HIKE PROGRAMME
May 2007
MEET: Burgh
Quay
|
DEPART: Sundays
10.00 am
|
COST: Private
bus. €12
|
A 2nd pick-up
point is provided: the bus picks up walkers who are already at the designated
point and won’t be stopping and waiting. The onus is on walkers to ensure that
they are there in good time for the bus. Places on the bus cannot of course be
guaranteed, as the bus may be full at Eden Quay. In addition, the bus may be travelling back to town by a
different route, so set down places on the return journey may differ from those
of the outward journey.
This month’s
programme includes a walk starting in the Tallaght hills, which has not been
done by the Hillwalkers for some time.
|
6 May 2007 Bank
Holiday Weekend ---NO
HIKE |
|
13 May 2007 --- Introductory
Hillwalkers Hike Maps: Sheets 56 & 62 Leader: Steve Buckney 2nd
pick-up point: Pond
at Sean Moore Park on Tallaght By-Pass Route: Laneway (GR 983 871) * Cornan
West * Carrig * Keadeen * Slievereagh * Ballinabarney Gap * Ballineddan *
Rathgorragh * Toorboy. Distance: 18km Ascent: 750m |
|
20 May 2007 --- J.B.Malone
Commemoration Walk * Finishing at Glendalough * Maps: Sheet
56 Leader:
Gerry Walsh 2nd
pick-up point: Bus
stop before the roundabout at Loughlinstown Route:
Ballinastoe
CP (GR 195 078) * JB Malone Memorial * Wicklow Way to Oldbridge. Distance: 14km Ascent: 300m |
|
27 May 2007 --- Dublin
Mountains Maps: Dublin Sheet 50 Rambles Leader: Garry Byrne 2nd
pick-up point: Brigid
Burke’s Pub, Route: Horan’s Lane (GR 072 254) *
Tumoling Pond * Killenarden Common * Knockanavinidee * Knockanavea * The
Black Hill * Ballymorefinn * Glenasmole. Distance: 19km Ascent: 720m |
|
3 June 2007 Bank
Holiday Weekend Trip ---NO
HIKE
|
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 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.
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.
HIKE LEADERS Any club
member interested in leading a hike, please contact:
Garry Byrne
OUT ON THE TRAILS
Snowdonia Easter 2007
BEAUTIFUL
WALES
IN
EARLY
APRIL
Another exciting
Easter weekend beckoned as we assembled at Dun Laoghaire for the high-speed
ferry on Thursday April 5. There were great memories from last year and the
weather was set fair for all five days.
Bleddyn, our
driver, met us at Holyhead, and we took the opportunity to tackle the local
hill, Holyhead Mountain. It was a gentle pipe-opener, and everyone joined in.
Llanberis is less than an hour away, so we were able to install ourselves in
familiar surroundings with plenty of time in hand.
Friday April 6:
The first serious
day’s walking and there were several options. A group of five took the local
bus to Pen-y-Pas and climbed Snowdon via the Miners’ Track, coming down on the
Railway Track (off the actual line, of course!). This was the first time on
Snowdon for some of them, so an occasion to remember.
The Mods (27 in
all) started at Beddgelert and climbed nearby Moel Hebog (782m), a daunting
prospect, particularly the higher stages. Nonetheless, they completed it out
and back – quite a feat.
The harder walk
took on the Nantlle Ridge which incorporates several tough segments. The
initial climb to Y Garn from Rhyd Ddu (a repeat of last year’s Easter Monday
walk) was on a steep grassy slope. Then a short distance to an exhilarating
scramble up Mynydd Drws y Coed on the side of a cliff. From a distance, people
seemed to be standing on the edge of infinity, but of course, close up there
was a margin of safety. After that, there was some nice ridge walking, followed
by a detour to the Obelisk (653m), a delightful spot for lunch.
Then it was a
long hike with several ups and downs as we headed south-eastwards for the first
of the three remaining hills – Moel Lefn (655m). This was another long
demanding climb at whose summit the party split up, seven going on at pace to
climb the afore-mentioned Moel Hebog via Moel yr Ogof, whilst the remaining six
bypassed Moel Hebog on the north side. Both parties rejoined on the downward
path to Beddgelert and completed a long 7.5 hour walk.
Saturday April 7:
The most telling
comment on yesterday’s hike was Tom Kenny’s announcement that today’s hard hike
would be shortened a little. It would not be finishing at Bethesda, but would
complete a circuit instead, finishing not far from the starting point. The Mods
would start and finish at that particular spot, but would climb to Carnedd
Llewelyn, at 1064m a mere 23m lower than Snowdon and higher than Carrauntouhill
– so a very worthwhile feat.
The harder walk
started at Ogwen Cottage on Llyn Pgwen, and headed straight up Pen yr Ole Wen
(978m), initially on a stone
staircase and
then on a zig-zag path, slippery in places. It was a seriously vertical hill
but we had been warned that this would be the test of the day. After 1.5 hours
or so, we reached the summit, and from there it was a ridge walk to dream
about. The next Munro, Carnedd Dafydd (1044m), a stony summit, was so easy and
likewise, Carnedd Llewlyn, a little further on. Here both Mods and Hards came
across one another. It was a remarkably easy descent to the bump of
Penywaumwen, where we saw some youngsters doing some scary rock-climbing. Then
an awkward and steep rocky drop to near the Reservoir, after which there was a
gentle track to the road and journey’s end. Quite a day to capture three
Monroes.
Sunday April 8:
Easter Sunday
Mass in Llanberis was celebrated by the same cheerful Filipino priest as last
year, but this time he was overshadowed by his assistant celebrant, a rather
spooky English monk (resident in Italy), whose monotone voice, both in his
singing and sermon, and strange stilted action, left one quite uncomfortable.
Comparing him to the deadly monk in “The Da Vinci Code” was unkind but still…
The day’s hike
was in the Lleyn Peninsula, south-west of Caernarvon. Not nearly as demanding
as the first two days, reflecting thoughtful planning by Tom and Jim (Barry).
The two groups started just past Llanaelhearn, getting up to Tre’r Ceiri Fort
(485m) from two slightly different directions. This ancient iron-age fort is
remarkably extensive. We crossed over to the next cairn (unnamed) at 664m for
lunch. From there, the Mods picked up a
fine track to
Llithfaen, whilst the others took in an extra small cairn (444m) almost on the
coast. A bus ride then from Llithfaen to Nefyn, a small seaside resort, for a
stroll on the beach, and food and drink in a nearby hotel – most welcome in the
continuing hot weather.
Monday April 9:
Because Stena
Line have stopped running the 6 pm HSS ferry, we had to catch the 3.30 pm
schedule. The downside of this was that a walk was not possible: the upside
being an earlier arrival home. A 2.5 hour look around Caernarvon accounted for
the morning nicely – we will draw a veil over the four ladies who thought the
departure time from Caernarvon was 2 pm instead of 1 pm. Temporary
consternation! Jim Barry went a-searching and all ended happily – just a few
sheepish faces!
So, another most
enjoyable weekend in Wales. Some of us found the food in the hostel not nearly
as outstanding as last year (apart from the last evening), but we were
extremely well looked after. The Prince of Wales Hotel (one of our watering
holes) was still in need of refurbishment – even the outdoor sign was still
lying on its side in the foyer! The Quiz Night on Sunday was great fun again,
with two of our teams distinguishing themselves in second and third places.
Finally, a
genuine thank-you again, to Tom and Jim, for all the hard work and
organisation. They did brilliantly to find three different sets of walks from
last year and, equally importantly, to lead them selflessly and successfully.
Here’s to Wales
again in 2008!
Pearse
Foley
SOCIAL CORNER
FUTURE EVENT 1
A night out at the SPANISH Restaurant: LA
Venue: 17b
Asdills Row, Temple Bar,
Dublin 2, t: 677 7392
Date: Wednesday, 16th May
NB: Booking
is essential, as places are limited to 20 people
Contact: Paul
Farrell
FUTURE EVENT 2
Tom Crean ‘Antarctic Explorer’
Aidan Dooley's award winning one-man play tells the heroic tale of Tom
Crean (1877–1938), the intrepid, Irish Antarctic explorer and the only man to
serve with Scott and Shackleton on three famous expeditions: Discovery,
(1901–1904); Terra Nova (1910–1913); and Endurance (1914-1916). Written and
performed by Dooley, the story, a testament of human fortitude against all the
elements of Antarctica, is brought to life in this dramatic solo performance.
Venue: Olympia
Theatre Dublin
Date: Wed,
13th June
Time: 7.30
pm
Tickets: €
32.50 (seating in rows B + C)
Contact: Send
text to Steve Buckney
Afters: Drinks
in the “South Pole Inn”
a.k.a. the Forum
Bar
Other
suggestions welcome!
Please contact our Social Organiser, Steve
Buckney
Annual J.B. Malone Commemoration Walk
2007
The 2007 J.B.
Malone event is scheduled for Sunday, 20th May 2007.
This year, the
walks will finish at Glendalough Youth Hostel instead of Knockree.
Light
refreshments will be served at the hostel.
For details of
departure and route, please see May Hike Programme at the top of this page!
Summer BBQ
Welcome to the very first
BBQ WEEKEND
Date: Sat, 30th June - Sun, 1th July
Venue: Ballinclea
Hostel
Depart: Sat, 10 am from Burgh Quay
Cost: € 45.00
Booking: An Óige Head Office, 01-8304555
Booking opens 8th May
2007
Cost of
weekend includes:
· One overnight in Ballinclea Hostel
· Transport by bus from and to Dublin
· BBQ food & salads etc.
· Hike on Saturday & short walk on
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 Mark Campion
Further
details in the next newsletter!
Get Well Wishes
Our thoughts are with Brendan Dempsey, a long-standing member of An Óige
and a well-known hike leader.
Brendan is currently resting at home following his recent operation. We
would like to take this opportunity to wish Brendan the very best for a speedy
recovery.
MOUNTAIN MEITHEAL
Glenmalure Zig Zags Route
Mountain Meitheal volunteers have clocked up a very impressive 488 hours
so far on this project since November and have completed over 400 m of drainage
repair and tread way improvement on this important route.
Materials are already arriving on site for the construction of a new foot
bridge above the cottage to take hikers across the Carrawaystick Brook. Work on
construction of the bridge commenced recently. The project involves over 1400m
of trail upgrading and new bridge construction and will run right through the
spring and summer.
GET
OUT, GET DIRTY, GIVE BACK
Anyone interested in joining the Mountain Meitheal volunteers, contact
the coordinator (details on http://www.pathsavers.org/).
LEAVE NO TRACE
Leave No Trace Ireland is an all-Ireland network of organisations and individuals
with an interest in promoting the responsible recreational use of the
countryside and wild places.
It currently has membership including Coillte, National Parks and
Wildlife Service, The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, The Countryside Access and
Activities Network (Northern Ireland), The Heritage Council, The Mountaineering
Council of Ireland, Mountain Meitheal and the Forest Service.
Leave No Trace Ireland runs training courses and awareness workshops and
is currently applying for membership of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor
Ethics as an International Branch Member.
Contact: Jane Helps, t: 01-473 6283;
e: info@leavenotraceireland.org
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
COMMITTEE 2006 - 2007
Chairman Frank Rooney
Secretary/
Sunday Hikes Garry
Byrne
Treasurer Jim Barry
Membership Donal Finn
Social Events Steve Buckney
Weekends Mark Campion
Officer-at-large Eoin Moroney
Newsletter Barbara Sudrow
Special thanks to:
Webmaster Matt Geraghty
Distribution Pearse Foley &
Cyril McFeeney
JUNE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND
An Óige
Hillwalkers Club
June Bank Holiday
Weekend
Friday 1st
– Monday 4th June 2007
Ben Lettery Youth Hostel
Clifden, Co Galway
Walking the
Twelve Bens and the Maumturk Mountains
Moderate and Hard
Hikers Welcome
Leaders: Tom
Kenny & Philip Roche
Notes:
Booking: €80 NON REFUNDABLE deposit by credit card
or cash deposit to An Óige Head Office, phone 01-8304555. Booking facilities
open from 11th April 2007; balance of money to be paid by 18th May 2007.
Meals: This
weekend is self-catering (i.e. bring your own food), but for those who do not
want to cook in the evening the bus will be available to bring people to
Clifden where there are numerous restaurants to choose from.
Essentials: Bring
rain gear, change of clothing, sheet bag, towels, toiletries, flask, first aid,
kit, camera, valid An Óige card.
Departure: Friday
1st June, from George’s Quay (Tara St.) at 4pm (1600hrs) sharp.
Return: Monday
4th June, arriving Dublin City centre at approx. 8pm (2000hrs)
Please note that the walking
program may be altered or curtailed at the discretion of the leaders, in the
event of bad weather conditions and in accordance with walkers’ capabilities.
JULY WEEKEND AWAY
An Óige
Hillwalkers Club
KENMARE JULY 2007
Thurs 26th
– Tues 31st July
Visit the beautiful South Iveragh Peninsula, the Caha
Mountains on the Kerry-Cork borders, Gougane Barra, and more…
Please note that we will NOT be doing any of the
Reeks.
Hostel
Accommodation in the heart of the very pretty town of Kenmare, Co Kerry
Moderate and Hard
Walkers Welcome
Leader: Mark
Campion
Transport to be
arranged
Possible hikes:
Mullaghanattin; Coomacallee; Glaninchiquin; Hungry
Hill; Cumeengeara horseshoe; Eagle Hill; Broaghnabinnia / Stumpa Doolaigh;
Knocklomena / Boughil; Dromderalough / Knockrower / Peicin
Notes
Accommodation: Kenmare Lodge Hostel, 27
Main St, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Two of the rooms are family rooms which can sleep
3 comfortably. One room is a twin and the other is a 6 bed dorm. ALL ROOMS ARE
EN-SUITE. Cost includes hostel on the 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th.
Food: Not included in the price.
There are cooking facilities in the hostel and lots of quality restaurants in
the town.
Transport: Cars (preferred option)
or minibus. Decision will depend on available cars & drivers.
Booking: €
150 NON REFUNDABLE deposit to Mark Campion, The Kings Hospital,
Palmerstown, Dublin 20 (mobile: 087-250 1401).
THERE ARE
ONLY 15 PLACES AVAILABLE SO BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.