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The Summit

MountainViews newsletter for guestuser

Sept 2019

HILLWALKING
NEWS - INFORMATION - RECENT CONTRIBUTIONS - FEATURES - FORUMS

Irish PIC OF THE MONTH

International PIC OF THE MONTH

NORTH, SOUTH, WEST, EAST, SWEDEN, SCOTLAND, FRANCE, Route ideas and places to go.

Challenge Walks Fei Sheehy and several others.

Meet report MountainViews meets rain wind and success on the Eastern Reeks

Again Challenge Walks, a new sort The Hardy Annuals Challenge, for all ages but particularly the 'well seasoned'

Surveying the mountains Hillwalkers getting and using accurate data for navigation.

Three videos featured this month gerrym, mcritchly/kernowclimber, Tough Soles

UPCOMING EVENTS for HILLWALKERS

MOUNTAINVIEWS: Hillwalkers' Events

Report for MOUNTAINVIEWS MEMBERS MEETUP WALK SUMMER 2019

The walk took place as scheduled on Saturday 17th August with some 10 people participating.

We include a report about it here and its route is visible here.

If you are interested in joining us or have ideas about further walks, perhaps leading one, contact Liz at elizabethashton2014@outlook.com

MOUNTAIN MEITHEAL: Mountain Meitheal are keen to find more people to help.

Mountain Meitheal make practical repairs to some of the more popular areas we walk on, using a voluntary community based approach. (More information at their website.)

Picture of the month

Murder Hole is a stunning place.

For original track, click here.

Photo: Una Campbell

International Pic of the Month

True independent wilderness trekking in Europe in Sarek National Park in Northern Sweden .

For original track, click here.

Photo: mcritchly

Regions: MOUNTAIN COMMENTS - TRIP REPORTS - TRACKS - SUMMARIES
In short: Discovery

Featured Track of the Month
Dancing Reek to Reek
This month's selection looks back to the recent MountainViews members and friends 'walk' over the sensational summits of the Eastern Reeks (and Cnoc an Chuillinn East Top). Conditions were 'varied', it would be safe to say, but thanks to John Fitzgerald's judgement as leader and Liz Ashton's capabilities as an organiser a fine time was had by all. Come along the next time we do one!

Peter Walker on MV Members Walk - Eastern Reeks, 17/08/19

Main walk Start: 10:09, End: 19:09, Duration: 9h , Length: 16.6km, Ascent: 1177m, Descent: 1180m
Places: Start at V82696 87299, Cruach Mhór, The Big Gun, Cnoc na Péiste, Maolán Buí, Cnoc an Chuillinn East Top, Cnoc an Chuillinn, Cnoc na Toinne, end at Start (statistics such as Ascent or Length etc should be regarded as approximate. Duration depends on the speed of the person making the track)

It was a day positively pregnant with possibilities (meterological and geographical) as 12 hardy souls gathered in the Lisleibane car park. Our leader John, as ever clad in the shorts that seem to constitute his ancestral home lurked gnomically by his car, telling all and sundry that we'd be grand because his recce of a fortnight previous had been conducted in MUCH worse weather...

So onward along and vaguely up the Carrauntoohil-bound highway we strode, until a vicious little shower convinced all and sundry that the waterproofs probably needed deploying from the rucksacks. The skyline that would form the meat of the day rose to our left, while the awesome north-east face of Ireland's highest mountain soared ahead. At this point the first of our leader's cunning plans became apparent; normally the ascent to the first summit of Cruach Mhór would have commenced from a much earlier point on the path, but this crosses a ghastly section of bog that he reckoned we'd avoid by heading up from here.

Which way to the grotto?

And so it proved, and as we made a diagonal ascent towards Cruach Mhór's grotto we were heartened that at least it was only the sky that was drenching us rather than the ground. The rain eased off for a while as we passed Lough Cummeenapeasta below the tortured curtain of the exciting ridge above, but the wind grew stronger as we clambered over the shattered rocks to the summit. Craic and nibbles were had in the lee of the grotto, and attentions turned to the notorious crossing of The Big Gun, next on the agenda.

The shot of The Big Gun that everyone takes

Our commencing of the traverse coincided with a recommencing of the rain, and with discretion being the better part of valour it was decided to take the less exposed (but still sporting) lower contouring line on the west side of the ridge before clambering up to the col on the far side. From here we doubled back up the easier approach to The Big Gun, still needing some care on the slippery rock in the driving rain. Back to the col then more outflanking manouevres to avoid the wonderful Cnoc na Peiste arete (also too slimily exposed on a day like this) up the thin path to its left.

The Cnoc na Peiste arete

With Cnoc na Peiste's summit gained and the non-existent view suitably bemoaned, we got on with the less intimidating bits of business. Cheerily bedraggled we fought onwards over Maolán Buí and the tops of Cnoc na Chuillinn and readied ourselves for the descent of the Zig Zags. Such downward enthusiasm had to be temporarily tempered however, as our leader (who'd been measuring all the summits we visited...notice how they all have decimal points now) decided he needed to measure Cnoc na Toinne too. With that suitably Trimbled, we retraced our steps and switchbacked back down to the tourist highway to Carrauntoohil, notably short of tourists on such a damp and driech day.

Down the Zig Zags

Obviously at this point the clouds receded and the sun made a slightly sheepish appearance; such is the fate of the hillwalker. But after the retreat back to Lisleibane we agreed that we'd all had fun, and it's a fact that the best hillwalkers are the ones having the most fun. Isn't it?

Tea and medals this way...

NORTH: A lovely amble when the tide’s out
At just 13m, Inishcoole Island in Donegal won’t present any challenges, but is a pleasant stroll to a vast expanse of golden sand and a myriad of wild flowers, reports GoldCircle.

GoldCircle on Inishcoole, (Inis Cùil): When the tide's out, it's a lovely amble
This small island is in a tidal estuary and is comfortably accessible with dry feet at low tide - a mere 5 minute stroll. A vast expanse of golden sand opens up at low water and the highlight of this beach is the wreck of Bád Eddie - a now badly decayed hull of a large wooden boat. The island itself is unremarkable, having maram grasses and myriad wild flowers - and a few tracks around. Th ... ... Click here ...

NORTH: Definitely not murder
The 10k walk around Melmore Head offers tremendous views, particularly of the beautiful Murder Hole beach, reports ucampbell.

ucampbell on Crocknasleigh, (Cnoc na Sleá): Melmore Head Loop Walk
I confess I didn't make it to the Summit. I did a 10km walk around Melmore Head from the Hostel carpark. I walked along the road and beaches up to Melmore then climbed up and around the headland to the Murder Hole beach. I then climbed upwards from here in an attempt to gain the ridge however it hadn't been part of my original plan so I turned back and I kept lower. The views from all aspects are ... ... Click here ...

WEST: Acting the goat
Besides the fascinating landscape, the Burren features an array of unusual flora and fauna, including a great many Feral Goats, which have become used to humans.

Colin Murphy on Mullagh More, (An Mullach Mor): Acting the goat...
Besides the fascinating landscape, one of the most interesting sights were the wild goats wandering around relatively close to the walkers. I saw as many as 20, and they've obviously gotten used to humans as they didn't particularly shy away from us. I took the trouble to look them up later, and apparently they are Feral Goats, descended from domestic populations brought to Ireland around 4,000 ye ... ... Click here ...

SOUTH-WEST: Sybillance...
It's scarcely news that Dingle has some marvellous coastal walks, but sometimes folk just need reminding. peter1 has contributed a digital representation of the spectacular route above the impressive sea cliffs of Ceann Sibéal (as featured in the last Star Wars film) and the Three Sisters, a resoundingly great route on any day when conditions are clear. It needs care if it's windy mind you, as he points out in his text.

peter1 on Sybil Head and the Three Sisters
This is a really good walk with superb views of the Atlantic Ocean to the West and Smerwick Harbour to the East.View SW | walk, Len: 12.3km, Climb: 243m, Area: Ceann Sibéal, Dingle West (Ireland) Cea ... Click here ...

SOUTH-WEST: Maughanaclea - A name that didn't lend itself to pop-culture puns
Recently joined member conorb has been exploring the his local hills in Cork, and has contributed a track taking in the twin tops of Maughanaclea from the south. As described the walk follows a good track to the East Top, before a spongy section takes in the West Top and an easy descent leads to the trees and another track. It's a relatively short outing, and anyone wanting to make more of a day of it can include Nowen Hill as a starter or a dessert.

David-Guenot on Pique d'Endron
A walk completed with my friend Alexandre. We took the usual route up the Pique d'Endron (2472m) which requires a bit of| walk, Len: 17.4km, Climb: 1288m, Area: France, Occitanie () ... Click here ...

WEST: Simple walk, stunning walk
The highest point of Loop Head, Moveen Hill in Clare offers walkers a simple option or a much more dramatic climb along the Kilkee Cliff walk, writes Colin Murphy.

Colin Murphy on Moveen Hill: Simple walk, stunning walk
This hill is the highest point on the Loop Head peninsula and can be accessed via the Dunlicky Road about 4km south from Kilkee. Park at quarry entrance located at Q8532058397 and proceed up the hill to the SE for about 600m to the trig pillar at the summit. A much more enjoyable way to bag the summit is to take the Kilkee Cliff walk, starting at the Diamond Rocks Cafe, past the statue of Richard ... ... Click here ...

SOUTH-WEST: Whoosh!
A 'mixed' route from the tangled lands to the south of the Paps, courtesy of simon3 whose traverse of Coomagearlahy and Knockbwee encounters forests of turbines, forest roads and erm, forests. The roads are prodigiously wide and generally flat in order to facilitate turbine transportation, but there is some 'proper' hillwalking through rough heather to keep you honest. The route doesn't directly link to other hills, but it's not that long a day and the possibility of a quick up and down of lesser nearby summits exists.

simon3 on Windfarms, forestry, sheep farming and a little hillwalking.
The route starts from a place where you can park one car as shown. This is also the way down off the uplands and appears| walk, Len: 12.5km, Climb: 452m, Area: Coomagearlahy, Paps/Derrynasaggart (Irel ... Click here ...

Featured summit comment

Assault Gorse
Slieveroe sits in a subdued fashion above the village of Blessington, its appeal seemingly being of the 'quick bag at the end of the day' variety. But a look at the map suggests it's likely to be a fine viewpoint for the expanses of water to the south, and thus seduced, Colin Murphy set forth to sample its delights. His advice? Bring gardening, no, make that 'forestry' implements.

The Great Wall of Wicklow Gorse
Colin Murphy

Park at N953 137, at the entrance to a small cul de sac. 100m along this on the left there is a gate, leading to a nettled track of sorts, although this is quite navigable. Cross a fence at the end into a sloping grassy field that takes you up to a wall of gorse. This is almost impenetrable. The gorse is 2m high and about 5m deep, and towards the end there is also a tangle of briars and a barbed wire fence to contend with. Bring a secateurs (really) or some cutting instrument, wear gloves and long sleeves. If you get through that, it is an easy stroll to a trig pillar in a grassy forest clearing. Car to summit takes about 15 minutes, depending on your dealings with the gorse wall.

Photo: Colin Murphy

SOUTH: Scrambled legs
An ascent of Brassel Mountain in the Reeks provided a welcome amount of scrambling up steep slopes for kkendellen, although the top is not without its dangers. (Note: this is an updated rather than new comment)
kkendellen on Brassel Mountain, (Cnoc Breasail): A varied trip to this summit
Just back from a great weekend in the Reeks. A group of us decided to go for a few more challenging routes than our previous trips to the Kingdom, with as much scrambling potential as possible. After the usual torture of Friday night traffic from Dublin to Kerry, started fresh on Saturday morning at the foot of Brassel mountain. The plan was to climb the easterly ridge of Brassel, then join the ... ... Click here ...

SOUTH: The two (ugly) towers
The summit is topped by two telecoms towers and littered with telecom debris, and would be quite bland even without this ugliness, writes simon3 of Mullaghanish.

group on Mullaghanish, (Mullach an Ois): Mast crowns bland ridge summit.
Park at a forest access area W22369 80417 , room for 10 cars.Cross the road and head north with the forest to your right and a fence to your left along a grassy boggy track. Take this up to Carrigrathduff, then head straight for the peak over more heathery terrain. You will need to hop a fence or two. Heading for Mullaghanish, you'll run into a tall barbed wire fence. To avoid it, follow the fence ... ... Click here ...

EAST: An easy to follow route up suits beginners
An updated short summary on Tomaneena in Wicklow by csd provides a simple access route for walkers of all levels of experience.

group on Tomaneena, (Tuaim an Aonaigh): An easy to follow route up suits beginners
The easiest route to Toomaneena is from the Wicklow Gap. There are two car parks there with ample space. Follow the access route for Turlough Hill's upper lake, which starts at O 07471 00118 at the westerly car park. Follow to the t-junction at the top and take the rough track to the right (SW). The actual summit is about 60 metres SW from the path that skirts the quarry cliff. Be careful of the c ... ... Click here ...

EAST: Ordinary hill with sugar coated views
Carrigoona Commons East in Wicklow is a simple ascent taking ten minutes, but offers the best spot to view Great Sugar Loaf, reports Colin Murphy.

Colin Murphy on Carrigoona Commons East, (Carraig Úna Thoir): Ordinary hill with sugar coated views
Started from just outside the farm as suggested in short summary, where a friendly farmer warned me of recent car break-ins and not to leave anything visible. The walk was simplicity itself - 10 minutes to the top and met several people walking dogs on the way - it's clearly a popular spot with locals. The top itself is a large, dome-shaped rock offering fine panoramas. If nothing else, this top c ... ... Click here ...

SWEDEN: Sarek Revisited
A multi-day trek across the prodigious Swedish wilderness of the Sarek National Park has been contributed by mcrtchly and kernowclimber, taking a week to traverse this utterly non-comfortised mountainous tract beyond the Arctic Circle. It's mentioned not so much to encourage folk to follow the exact same route, but to alert the naturally adventurous to the possibilities of working out routes from Google Earth and a hunch (amongst other things). There is also an extended article on their walk in the 2018 edition of 'The Summit'.

mcrtchly on A seven day trek across Sarek N.P.
If you want to experience the remoteness and challanges of true independent wilderness trekking in Europe, then Sarek Na| walk, Len: 90.0km, Climb: 1574m, Area: Sweden, Norrbotten () ... Click here ...

SCOTLAND: Angels and Demons
Probably the closest Britain or Ireland have to a genuinely Arctic landscape is Scotland's vast Cairngorm Mountains, where lengthy approaches outflanks intimidating granite cliffs to gain complex tundra plateau. billbaggins has uploaded a track which (having reached Derry Lodge by the eminently bikeable track from Linn of Dee) procedes up towards the Lairig Ghru before climbing the stark Devil's Point and then Britain's fourth and fifth highest mountains. It's a long, serious and rewarding route.
billbaggins on Bod an Deamhain (Devil's Point), Cairn Toul and Sgor an Lochain Uaine
Used a mountain bike from Linn of Dee car park to Derry Lodge.| walk, Len: 30.3km, Climb: 1400m, Area: Cairngorms (Britain) The Devil\'s Point, Stob Coire an t-Saighdeir, Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain ... Click here ...

FRANCE: Piqued interest
Frequent visitor to these shores David-Guenot generally keeps up a fearsome pace back home as well, and this month has uploaded several interesting/challenging-looking routes from the Pyrenees. The ascent of the Pique d'Endron features 'a bit of easy scrambling' at its climax, and certainly the contours look rather compacted at this point; experience on genuinely mountainous terrain would be necessary. Fantastic views though, apparently.

David-Guenot on Pique d'Endron
A walk completed with my friend Alexandre. We took the usual route up the Pique d'Endron (2472m) which requires a bit of| walk, Len: 17.4km, Climb: 1288m, Area: France, Occitanie () ... Click here ...

Sorry if we didn't mention what you posted .. there's a list of all contributors for recent months later.

MOTLEY GATHERING

A new addition to Challenge Walking in Ireland

MountainViews are intrigued by and glad to announce a new sort of challenge walk, this time focussed on older hillwalkers. (Note: it is not restricted to older people.) There is a range of walks for different abilities. MountainViews has details of this walk in the Challenge Calendar. Below is their introduction, courtesy Fergus Roche.

‘Hardy Annuals’ Charity Challenge Walk

in Glendalough, Thursday 26^th September.

The Hardy Annuals Challenge Walk was set up to cater for the older walkers in their 60’s 70’s and 80’s. Challenges are not only the prerogative of younger people. We want to encourage present older walkers to continue walking and invite new walker. no matter what their age, to the joys of hill walking. To that end we have walks to suit every ability from 22k and a 1000m ascent to a 10k walk with a 300 ascent. On the 10k walk there are even options for a 6k walk with a 100m ascent. While this is a challenge walk it is also a fun day out with refreshments and music at the end of the walks.

As Shane O’Mara in his new book In Praise of Walking says, ‘Don’t stop walking when you get old, you get old when you stop walking’. Already with still 4 weeks to go 90 people have registered to walk.

Partnership America Latina, the charity who will benefit from this walk was set up by a group of hikers from the Irish Ramblers Club 12 years ago to support project for the poor in Latin America and particularly the disabled. A few years ago about 20 ramblers went to Peru to visit the projects.

If you would like further information on the walks contact hardyannuals@gmail.com or ferguspjroche2@gmail.com
Closing date for registration is Sunday, 22^nd September

Volunteering for 2019: Strengthening the MountainViews Committee

Currently we have a number of officers on the committee such as chairperson, secretary etc. We really could use some further committee members to achieve our strategic goals and spread the load.

Position	In Brief
Ordinary members	For those taking an interest in the MV committee or indeed committees in general we can also use some further "regular" committee members without a specific role. There are many smaller quite finite projects that might suit regular members.
Publicity	MountainViews is a great resource based on over 1300 people's contributions over 16 years. Great that is if you have heard of it. And that's where we could use some practical publicity help.
The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth	Quite apart from programmers, MV's progress can also use help from people who can really follow through on tasks like creating lists, checking stats, researching place names or geology. Whether on the committee or not we value such people's contributions.

Meet report: August 2019 in the Eastern Reeks

Mountainviews Meetup Walk Summer 2019

The latest in the series of meetup walks was on arguably the finest mountain traverse in the country, the Eastern McGillycuddy Reeks from Cruach Mhor (932m) to Cnon na Toinne (845m).

An expectant group of Mountainviewers in Lislebaine

Starting from Lislebaine carpark to the Hags Glen on a bright but blowy Saturday morning in August, our initial ascent was towards Crauch Mhor from the Hags Glen. We passed the hidden Lough Cummeenapeasta which is the final resting place of a WW 2 US Army Air Force plane where 5 people lost their lives which marked the halfway point of our initial ascent.

It’s that way!

The final pull up to the summit of Crauch Mhor was steep and rocky with some easy scrambling. The first in a series of heavy showers chose this moment to begin!

Cruach Mhor with Lough Cummeenapeasta in the foreground

On reaching the summit a well-deserved break at the Grotto was welcome. Due to the worsening weather conditions our leader John Fitzgerald took the decision to drop down below the Big Gun and approach its summit from the safer Western side.

On reaching the summit of the Big Gun (939m) safely we retraced our steps to the col with Cnoc na Peiste and upwards and onwards to our highest point of the day at 988m.

It was all plain sailing after that in improving weather conditions, over the summits of An Maolan Bui (973m) Cnoc na Chullinn East (926m) and main top (958m) to Cnoc na Toinne at a mere 845m

A long descent down into the Hag’s Glen by the Zig Zags and back to the cars after an exhilarating day on some of the most magnificent mountains in Ireland. There was a great sense of achievement by everyone but especially for those in the group for whom this was the first time of visiting the summits.

Descending the Zig-Zags to the Hag’s Glen

A quick shower and change of clothing revived us as we got our second wind for food and drink in Killarney that evening, a tired but happy bunch of Mountainviews walkers.

Many thanks to everyone who made a contribution to Mountainviews on the day which enables us to continue doing what we are doing!

The MountainViews ANNUAL, 2018.
	We published the annual in Feb 2019 60 pages in 13 Articles about walking on hills, mountains and islands here and abroad. The ANNUAL (Please save and read in a PDF viewer.) (Hi-res version.) (Obtain PRINTED VERSION - Euro 15)

emVee-Tube

Videos this month:

	MV user gerrym sloshes his way along the Bangor Trail
	MV users mcrtchly and kernowclimber travel through Iceland
	Karl and Ellie of Tough Soles take on the Beara Way

Videography by Peter Walker.

CHALLENGE
A place for those interested in Challenge Walking

Click here for the Challenge Walk Calendar

Challenge Walks Newsletter September 2019

Fei Sheehy Challenge. Photo Mike Rea.

Groucho Marx said once - "I wouldn’t join a club that would have me as a member!"

But it takes Clubs and the comradery that they generate, to get the job done!

In this vain, congratulations to the Lagan Valley Orienteers who expertly took on the mantle of running the Mourne Seven Sevens for the first time this year.

The Challenge started wet with rain and little visibility. Dropping into the valleys - for example from Slieve Bearnagh and especially from Meelbeg, would allow for more bright and breezy Hillwalking.

"A damp day with intermittent showers and a short hailstone storm. Distant thunder could be heard away over Bearnagh from Cove! . . . A good days walking and I met quite a few fellow members from Na Sléibhte hillwalking Club. Slievelamagan, as usual, took its toll today!"

Honest words from Stephen Forde.

All were in agreement as to what an iconic Challenge Walk the Seven Sevens is . . . so great to see how there's no suppressing a great Event!

Mid-August saw the Fei Sheehy Challenge dominate the Calendar.

“The first Day of this three Day Challenge saw weather that was energy sapping, but never would this, or the far from promising forecast, dampen optimistic spirits.

"The weather was oppressive on Friday but these hillwalkers don't give that dominion over the challenge. They're prepared".

What a brilliant, brilliant quote from Gerard Sheehy.

Saturday and Sunday saw ideal hillwalking conditions, so how right Gerard was!

On this year's Fei Sheehy Challenge, 38 years, in ages of men, would separate the youngest walker from the oldest, so with this reasoning in mind, it comes as no surprise how the Hardy Annuals Challenge Walk surprises us not a jot with its inclusion to the year's events.

This is a new Walk to the Challenge Walks Calendar so best wishes to all concerned!

Taking place in the beautiful vale of Glendalough, The Hardy Annuals is a sponsored Challenge Walk for the "Active Retired"! On the Day there will be four options of Walk to choose from. More information here.

26th September sees the inaugural Hardy Annuals.

At time of going to press - we are all hopeful that the Highwayman Challenge will take place at the end of September or possibly early October . . . I always felt touching into Autumn is a wonderful time for Walking . . . there are majestic colours within the trees, whilst there's still a lingering light that dances into the evenings.

So don't touch that dial and stay tuned to this channel !!

The Highwayman Challenge is a one day guided Hillwalking event and Half Marathon, following in the footsteps of the infamous Highwayman Willy "Brennan on the Moor" over the Knockmealdown Bandit Trails.

The Highwayman is a great example of how communities can make things happen too, pulling out all the stops and nurturing the comradery as strong as that, that can be achieved at Club level.

So get out and up them there Hills, pack a picnic . . . and perhaps some "Duck Soup"!

Note well, the clever reference back to the bauld Groucho!

"Up here for dancin', down there for something else or other . . ."

Onwards and Upwards Boys and Girls,

Keep Safe and Enjoy your Day,

Jim Holmes.

Fei Sheehy Walk. Photo Gerard Sheehy

Also take a look at this resource managed by MountainViews:

www.facebook.com/ChallengeWalksIreland

SUMMITEERS and PLACE-VISITORS CORNER
A place for those interested in Summiteering, Bagging, Highpointing, visiting islands and coastal places.

Correcting place information for hillwalking purposes.
What MV is doing and how you can help.

Surveying on the MacGillycuddy's Reeks.

On the recent MV Meet esteemed member and leader jackill could be seen whipping out this small yellow box on each of the tops being reached. What's this all about? Let's explain and let's show how this is a part of a project you can easily help with.

The yellow box in the picture is actually a Trimble professsional GPS. While it may look small it is capable of measuring position to within 10 cm both horizontally and vertically in around 2 minutes (assuming a favourable configuration of GPS satellites). That's what you get for around Euro 12k

Why is MV doing this?

As MV operated it started using whatever lists were then available, for instance from Joss Lynam's 600m list. Essentially horizontal positions and heights had been gleaned mostly from the 1:50k map. Positions of summits had been recorded to the nearest hectare which is what in effect you get from 6 figure grid references. Heights had been from spot heights where available or guesstimated otherwise.

Why do we need to improve accuracy?

The horizontal: A grid reference to 6 digits is the westmost and southmost point of a 100m square in which the place you are referring to sits. It can be 140m away from the place. Good enough for the 1990s but not good enough for use with GPSs. The vertical: most modern lists use height and prominence to determine if a summit should be included. However if the heights of the summit (or col for prominence) is iffy then measurement of both is required. So from 2012 jackill and another MV member with a Trimble (mcritchly) have been measuring mountains and cols.

How you can help

Click on this button to contribute your measurement.

The professional GPS solves the problem definitively and is the only easy way to accurately determine heights. However for the horizontal an accuracy of 3 or 4 metres is quite good enough for hillwalking purposes and also easily enough measured with consumer GPS devices (Garmin, Satmap etc) So for over 15 years MV has offered logged in users the opportunity of entering their own GPS measurements for summit tops.

Done correctly, even one measurement will bring the potentially massive error of a 6 digit grid referennce right down. However MV can average the positions entered by multiple members and get even greater accuracy. So far the community has established the positions of around 1400 places. Most of these are the higher summits. Almost all Vandeleur-Lynams and Arderins have had their positions determined one way or another. However there are a lot of places that could do with a measurement. Particularly lower hills, coastal hills and islands. It isn't hard to enter data. On any of the place pages click on the "Improve Grid Ref" button and follow the instructions there.

The Payoff: Using the data

Many summiteers simply take all of the data for all summits etc and put it permanently on their GPS or App. This makes identifying and reaching summits much easier with a GPS. (Done using mountainviews.ie/lists/allirishsummit/ | Export )

Getting the better measurements onto maps
We are happy to discuss standardisation and use of this data for mapping including voluntary groups like OSM, smaller commercial mapmakers or larger national mapping agencies. As per our conditions individual hillwalkers and clubs are welcome to use the data.

A Guide to Ireland's Mountain Summits - The Vandeleur-Lynams & The Arderins
MountainViews first book available online and in some bookshops. The first reprint with numerous minor amendments is available.

Purchase from here.

simon3 on A Guide to Irelands Mountain Summits
MountainViews first book available online and in many bookshops.

As members will know, for over a decade, Mountainviews.ie has been providing unique information to hillwalkers on all aspects of exploring and enjoying Ireland's upland areas. It's been a collaborative effort by over 1000 of you, and currently contains over 6000 comments on 1057 mountains and hills on the island of Ireland ... ... Click here ...
Bulk sales to groups such as Scouts/ Guides: contact admin@mountainviews.ie for a discounted price.

This month.
Kudos to our contributors.

We welcome the following new members who enrolled this month. abcd, adventurejosh, Al247356, alanmorrissey, amenglish, andygreer, Anitam72, Aolireland, barbaracarr, Blackscamp, Boneill85, BrankoP, Brydzia, chrismcc409, christopher72, cicks79, claremcumberland, cmangan1, colinwh, conorb, Craftylady, crazy_snake, darbydan, darragh3277, dave67, dazza, deirdrec, denisemc, des61, diarmuidie, Dougo, EDhikenbikegirl, Eimearlavelle9, Enan, Endaphelan, euro12, feganegg, Fitzgrangebeg, Gerryd, Ionad, iuyfiyuiuyg, jackos, Jam95, jandeb, jarvisweir, Joe.ita, johnhogan, johnnymorr, jorisbroers, Juris, jwlost, kay20, kfitzpatrick, kierensheehan, Lindac2305, lluistort, Macdara18, mambero, marcinisko, MarJak, mark.mcauley, Mcateer35750, Mcpaddles, mgb, mickmcd, Miktully, MiriamF, mnam, Musab, Nabelfrianna, Newbie88, nfarren, NiamhC, Nickb66, Nicko, PamLambert, Patrickdoyle, Paulcg, Paulius, pb, Ptobin, Rainer, Ralganaziel, Rineenclimbers, Robowe, RosieP, SeanD68, sharon.primrose, simon54, Skaaq, Snowdancer, tbg, terrymcmahon, tiernanmccann, Tomcasey23, vito, walshyhikes, zellweger80 (98)

Our contributors to all threads this month: Colin Murphy (22), David-Guenot (24), EDhikenbikegirl (1), Fergalh (1), GoldCircle (1), Grumbler (1), John32c (1), MountainHunter (3), PaulaMelvin (1), Pepe (2), Peter Walker (5), TommyMc (2), TommyV (24), billbaggins (20), ceadeile (1), chelman7 (3), conorb (3), csd (1), eugeneryan959 (1), ewen (2), Communal summary entries (13), hazyview (1), jackill (6), josvanderlinden (1), kkendellen (1), liz50 (3), madfrankie (1), magnumpig (2), markwallace (1), mcderto (1), mcrtchly (2), mickhanney (1), moggy40 (1), murrayconor (1), paddyobpc (1), peter1 (1), robcon54 (1), sandman (1), simon3 (9), ucampbell (2)
For a fuller list view Community | Recent Contributors

There were comments on the following places , An Cheathrú Lair, Ballyguile Hill, Beennabrack, Ben Gorm, Binn Bhriocáin, Binn Chorr, Binn idir an dá Log, Binn Mhór, Brandon, Brandon Peak, Brassel Mountain, Bray Head Hill, Brides Hill, Camaderry Mountain, Carrick Mountain, Carrickgollogan, Carrigleitrim, Carrigoona Commons East, Clifden Hill, Cnoc Mordáin, Cnoc na Sleá, Croaghanmoira North Top, Croaghmoyle, Crusline, Cuilcagh, Cupidstown Hill, Curracahill, Devilsmother, Dough Mountain, Fair Mountain, Fananierin, Gearhane, Gooreen, Great Saltee Island, Greenane West, Gullaba Hill, Hill of Allen, Inishcoole, Inishturk, Knockanuarha, Knockastia, Knockmore, Knocknadobar, Knocknaskagh N Top, Knockree, Laghtshanaquilla North-East Top, Largan Hill, Lenadoon Point, Little Sugar Loaf, Lugnagun, Maughanaclea Hills E Top, Mauherslieve, Maumtrasna, Mount Leinster, Moveen Hill, Mullagh More, Mullaghareirk, Nephin, Nowen Hill, Scarr, Scattery Island, Slieve Maan North Top, Slieveboy, Slievecarran, Slievemore, Slieveroe, Spike Island, Tievereivagh, Tory Island, Trooperstown Hill, Washerwoman Rock, Westaston Hill
and these shared tracks Beinn Resipol, Sunart and Ardgour Britain, Ben Goram, Croagh Patrick Ireland, Benard, Galty Mountains Ireland, Buckoogh, North Mayo Ireland, Caherbarnagh NW Top, Paps/Derrynasaggart Ireland, Cairngorms Britain, Carrignagunneen, Dublin/Wicklow Ireland, Ceann Sibéal, Dingle West Ireland, Coomagearlahy, Paps/Derrynasaggart Ireland, Croaghanmoira North Top, Dublin/Wicklow Ireland, Cruach Mhór, MacGillycuddy's Reeks Ireland, Dublin Islands Ireland, Dublin/Wicklow Ireland, Foilastookeen, Shehy/Knockboy Ireland, France, Occitanie , France, Occitanie , France, Occitanie , France, Occitanie , France, Occitanie , Galway Coastal Hill Ireland, Galway Islands Ireland, Glanbeg, Dunkerron Mountains Ireland, Glencappul Top, Mangerton Ireland, Gleninagh Mountain, West Clare Ireland, Glennamong E Top, North Mayo Ireland, Italy, Veneto , Knockanallig, Caha Mountains Ireland, Lancashire, Cheshire & the Southern Pennines Britain, Maughanaclea Hills E Top, Shehy/Knockboy Ireland, Meall Fuar-mhonaidh, Glen Affric to Glen Moriston Britain, Minaun, Achill/Corraun Ireland, Mourne Mountains Ireland, Nareera South-West Top, Caha Mountains Ireland, Nowen Hill, Shehy/Knockboy Ireland, Seahan, Dublin/Wicklow Ireland, Shehy More, Shehy/Knockboy Ireland, Slieve Bloom Ireland, Sorrel Hill, Dublin/Wicklow Ireland, Spain, Asturias , Stob Coire Altruim, Loch Linnhe to Loch Etive Britain, Stockeen Cliff Top, Clare Coastal Hill Ireland, Sugarloaf, Dublin/Wicklow Ireland, Sweden, Norrbotten , West Clare Ireland tracks were created.

Thanks to all 1374 who have ever contributed place or routes info and forums.

For a full list view Community | Contributors Hall of Fame

Summary. MountainViews now has 9427 comments about 1786 different hills, mountains, island and coastal features out of the total in our current full list (2159). We want to get a good gps track showing each of the major ways to visit each of these places and summits in Ireland. If you see an option to add a "Short Summary" then do please consider creating one since another objective is to have a short summary for every summit and island and coastal feature in Ireland. There's quite a few (373) opportunities for you to be the first to comment on a place, not so many on summits, however lots of opportunities for islands and coastal features as we bring them out. We also have around 2000 shared GPS tracks, mostly in Ireland. Apart from a few popular areas, there is a need for more routes in many different areas. Plain shared tracks without descriptions are welcome however if you have time then do please add route descriptions with photos.

NOTICES

Notices

If you are contributing, please be careful to respect the interests of landowners. Suggest access routes well away from houses, gardens or that could conceivably impact farming activities. When walking, keep away from gardens or farm buildings. Use stiles or gates wherever possible. Never do anything that could allow animals to roam where the farmer did not intend. Ask permission where appropriate.
Take care if parking and do not obstruct roads, lanes and field entrances to access by farm machinery, which can be large. Exercise your dog in parks or forests but avoid countryside or open hillside where they may worry sheep.
Report suspicious activity to the police forces, as below.
If your car is broken into in an upland area report it to the PSNI or Gardai as this will help them be aware of the issue and tackle it in future. Store the numbers. In Northern Ireland use the PSNI non-emergency number 0845 600 8000. In the Republic you can find the local Garda District HQs phone numbers at www.garda.ie/Stations/Default.aspx. Specifically for the hotspot of Wicklow: the Garda Divisional Headquarters in Bray is 01 6665300.
If you hear of a problem area or route, write it up in MountainViews which does everyone a service.
Report rubbish tipping in the Republic - ring EPA hotline 1850 365 121
Report recreational quads in national park area (in which they are banned). They are also banned in the Mournes. For Wicklow please phone the Duty Ranger: 087-9803899 or the office during office hours Telephone: +353-404-45800. For the Mournes ring the PSNI (as above) or contact Mournes Heritage Trust. Put these numbers in your phone, take regs etc. Let MV know of contact numbers for other areas.
If you have visited some of the less well known places, we would appreciate a place rating and also "Improve Grid Ref" for summits and other places.
If you find errors in the basic information about places such as in their names, their heights, county name etc please use the "Propose Places Database Change" option.
If we can, let's make MV have more than one route up a summit or to a place so as to reduce the tendency for paths to appear. Your grid refs in comments for different starting points show up on MountainViews maps as well as shared GPS tracks.
Visit the MountainViews Facebook page.
Visit the Challenge Walks Ireland page (jointly managed by MountainViews)

This newsletter

This newsletter	Editor: Simon Stewart, Homepage: www.simonstewart.ie Assistant editors: Colin Murphy, David Owens Summit comment reviews: David Murphy Challenge Info: Jim Holmes Track reviews: Peter Walker Book reviews: Aidan Dillon, Peter Walker, Mel O'Hara Videography: Peter Walker Graphics design advice: madfrankie Development & support volunteers: Vanush "Misha" Paturyan, Mike Griffin
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