published on the MCI
website www.mountaineering.ie
Dublin-based MCI slide shows and lectures normally take place at the Tara Towers Hotel, Mount Merrion at 8 pm, unless otherwise stated. Check MCI website (www.mountaineering.ie) for further details. Admission charge is discounted for MCI members (bring membership card).
18
February: “Against
the Sky”: Irish Everest Expedition 2003 (Pat Falvey)
10 March: UCD, 7.30 pm: Doug Scott, Canadian
Mountaineer
Club President and Chairperson: Prionnsias
MacAnBheatha
Secretary: Frank Rooney
Treasurer: Jim Barry
Sunday Hikes: Tom Kenny and Philip Roche
Membership Secretary: Barbara Sudrow
Training Officer: Jimmy McCullagh
Editor: Deirdre McMahon
Members-at-Large: Donal Finn, Joe Kellegher
In addition,
four club members work behind the scenes as follows:
Distribution: Cyril McFeeney & Pearse Foley
Webmaster: Matt Geraghty
MCI Environmental Officer: Patricia
Goodman
Dates: 30th April-3rd May (May Bank Holiday
weekend)
Outline: 7 guided walking events held over three days. This year we will also hold workshops in establishing best practice in organising Walking Festivals.
SPECIAL INFO:
26 Mile mountain marathon challenge. Day on the Galtee Mts. Ireland’s highest
inland mountain. Special Family Nature walk.
LOCATION:
Ballyhoura Country straddling the counties of Limerick, Cork and Tipperary
CONTACTS:Tel:
063 91300 email: info@ballyhoura.org Web: www.ballyhouracountry.com
Accommodation:
Kilfinane Outdoor Education Hostel Tel:063-91161
The club continues to support members who wish to undertake the Mountain Skills Assessment. Further details from Jimmy McCullagh.
Thanks to all who
helped out on the Map & Compass 2003/2004. Muchas gracias to Donal Finn,
Joe Kellegher, Tom Kenny, Philip Roche, Philip Hayden, Carmel Ní Chatháin,
Bernard Chanilou, Eoin Moroney, Ciarán King, Ita O’Hanlon, Mark Campion, Frank
Rooney and anyone else who helped out.
Jimmy
McCullagh
Training Officer
Christmas
Party Sponsorships
Thanks to the
Following shops who sponsored our Christmas Party by donating the following
prizes:
Shop Prize
Outdoor Adventure
Centre 70litre
Rucksack
The Scout
Shop,146/7 Capel St. Gelert
Trek 20litre bag
Lowe Alpine 17/18
Temple Lane Fleece Jacket
Millets Camping,
Mary St. Gift
Voucher
Great Outdoors,
Chatham st. Gift
Voucher
Palace Bar, Fleet
St. Bottle
of Whiskey
Capel Camping,
Capel St. Energiser
2in1 light
Army Bargains,
Little Mary St. Hat and
gloves
K2 Camping &
Clothing Polycarbonate
water bottle
Thanks, merçi, go raibh maith agaibh, grazie bene, Danke, dank u wel
Editor’s
Note
Thanks to all
those who contributed articles and photos for this issue of The Hillwalker. The
new editor is o n a learning curve at the moment, no doubt hoping to reach the heights scaled by her
predecessors! Comments and contributions are most welcome to mcmahond@eircom.net or by snail mail to:
11, Aspen Road, Kinsealy Court, Swords, Co. Dublin.
Hope you enjoy
this edition and that the next one will be better!
Deirdre McMahon
Editor