Some photos of what Truskmore looks like on a good day
Thanks Gerald for sharing from your hike today
Such a shame we didn’t get any views at all on our last outing Saturday week last. That’s the unpredictable nature of mountain weather
In the aftermath of Storm Arwen we faced the might of Donegal's highest mountain Mount Errigal 751m.
At the car park in preparation for some sub zero temperatures on the summit we layered up in advance. The best on offer was a four trouser layer and 5 upper body layer. 😂, Some of us felt more like the Michelin man. But one must be prepared 😍.
After making the ascent of Mackoght 555m we set our sights on the imposing ridge of Errigal.
The winds had eased somewhat and it was deemed safe to progress to the summit. It was then the layering system really shone with temperatures at sub zero and a wind chill measured at -10c. We all were well insulated and apart from the frozen hands used to take photos we felt really toasty.
It was truly a memorable day and well done to the "Magnificent Seven" who undertook the climb👏.
We got a roaring welcome today on our first guided hike of the Sheefry's mountains in south Mayo. Low cloud combined with heavy rain and strong winds kept us on our toes. The steep ascent up from Doolough got the heart rate up into the red 😍. There was figures mentioned of 174!!!!
All in all we came and conquered and all made it down safely.
It is definitely one worth another visit albeit on a better day.
A welcome treat back in the Blackberry in Leenane was most welcome while one very brave girl headed into Killary for day 13 of her 30 day cancer challenge. Well done Edel.
Thanks to all who kept up the high spirits on a challenging day out.
We had an amazing day on Mweelrea yesterday. It was a day of many seasons starting off in bright sunshine and then peppered with hailstones half way up the ramp. On reaching Benbury, Mweelrea was completely enveloped in cloud. However as we made our way to the summit the sun appeared again and we enjoyed the stunning views of the Nephin range to the north and the 12 Bens to the south and westward over Killary and the Atlantic with its many well known islands.
The terrain was extremely spongy and extra care was needed both on the ascent and descent. Lots of slipping and sliding but in the end all down safely and rewarded with a great day on the highest mountain in Connacht.
This morning we headed out with a yellow wind and rain warning from Met Eireann. There is a feeling that winter is upon us.
It is always a difficult call whether or not to proceed under these circumstances. However we all agreed to give it a go and if required we could always turn back.
Up on top of the ridge the wind speed measured 90Kph. The north side of the plateau provided some measure of shelter so we rambled on to the Trig and out as far as the head in good visibility. There was not too many other souls about apart from a large group from the Wayfarers Hiking club. Not a day for the faint hearted.
The rain held off until lunch time. Ground conditions were extremely slippery and it was difficult to keep upright.
All down safely in good time. Well done to all 👏👏👏
Last Saturday we climbed the highest mountain in Ireland. It was a most enjoyable and memorable day. We enjoyed some fabulous views during the ascent and descent. Unfortunately the summit remained hidden in the cloud as so often is the case. Well done to all.
All stops out this morning for our Royal Peaks Hike. First stop was on Benbulben Trig and then on to Kings Mountain. After refueling we proceeded up to the cross on Slievemore. The rain arrived a bit earlier than expected but the visibility stayed good as we made our way over the high ridge of 566.
A heavy mist descended as we approached the head of the Gleniff Horseshoe valley but soon cleared away to reveal the awesome views of the cliffs of Annacoona. It is always nice to keep the best wine till last. Benwiskin never fails to excite and today was no exception. After all that we made our way back down into the valley feeling very fulfilled after over 7 hours on the hills with a distance of 20k and over 850m of accumulated height gained. Not a bad statistic but our day was much more than just than. Some lasting memories and the odd tired limbs. Well done to one and all.
What a day to start off the Autumn season. A truly memorable day with people joining us from all parts of the country. Nice also to have John from New York, the first of our international visitors this year.
The midges were not all that welcoming as we arrived and set off for the summit of Benbaun 531m. On reaching the summit either the midges called it a day or else we managed to outrun them but they disappeared. The next object of our hike was the rocky quartzite summit of Benbrack at 636m. Time for a well deserved lunch. The route continued past a small wee corrie lake which looked inviting for a dip but we instead kept our focus on the final summit of Knockbrack. To reach that we had to pass through the boundary fence of the Connemrara National Park. Thankfully there was a hole to pass through as climbing over the high deer wire would not be an option. The descent off the summit of knockbrack needs careful footing at first and also crossing the long grass lower down with all its hidden drains. It was then back to Kylemore for some well deserved treats to celebrate a memorable day.
Here’s a few tips on how to look after your boots especially after a really wet and boggy hike like we had last Saturday in the Poisoned Glen
1. Wash your boots thoroughly with tap water. For leather boots use a scrubbing brush to remove any residual peat. Wash the soles also
2. Remove insoles and dry them either in a drying room or close to a good heat source
3. Loosen laces around the tongue as shown below
4. Dry boots slowly. In good weather place outdoors. Never place them close to a fire or radiator.
5. When completely dry refit the insoles and apply a wax to your leather boots. Make sure it’s suitable for goretex as you don’t want to block the membrane and reduce the breathability
These few simple step will prolong the life of your boots, help to maintain their waterproofing and breathability
Just remember they’ll respond to a little TLC
An adventure into the Poisoned Glen in the Derryveagh Mountains exploring the Glen and an ascent on what appears to be from a distance an impassable gully
Imagine heading to hike a mountain you could not see with a guide you’ve never met😵💫 Some dilemma!!!
That was the challenge facing those travelling to climb Benbulben this morning.
A step of faith was required and I’m delighted to say that for all those who stepped out into the poor prevailing conditions they were eventually rewarded with some fine views when the mist and fog lifted as we approached Benbulben head.
Another great day
Well done to one and all 👏👏👏
Today’s adventure took us up Benwiskin to experience the might and the height of “The Breaking Wave”
With strong headwinds of 50kph and temperatures of 10c it was noticeably colder than of late.
Thankfully the rain stayed away until after lunch
So all in all it was a most enjoyable and memorable day
It sure was a shaky start this morning
Thankfully the overnight and early morning heavy downpours cleared just in the nick of time leaving us to enjoy Benbulben at its finest
Swollen rivers and gushing waterfalls were nice to look at but presented a challenge to cross over on route.
A most enjoyable and rewarding day and all down safely at the end
Faced with a difficult decision this morning, to hike or not to hike?
With 13 people waiting and ready to go the decision was to proceed with caution
The most important consideration heading to the hills in a heatwave is hydration and sun protection.
Weighed down with loads of water and sun hats and lathered in sunscreen factor 50+ we headed up the well shaded bog road and out onto Glencar mountain
The nice gentle breeze kept us cooled down and also a few degrees lower that the valley due to elevation.
We hiked over the Devils chimney which was totally dry and headed up to visit the old Barytes mines at Glencarbury.
Returning back to the valley we made a beeline for further hydration at the Tea Shed and some tasty cakes 😋
In conclusion good preparation is essential at all times no matter what the conditions and the outcome was a very memorable and most enjoyable day.
It sure was hot on Benbulben yesterday. Still it did not prevent this super active group from enjoying their hike to the max. We had a ball from start to finish.
After a rather dodgy start this morning when low cloud threatened to obliterate the summit plateau I’m delighted to report it had all cleared by the time we reached the trig pillar on our Benbulben midweek hike
Glorious sunshine and blue skies provided perfect condition for a truly enjoyable and memorable day
Climbed up Mount Nephin yesterday, the second highest peak in Connacht at 806m just 8m shy of Mweelrea, the highest.
Nephin's reputation for being a "wild mountain" remains intact. The forecast was for a dry calm and warm day. Well it started out that way but went downhill as we progressed uphill. Visibility disappeared above the 700m line and temperatures dropped down hugely. As we began our descent an unforeseen storm hit us full on, and with winds well in excess of 100kph we struggled to stay upright. We had to go low and one stage it looked like we might have to sit it out. Finding some shelter on the easterly side of the ridge we made some progress. We were still buffeted around as we descended into the Corrie. The remainder of the hike out was uneventful apart from the scene awaiting us at the Nephin car park where Mountain Rescue were on an operation to recover an injured person close to the summit. With an ambulance on standby and Garda car on duty and the arrival of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter we felt hugely thankful for a safe passage throughout our hike.
A huge thanks to all the brave hearts who participated with courage and strength under extremely difficult circumstances. We are proud of you all.
