Update on availability on our upcoming hikes

Please note we have the following spaces remaining.

Croagh Patrick via Ben Goram - Saturday 18th November {3 Spaces}

Benbulben hike - Saturday 25th November {9 spaces)

Knocknarea Festive hike - Saturday 9th December (4 spaces)

Please get in touch to secure your place.

Carrauntohill 23/9/2023

Carrauntohill 23/9/2023

“A red sky in the morning is a sailors warning”

It certainly proved to be the case yesterday

A group of brave hearts took on the highest mountain in Ireland and battled their way upwards towards O’Sheas gully

At 650m the decision was made to call it off

With massive gusts literally knocking us off our feet and torrential downpours we turned about and headed back down for apple pie and coffee at Cronins yard

It is always a huge disappointment to abandon a summit attempt but in the end safety is first and foremost.

A big word of thanks to all who put in alot of effort and YES we will be back

Unfinished business awaits 👏👏👏

Why is my waterproof jacket not waterproof???

Why is my waterproof jacket not waterproof?

This is a lament we hear often on our courses and guided hikes, sometimes spoken in frustration, sometimes in anger, and most often at the end of a wet day.

So why is our precious waterproof clothing failing to perform? In many cases it is because we are simply asking too much of it.

The techi bit….

So called ‘breathable’ fabrics have a micro pore membrane bonded to a hardwearing outer layer. This membrane allows water vapour to pass through, but not liquid water. This in turn means that the moisture you produce when working hard is allowed to escape, whilst preventing rain from penetrating your garment from outside.

The ‘breathability’, or Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR), is measured in laboratory conditions over a 24 hour period. Manufacturers can then make claims about their materials based on these results.

The problem…

The issue is we are not in a laboratory, we are slogging our way up a damp, humid hillside, and our own moisture transmission rates vary considerably, depending on our activity levels and metabolism, amongst other things.

Exercise vigorously on a wet and humid day and your body will pump out a lot of moisture (sweat), much more than the ‘breathable’ fabric of your waterproof jacket can cope with. Water vapour will condense on the inside of your jacket and your clothing will begin to feel damp. You might think your waterproof is leaking, but it is not, it’s coming from you!

For the water vapour to escape effectively it is important that the outer surface of the material is not saturated with water. To prevent this your jacket is treated with a DWR coating (Durable Water Repellancy), but this coating wears off over time and needs to be replaced. If your jacket is no longer ‘beading’, i.e. the water is forming into small droplets and running off the surface, then it is likely to become saturated, and will ‘wet out’.

This will slow the movement of water vapour through the jacket pores and lead to more condensation on the inside of your clothing.

In addition, humans are not well designed for waterproof layers, any clothing has to have large holes designed into it to accommodate our head, hands and legs, and water can enter through these holes resulting in us getting even wetter!

So what can we do to try and stay dry…?

First and foremost, don’t wear your waterproof jacket if it’s not raining. I see so many waterproof jackets being used solely for insulation and wind proofing, and this leads to a build-up of condensation when exercising vigorously.

Far better to wear a ‘softshell’ jacket if possible. This is essentially a jacket that offers a degree of insulation, can be fully windproof, and will allow moisture to pass through, (in both directions so they are not fully waterproof). None of your moisture will condense on the inside and you will feel much more comfortable. Some softshell jackets are designed to keep out a light shower, but might be less ‘breathable’ as a result.

However, when it starts to rain you must exchange your soft shell for your waterproof shell. Remember to put on your waterproof pants too, or water will run off your jacket and soak your trousers/pants.

Don’t overheat…

If you have to put on your waterproofs in warm weather, then be sure to remove a layer first. By adding an extra layer you are adding more insulation and will be getting warmer.

This will lead to more water vapour being produced by your body and will put extra pressure on the waterproof membrane to perform, resulting in more condensation inside your clothing.

Wash and reproof your jacket regularly…

When the DWR layer wears off and the rain water no longer ‘beads’ on the outside of your jacket it will become saturated or ‘wet out’.

This layer of water on the outside of your jacket will impede the movement of water vapour through the membrane, and more condensation inside your clothing will result, making you feel wetter.

Reproof your waterproof clothing with NikWax Wash-In, or a similar product, on a regular basis. The more you use your jacket the more often you should treat it.*

Check on the build quality of your jacket and pants…

The material may be waterproof but rain can still penetrate through seams, pockets, zips and those large openings for your head and hands!

Check that the seams are sealed, or ‘taped’ on the inside, some top end jackets now have welded seams.

Consider waterproof zips when you purchase your waterproofs, both for your main zip and ancillary zips on your pockets and elsewhere. These are much better than conventional zips at keeping water out, though more expensive.

Check that the inside of your pockets are made of the same waterproof material as your jacket. If your pockets do not have waterproof zips and the pockets lining is not waterproof then you are going to get very wet around your midriff.

Make sure the hood fits well around your head and can be pulled in tight without impeding vision. Check that the cuffs are adjustable, and can be closed down with Velcro to reduce the amount of water running up your arms!

Don’t buy waterproof pants with simple slots for pockets, this will just let in water and soak your underwear.

Avoid cotton T shirts and underclothes…

Cotton will absorb up to 20 times its’ own weight in water, and the hollow fibres of cotton won’t release it easily, so it stays with you and makes you feel cold and clammy. In colder conditions this can also increase the risk of hypothermia.

By wearing synthetic wicking layers the moisture your body produces will be moved to your outer layers and away from your skin, making you feel much more comfortable.

It is not possible to stay completely dry when battling through horizontal rain on a windswept mountain, but by caring for your waterproof jacket and using it appropriately you can stay comfortable, if a little damp, even in the worst of weather.

*I’m often asked how often you should reproof a waterproof jacket, and the answer is not that simple. If it’s getting dirty and the pores are clogging up then wash it and reproof it. If it’s no longer ‘beading’ and water is soaking into the material, then reproof it. In normal use I reproof my waterproofs every couple of months. (But I use mine quite a lot).

Thanks To Russ Mills from Mountaintrails for permission to share

Achill adventure - Croaghauns 688m

Achill Island was the place to be on Saturday 22nd April 2023

While much of the countryside was under heavy cloud and rain we undertook to climb the highest sea cliffs of Croaghauns at 688m in clear skies and sunshine with low winds and a fantastic group of mainly returning hiking friends 💕

Starting at the reservoir of Lough Acorrymore the descent route was a nice mixture of mainly grassy terrain on gentle slopes which steepened somewhat as we neared the summit

The views were breathtaking looking northward towards the Mullet peninsula and it’s Black Rock lighthouse the scene of the tragic Rescue helicopter crash a few years ago with the sad loss of all on board

To the south Clew bay with Clare Island and closer by, the beautiful sandy Keem beach

It was a perfect hike and most memorable day

Thanks to one and all

St Bridgid’s day on Benbulben

St Bridgid’s day failed to live up to the promise to deliver the introduction of Spring.

The only female patron saint of Ireland renowned for light and the end to the darkness of winter.

Her influence was definitely muted as we battled our way through strong winds rain and mist. But heading towards our final goal of Benbulben head the clouds and mist lifted and the wee resident male grouse hopped and fluttered alongside and it was as if St Bridgid still had her say

Thank you Sean and Jenny for taking time during their brief visit back to their homeland to do this hike

We enjoyed your company immensely ♥️

Happy new year from Benbulben 2nd January 2023

What a day to start off the new year

We had a full house for our Benbulben ramble

It sure was Baltic

Steady 50kph winds with a chill of -7c in lovely winter sunny conditions

The tea never tasted as good

The star of the show, the little red grouse entertained us at the summit and even joined us for a short stroll

Thanks to all who came and joined in on the adventure

Here to lots of hiking for 2023

It’s only just begun

Dartry Twin Peaks hike

What a cracker of a day for our Dartry Twin peaks hike. A very friendly Red Grouse welcomed us to Benbulben Trig chirping away in grouse 😍

It’s likely that it was released from being domestically reared as close encounters are unusual.

Crossing over to kings mountain the risk of showers cleared and we enjoyed lovely sunshine

Great day out for body mind and soul

Snowdonia - North Wales hiking weekend 12th - 15th May 2023

Please note to join this weekend participants must have been on at least one of our previous hikes and demonstrated the ability to deal with changing terrain and currently possess a good level of fitness.
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Snowdonia is a region in northwest Wales concentrated around the mountains and glacial landforms of massive Snowdonia National Park.
The park contains the highest mountain in Wales and England, Mount Snowdon 1085m.

We will travel from Dublin to Hollyhead by ferry on Friday 12th May 2023 and return home Monday 15th May 2023

Saturday - We plan on climbing Glyder Fawr 1001m via the Devil's kitchen. We will also include an ascent of Glyder Fach with it famous "Cantilever Rock"

Sunday - We will climb Mount Snowdon via the beautiful less travelled South Ridge and return via the Rhyd Ddu trail.

While these hikes are not technical they will require a good level of fitness.

Accommodation
We will base ourselves in the beautiful village of Betws-y-Coed
The accommodation is in 4 star B&B's. on a shared basis
There is a good choice of beautiful restaurants all within walking distance for evening meals.

The cost of the weekend is 530 euro.

Max number 12.

INCLUDED
*Shared cost of fuel
*Return ferry crossing,
* 3 nights B&B,
*Two fully guided hikes with a qualified guide.
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NOT INCLUDED
*Packed lunches
*Evening Meals.
*Travel insurance.

Car Transport.
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We will require 3 car drivers whose fuel costs will be fully reimbursed.

Booking: A non refundable deposit of 100 euro is required at time of booking with the balance to be paid in full two months before departure.

To book and register for this hike please email us with your name address and contact no at: highhopesmountaintreks@yahoo.com
or call us at: 086 3454045

Equipment required:
Good waterproof boots and waterproof clothing are essential; hiking trousers are advised, (no jeans please); spare warm layer; hat and gloves; lunch and/or snacks; water or juice drink, (1.5 litres); small rucksack to carry it all in.
Walking poles are advisable and will provide additional support

NB - Cancellation policy
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Hike that are cancelled within two months of the event - Full refund
Hikes that are cancelled within one month of the event a refund of 50%
Hikes that are cancelled less than a month no refund available apart from exceptional cases due to illness or family bereavement

Errigal Twin Peaks

Some recent photos from our hike up Errigal and its lesser peak known as Mackoght.

Benbulben - a guided hike

On Saturday past we undertook to climb Benbulben in what can only be described as extremely challenging weather conditions

After the recent brief heat wave it was back to the more usual Irish summer. Strong winds measuring 90kph combined with non stop rain meant that no matter how good the gear was we got well soaked. On a positive note the rain felt warm 😀 and the spirits remained high throughout the day

The views only appeared as we descended back to the valley. Well done all 👏👏👏👏

Benwiskin hike on June Bank holiday Monday

Last hike of the bank holiday weekend💕

Friday was Benbulben, Saturday The Sheefry’s in Mayo and today Benwiskin

Perfect conditions for a tramp up the famous Breaking Wave

Light winds, good spells of sunshine and above all a super group of hikers

What better way could you spend a bank holiday Monday 👏👏👏

The Sheefry's hike

On Saturday 4th June we headed for the sunny Sheefry’s starting at Doolough in the Delphi valley. What a day😎

Our last venture was a complete washout but today was a total opposite

Bright sunshine throughout the hike, though the strong 60 kph winds added a coolish feel at times

With the stunning backdrop of Mweelrea on the opposite side of the valley the steep climb up Barrcashclame was soon forgotten on the broad plateau and exciting arete connecting it to the trig pillar at 772m

A fab day with a most enthusiastic group participating. Well done 👏


Snowdonia hiking weekend

This past weekend we headed to Snowdonia in North Wales. It was a mixed bag of weather but who cares when you are surrounded with such amazing company. As some one remarked "we met as strangers but left as friends"

On Saturday we summited Mount Snowdon 1085m the highest peak in Wales and on Sunday part of the group headed for the Glyders while the others explored the surrounds of Betws y Coed with it beautiful mature forests rivers and waterfalls.

A very memorable weekend was had by all.

Benbulben

No better place to be on a May bank holiday Monday than on Benbulben which largely we had to ourselves.

The low cloud persisted for much of the day

Strangely enough the views on the northern side were great while the cloud inversion on the southern slopes blanked out much of the landscape

It felt pleasantly warm and with calm conditions it was a most enjoyable day Mayo featured strong with a very active group representing East Mayo ramblers joining in the fun joined by hikers from various parts of the country not forgetting to mention Jasmin from Bavaria