hbowman1
2011-05-09 14:59:28
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Reply to comment on Pigeon Rock
Hi Colin, to answer your question re: the difficulty of the bird walk route, I'd be inclined to agree with your assessment of very difficult. I have not actually walked this route but have climbed each of the mountains as part of other walks. Recently, I walked over Pigeon, Cock and Hen from Deers Meadow to Rocky river car park, which I would describe as moderate. On another occasion, I started from Leitrim and climbed Tornamrock, Shanlieve, Eagle, down to windy gap and back to Leitrim. Also, I did a walk from Deers Meadow over Pigeon, Slievemoughanmore, windy gap and turned left and walked along the path beside the gully of eagle, finally returning to lower Pigeon car park. Each of these walks took approx 5 hours and had 2/3 major ascents. To combine each of these walks into a grand circuit with at least 5 ascents (Hen, Cock, Pigeon, Slievemoughanmore and Eagle), would make me agree with your assessment of very difficult. I recently did a ridge walk in Donegal over the Urris Hills which had a lot of ascents over several hills, which was tiring. I have not climbed Eagle from the Windy gap, but have descended it this way. Another possible route is to start from Attical. This would provide a gentler, albeit longer, ascent. A possible route is Attical, Eagle, Shanlieve and Finlieve - very nice views of Eastern Mournes and Carlingford - back to Attical. Hope this helps, Henry |
