HIKE PROGRAMME
June 2008
MEET: Burgh Quay
|
DEPART: Sundays 10.00 am
|
COST: Private bus. €12 (unless stated otherwise)
|
2nd pick-up
point: The bus picks up
walkers who are already at the designated point. It won’t be waiting and places
cannot be guaranteed as the bus may be full at Burgh Quay.
2nd drop-off
point: Where indicated
in the programme below, the bus will drop off hikers at the 2nd pick-up point
on the return journey, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. We regret that
this is not possible on all routes.
Sat 14
& Sun 15 June 2008 --- BBQ
Weekend Knockree YH See separate
notice |
Sat 21
June 2008 ---Glen of
Imaal Walk See separate
notice |
Sun 22 June 2008 ---Midsummer Meanders Pub Stop Lacken (time-permitting) Leader: David McCann 2nd pick-up and drop-off points: Bus Stop
near the pond at Seán Moore Park on Tallaght By-Pass. Route: Woodend (GR. N.013 144)
* Woodend Brook * Sorrell Hill * Ballydonnell North * Ballynultagh Forest *
Black Hill * Hampden Memorial * Whelp Rock * Kilbeg * Poulaphouca Shore *
Lacken. Distance: 16km Ascent: 620m Maps: OS 56 and Harvey |
Sun 29
June 2008 ---Wicklow
Gap Road to Poulaphouca Leader: Gerry Walsh 2nd
pick-up and drop-off points: Bus Stop near the pond at Seán Moore Park on Tallaght By-Pass. Route: Ballinagee Bridge * Banagher *
Glasnagollum Brook * Mullaghcleevaun * Billy Byrne's Gap * Moanbane * Silsean
* Ballyknockan. Distance: 17km Ascent: 850m Maps: OS 56, Healy and Harvey |
Sun 6 July
2008 ---Introductory
Hillwalker Hike: The Other
Sugarloaf to Hollywood Glen Leader: Joe Gilvarry 2nd
pick-up & drop-off point: Bus Stop near the pond at Seán Moore Park on Tallaght
By-Pass. Route: Snugborough Bridge * Sugarloaf *
Lobawn * Corriebracks * Church Mountain * Drumreagh. Distance: 17km Ascent: 620m Maps: OS 56, Harvey and Healy |
GENERAL HIKE
NOTES
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.
INTRODUCTORY
HIKES An Introductory Hike is organised once
per month for aspirant members. Any participant on these hikes must be a member
of An Óige.
CO-ORDINATION If necessary, 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.
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.
EQUIPMENT It is essential to bring good rain gear (both jacket
and over trousers) and to leave cotton t-shirts and jeans at home!
Boots must be
sturdy with proper ankle support and a rigid non-slip sole such as Vibram.
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 AND RUCKSACKS Remember that walking sticks and rucksacks
cannot be brought onto the bus and must be stowed away in the boot during the
journey.
Any club member
interested in leading a hike, please contact:
Garry Byrne:
01-8388812
WEEKENDS AWAY
June Bank Holiday
Connemara 2008
or
"Langered in Leenaun"
The weekend's
leaders were Mark Campion and Philip Hayden. In a step up from the normal
hectic world of hostelling, the club was staying in luxury this time, in the
lovely Lennaun Hotel. The hotel had lovely old-world charm and was perfectly
situated at the east-end of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, amid miles
of rugged mountainous terrain.
The weekend's
entertainment started early with a quiz organised by Mick Heneghan. Thanks for
that Mick, we owe you a bellini (and that's a champagne and peach for those of
you not at the quiz).
Saturday, 31st May
The first day’s
walking had the club making a short dash north into Mayo to tackle Maol Réidh
(Mweelrea) and Binn Ghorm. The Moderates under Philip tackled the latter. The
views all round were spectacular, including the Maumturks, Twelve Pins, and
Sheefry Hills.
The extreme
heat of the day and the steepness of the terrain combined to put heavy pressure
on water supplies, with people running low after lunch. Sensing the growing
crisis, Philip did not hesitate: using his expert mountain skills, he sought
out and led his group into the nearest rain storm. So while all around us
enjoyed blistering heat, the Mods were nicely cooled by two hours of rain and
no longer in peril of dehydration. You're our hero Philip!
Back at
Leenaun, the group enjoyed the bar, showers and excellent food of the hotel. We
then strolled into the village where we provided dinner for hordes of hungry
midges. Few escaped their rampages!
Sunday, 1st June
Sunday saw the
group scatter across Connemara: Dennis Kenny led one group (astray) to
Letterfrack, some cruised Killary Harbour, another group went to beautiful
Glasoileán Beach, where they dipped their toes in the warm Atlantic water.
The Mod hike on
Sunday did a circuit of Currarevagh and Bunacunneen from Griggins Bridge,
whilst the hard hike flung themselves at the Devil's Mother - it won't be
forgotten in a while, as it's a devil of a mountain to climb at the end of a
tough hike.
The usual
banter took place on the hills with the discussion on the hard-hiker at one
stage getting around to the creation of a charity club pin-up calendar. There
were many suggestions on how compasses and Sheet 56 maps could be strategically
placed to create "Mr January", etc. This was just before lunch so
yes, hunger was creating some giddiness (or the giddiness may have been from
the fact that Don Reilly and Paul Smith had at this stage taken their shirts
off - sorry girls, no photos available). Various club members were trotted out
for an appearance but the details (like the calendar thankfully!) are
unprintable, as all those knobbly knees in one place would be more flesh than
anyone would want to imagine.
Somehow their
earlier exertions gave the hard-hikers an inflated notion of their own importance
as, coming late to dinner, they robbed a whole table of fellow walkers of their
food. Okay, some of us had spent the day at the beach but we still had a right
to eat like everyone else! Their success in being served first could though be
attributed to their outrageous flirting with the cute French waitresses. We can
only disapprove of such shameless tactics.
Later that
evening, the hotel residents were horrified by a sight from "Creatures of
the Black Lagoon" as seaweed-clad monsters shambled into the lobby.
Luckily, it turned out to be Ali McSorley and the Girly Gang back from a
seaweed-spa treatment. Re-beautified, they brought a glow to the post-dinner
drinks.
A sing-song
developed in the wee hours and based on the lack of volunteers there is an
urgent need for some club singing classes before the next weekend away.
Thankfully the quality more than made up for lack of numbers, as Linda, Carina
Fitzgerald, Dave 'Dark Horse' Davies, Joe Kavanagh, Joan McDonald and even
(we're not worthy!!!) Ron Cartin treated us to their vocal talents.
Dave Davies
related how he couldn't believe his luck after finding last minute
accommodation in a B&B down the road when the whole county seemed to be
booked up. This was before he met the ban an tí agus iníon on tí. As the
weekend progressed though, Dave wasn't sure if they were in fact the same
person in different stages of light and make-up... [enough said about that].
Monday, 2nd June
The final day
dawned cloudy but soon turned sunny and hot. Those who still had stamina to
walk, headed off for a last foray into the wild. Philip, leading the Hard Hike,
brought his crew up Binn Bhán, where they were treated to spectacular views of
the sea coast and Twelve Pins. A reliable source informs us that the ladies on
the Mod walk were treated to even more spectacular views as Mark Campion did
his impression of the "The Man from Atlantis" when he emerged from
Kylemore Lough after a refreshing swim.
Fair dues to
Mark, he started the weekend with a bad back and finished it with a bad back, a
bad ankle and a bad hangover. By the last day he looked like a butterfly could
knock him over, but there was no stopping him and he would give the Duracell
Bunny a run for his money.
We then
gathered our scattered numbers together at the hotel and headed back east in
sunshine, having enjoyed an exceptional weekend of comfort, sunshine, alcohol
and hiking. Shocking!!! Can we ever go back to 8-person dorms and dashing out
of the pub at 11pm for the bus home??? Congratulations are owed to the two
leaders and all involved in planning and assisting with this excellent weekend.
Deirdre
Muldowney
&
Warren Lawless
In case you got
the wrong impression… This weekend was, of course, all about hiking!
Lots of hiking
photos will be available from Mark Campion’s album on http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26553&l=cca91&id=5270233663
HAPPY 80TH
BIRTHDAY TO BRENDAN DEMPSEY!
Thanks to
Carina Fitzgerald who organised the event and to everyone involved in the
preparations. Many Hard and Moderate Hikers and Club Members past and present
contributed to make this a special night to remember. Photos by Don Reilly.
Dear Barbara,
Through you, I
wish to thank Jim Barry and all the committee of the Hillwalkers for such an
amazing 80th Birthday Party, organized by Carina. I was told late that there
would be some evening but not what I got!
Could I ask you
to insert a note of thanks to all the generous hiking friends I know, in the
next issue. I was so overwhelmed by it all!
Many thanks to
all. God Bless…
Love, Brendan
I would like to
thank everyone who kindly helped me both in the lead up to and on the night of
Brendan Dempsey's 80th Party - in particular Don Reilly, Philip Hayden, The
Cool DJ Campo (Mark despite an aching back!), Martin Corbett and the other
musicians, Terry Carton, Mick Heneghan, Des ? , Irene Moran, Dave Davies,
Willie "Guillermo" O Gorman, Deirdre McMahon, Ger Connolly, Stephen
Burke and anyone else who I may have forgotten and who helped in any way.
Special thanks to the An Oige Hillwalkers Club for their generous donation.
Thanks to everyone who came along and so ensured it would be such a fun and memorable
night for Brendan. Brian Madden emailed me saying very eloquently "It was
a very fitting testimony to Brendan's outstanding personality and human quality
that such a large group of friends and admirers were gathered together".
Brendan appreciated it very much and said he felt like a teenager again!
Muchas Gracias,
Go Raibh Maith Agaibh Go Leir
Carina
Fitzgerald
NOTE FROM THE
EDITOR
We would like to hear from you!
Whether you …
· wish
to contribute an article …
· have
read an interesting book you'd like to recommend to club members …
· would
like to share your favourite hikes …
· want
to comment on any club matters …
Why not get
in touch? Write or
email to:
Barbara Sudrow,
24 Glenmalure Park, S.C.R., Dublin 8, barbarasudrow@eircom.net
DATES FOR YOUR
DIARY
Pre-Announcement
AGM 2008
Following the
mixed blessings of past Club AGMs in various Dublin hotels and pubs, the AGM
2008 will be held at An Óige International Youth Hostel in Mountjoy Street.
Date: 9th October 2008
Time: 8 pm
Venue: An Óige, Mountjoy Street, Room 102
Details will be
published closer to the time.
~~~~~
18 June 2008
70th Annual
Photographic Exhibition of Members Work
Venue: National
Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9
Opening
hours: 10:00
– 17:00 daily.
Admission: Free
~~~~~
28 June 2008
Clean
up along the Glencree River
Clean up along
the Glencree River, which runs through our Conservation site at Knockree Youth
Hostel, near Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Please come along and see our newly
opened Hostel and do your bit for the environment at the same time. Families
welcome.
GLEN OF IMAAL
NOTICE
Date: Saturday, 21st June
Distance: 35 km
Total Ascent: 1,800m.
Registration: 7:00am to 8:15am only
Entry Fee: €20.00
Closing date: All entry forms and payment to be
received by Friday June 13th.
The event,
which can take from 8 to 11 hours to complete, is for experienced and fit
walkers only. Participants will be expected to have reached Table Track by no
later than 5:00pm.
Details: http://www.anoige.ie/news/205
**
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED **
Please contact:
Jim Barry, mobile: 085-1744186 or 01-4556455 (evenings only) or call An Óige
Head Office on 01-8304555.
AOHW Website
Survey
As most of you
are aware by now, we have increased storage space to make more photos available
to all members through our website www.hillwalkersclub.com.
Continue
sending your photos directly to info@hillwalkersclub.com:
• Please resize
your photos to about 1000 pixels in width before emailing them; no point in
sending huge files by email.
• Don’t expect
your photos to appear on the website the next day; we can update the website
once a month only.
We are also
planning a revamp of the website later in the year and would welcome
suggestions from club members. Please structure your comments:
I like …
I don’t like …
I suggest …
Why bother
giving feedback? After all, it’s your club website! But you might also like to
be in with a chance to win a €30 voucher for outdoor gear!
IRISH CHALLENGE
WALKS
Hillwalkers
interested in group participation in the long-distance walks below, please
contact Mark Campion at campion@ireland.com or call Garry Byrne, 01-8388812.
Comeragh
Crossing
Date: Saturday, 5th July 2008
Distance: 35km
Ascent: 1,150m
Beautiful scenery
on a good day but can be a difficult walk on an inclement day. The average time
to cover the full route is approx. 10 hours. There are 3 stages to the walk and
it is possible to join the walk at the start of Stage 2 or Stage 3. Entrants
can join a group led by experienced leaders. Experience is needed to complete
the entire 3 stages.
Organised by
Dungarvan Hillwalking Club http://www.dungarvanhillwalking.org
The
Joyce Country Challenge
Date: Saturday, 19th July 2008
Challenge: For the experienced fit and self
sufficient walker. 30km, 1,936m Ascent. Finny, Maumtrasna, Devils Mother, Ail
Dubh (road) Bunacunneen, Ben Beg, returning to Finny via the Southern Ridge.
There are two
alternative, led walks for the less experienced hiker in the same area,
following the shore line of Lough Nafooey.
The Lake District
Hill-Walking Club in Galway/Mayo runs this challenge walk.
http://walkersassociation.ie/node/151
Hart
Walk
Date: Friday, 1st August 2008
Distance: 111 km (Road 75km, Mountain 36km).
Total Ascent: 3,000m.
The Hart Walk
commemorates the first completion of this challenge by H.C. Hart (1847-1908) in
1886. The starting place is the
site of the old Terenure tram station, opposite the RC church on Terenure Rd.,
East, Dublin, where Hart commenced his trek. We leave at 8pm. Finishing times will be in the region of 20
- 24 hours.
Further
information: Tom Milligan at 086-0826857 or 01-2883312.
Mourne
Seven Sevens
Date: Saturday, 9th August 2008
Distance: 28km
Ascent: 2,530m
Start: Donard Park, Newcastle, Co. Down from
7-9am
Route: To climb the seven summits above 700m by
any route desired by participants. This is one of the more extreme walks.
Entry fee: £10.00 Sterling.
Organising
Club: Spartan Red Sox
Walking Club. Contact: Sharon Stuart (028)92683878 (prefix 048 not 028 from
Republic).
Burren
Walk
Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2008
Distance: 14km, 25km, 27km
Registration is
at the recreation area beside the entrance to Fanore Beach, Co. Clare
(GR M 142 082)
from 09:00 to 12:00hrs.
Cost: €10.
Where possible
the route of the walks traverse green roads and limestone paving. Certificate
of completion will be presented at the finish.
For any further
information contact Steve Wright @ 087-2451218 or e-mail burrenwalk@eircom.net
COMMITTEE 2007 -
2008
Committee
2007 - 2008:
Chairman Frank
Rooney
Secretary/Sunday
Hikes Garry
Byrne
Treasurer Jim
Barry
Membership/Training Donal
Finn
Weekends Mark Campion
Promotion Deirdre
Muldowney
Newsletter Barbara
Sudrow
Special
thanks to:
Webmaster Matt
Geraghty
Distribution Pearse
Foley & Cyril McFeeney
2008 SUMMER
BARBEQUE
Welcome to this year’s
An Óige Hillwalkers Club
BBQ WEEKEND
Date: Sat,
14th June - Sun, 15th June
Venue: Ballinclea
Hostel
Depart: Sat,
10 am from Burgh Quay
Cost: €
50.00
Cost of weekend includes:
· One overnight in Ballinclea
Hostel
· Transport by bus from and to
Dublin
· Evening Meal
· Hikes on Saturday &
Sunday;
moderate and hard hikers welcome
Not included:
· Breakfast & lunches
· Drinks
Volunteers: Anyone
willing to give a helping hand with preparations and/or clean up, please
contact
Don Reilly @ 087-9706310
Booking opens Monday, 14th
April
Please contact An
Óige Head Office, 01-8304555