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The Summit

MountainViews newsletter for guestuser

Apr 2020




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HILLWALKING
NEWS - INFORMATION - RECENT CONTRIBUTIONS - FEATURES - FORUMS


  International PIC OF THE MONTH

The Emoji Quiz figure out the names for mountains, lakes etc.

Covid Responsibilies as requested by Governments and Mountaineering Ireland

Who Wants to be a Hillionaire Try this quiz.

NORTH, SOUTH, EAST Route ideas and places to go when, eventually, we can.

Why Not Try Tough Soles Blog has great resources for the indoor isolation we are embarking on.

Website developments New track elevation feature, Consultation on Licensing, Paul Tempan's updated info.

They are hills Jim, but not as we know them... Look but don't touch.

Social Distancing Early attempts.

Three videos featured this month gerrym,ToughSoles, Kevin Sage (great drone footage)

The current unpleasantness probably is going to last at least months. We can use suitable, funny, wacky, amusing, educational articles. If you are cooped up, now is the time to keep our hillwalking spirits up.

Special note for members with eircom.net email addresses.

Should you wish to, you can change your email address as at the end of this newsletter. (Please do this rather than email us with your change)
However you might like to read this first.
simon3 on Considering changing email address?
Recently Eir, the Irish telco, have announced that their previously "free" email service with "eircom.net" domain name will now have a monthly charge. Many are surprised or annoyed at this some even outraged. Email should be "free", right? Many immediately want to change their email address to something different that is apparently "free". However providing email isn't free particularly with t ... ... Click here ...

EVENTS for HILLWALKERS

MOUNTAINVIEWS: Hillwalkers' Events

Nothing likely to happen in the current unpleasantness but you can try an indoor challenge, courtesy Tom Barragry

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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.)

COVID RESPONSIBILITY FOR HILLWALKERS

Support the governments' advice and support Mountaineering Ireland's position.

MountainViews website and committee support the Irish and Northern Irish government's measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.

  • Irish Government statement.
  • Northern Irish Government statement.
  • Mountaineering Ireland statement.

    Murrough McDonagh, CEO, states:

    my request to all of you is to:

    Stay at home
    Stay off the hills and mountains
    Avoid travelling for exercise


  • Regrettably, we cannot currently support the UFRC Statement which as of 4 April 2020 at 18:00 says: "While outdoor exercise in the hills is to be encouraged I would ask members to be mindful of the risks involved and to plan their route accordingly" and continues to request that ".. to ask everyone to park responsibly". This appears to contradict official and current NI policy, which is in fact linked from the UFRC website. If and when we become aware of a supportable change to UFRC recommendations, we will happily put a correction on our forum.

Links and quotes correct as of 4 April, 2020.



Just in case we forget why restrictions on travel to upland areas are necessary. Photo: Cormac Stewart. Licensed for reuse CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Display link to MountainViews.ie

IRISH MOUNTAINS, HILLS, LAKES AND RANGES

Emoji Quiz, Part 1.

Member Tom Barragry invites you to try to figure out what each place is usually called. Answers


Quiz Answers

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WHY NOT TRY

Tough Soles

As always a great website, based on their adventures in the outdoors and with loads of background outdoor culture to inspire our future adventures.

Take a look at a recent Blog entry: The Tough Soles Great Indoors List. In their own words:

This blog post is going to be in four sections:

The books and Blogs List
Podcasts / Audio Delights
The Documentary List
Fun to Follow


Also see their recent video on YouTube, referenced in emVee-Tube section below.



MV PODCASTS

MountainViews outdoor-related podcasts. We couldn't find any 'Ireland-only' dedicated podcasts, but all the below should be of interest to many MV-ers. (Do tell us if there are some podcasts from the island of Ireland)

 

Scotland Outdoors

A weekly, pocket guide to the Scottish outdoors. Short 15-minute episodes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02nrtq1/episodes/player

 

Ordnance Survey GetOutside

From the UK OS, features walks around the local park to expeditions or adventures. Only 2 episodes per year

https://soundcloud.com/getoutside

 

Outdoor Photographer podcast

1 episode daily

https://www.outdoorphotographer.com/blog/category/podcast/

 

Dirtbag Diaries

A great resource for adventure travel inspiration.

https://dirtbagdiaries.com/category/episodes/

 

The Adventure Podcast

Explores the more philosophical side of adventure and the outdoors.

https://theadventurepodcast.co.uk/

 

The Outdoor Station

Describes itself as the UK’s longest running award winning podcast, covering a wide variety of activities.

http://www.theoutdoorsstation.co.uk

 

Ramblings

A BBC podcast with Clare Balding. Mainly UK with some forays into Ireland

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006xrr2

 

Landmarks by Robert MacFarlane

A short BBC series, author Robert Macfarlane describes some vivid places and the words they conjure up.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b05plghr


 Picture of the month

Kilmichael Hill, South Wicklow

For original comment, click here.



Photo: Colin Murphy


International Pic of the Month

The Needle, Isle of Skye

For original comment, click here.


Photo: mcrtchly

WHO WANTS TO BE A HILLIONAIRE

Hillioniare Quiz.

Member Colin Murphy invites you to try to become a hillionaire. Answers will appear on the MountainViews forum a couple of days after publication.


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

Featured Track of the Month
West of the fields...

This month's selection is something to aspire to post-lockdown for those who have not yet done it...Slieve Carr, secreted in the wild interior of Mayo's Nephin Begs. markwallace's text describes a walk-in via the gopping Bangor Trail and a walk-out via the less-wild (and much less wet) Western Way, providing a round trip on a walk that's often done by retracing the outward route. Fine photos too.

markwallace on Old School Slieve Carr route, with Tawnyanruddia
Main walk Start: 11:14, End: 18:12, Duration: 6h58m, Length: 29.3km, Ascent: 1071m, Descent: 1046m
Places: Start at F96894 05573, Tawnyanruddia, Slieve Carr, 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)


Due to its status as Probably the Most Remote Mountain in Ireland, I have wanted to climb Slieve Carr for a while. I looked into routes from the east, but reports about access issues dissuaded me, so I went for the old school route: out by the Bangor Trail; in via the Western Way. This is a long, challenging route, but in a way it would be a shame to see this mountain lose its reputation, because if Slieve Carr is not Ireland’s most remote mountain, then there is no other obvious contender for that title.

There is parking at the R.L. Praeger Centre in Letterkeen, where some local trails and the Bangor Trail start. I followed the Bangor Trail into increasing wilderness, leaving the forest trails and the forest behind to pass the “Bangor Trail ONLY beyond this point” sign at the forest edge which signals the passage into the boggy wastelands beyond.
Glennamong
The Bangor Trail is throughout slower going than the average trail, rough and stony in initials parts, then very wet. There is some evidence of maintenance (a few sleepers and flat stones) to aid in crossing the shoulder of Nephin Beg. Glennamong's north face is quite striking from here. Once the shoulder has been passed and the descent towards Slieve Carr begins, the underfoot conditions are atrocious. Every step goes ankle deep in standing water. Even the pleasant weather couldn’t make this part of the walk fun.

Once the Tawnyanruddia spur is reached, ascent can begin, but I went a few hundred metres further along the trail first to the tin hut situated among some old stone ruins. This was a nice spot for a break, looking out over the boggy wastes I had skirted on the way in. It had taken me 2 hours and 10 minutes of solid walking (a couple of short stops to talk to other walkers and for photos) to get here (10.5 km from the start), which was more than I had estimated. I had thought the walk-in would be taken at fairly close to easy trail-walking pace of 10 minutes per km, but I had never got anywhere near that pace.

In the circumstances, the 380m ascent up the Tawnyanruddia spur was somewhat of a relief. The steep slopes were bone dry, and the short grass and heather easy to walk on. The minor summit of Tawnyanruddia, at 531m, had no marker, but provides great views, particularly towards Achill and the Mayo coast. It’s also in MV’s list of 100 Best Irish Summits, which gave an extra reason to include it in the circuit. I stopped only for a couple of photos, then made straight for the summit of Slieve Carr. It’s over three kilometres of gradual ascent, some peat hags and then rocks. I was getting tired and hungry as I approached the summit, but couldn’t rest until I got there.

South from Tawnyanruddia

I took a break sitting against Laghtdauhybawn (the name of the large cairn on Slieve Carr), in stillness, silence, and gentle March sunshine. Daithi Ban must have been a very important personage to warrant such a big cairn on a hill so remote from all substantial habitation centres. Coastal views included north Galway, all of Mayo, Sligo, and south Donegal. Mountains included Mweelrea, Sheeffrys, Partrys, Nephin, Slievemore, Ox Mountains, Slieve League, Diamond Hill, and the mighty Letter Hill/Tully Mountain. Islands included Achill, Inishturk, Inishbofin, Clare Island. Huge expanses of bog and forest were near at hand, and the Bellacorrick wind farm breaking up the flat bog to the north. Once again, I had to commend the weather on its fine performance on the day.
North-east from Slieve Carr
For descent, I handrailed the corries to the east of the summit ridge, and took the ridge to the south of Coire an nGarru to descend. This steep but grassy ridge provided a quick descent. The ridge just north of the same corrie provides a gentler descent and is perhaps the best option, but this was perfectly manageable. I replenished my water in the corrie lake and continued to descend towards the spot marked “Steps” on East West's Wild Nephin map. I didn’t find the steps, but did see a muddy track through the narrow strip of forest onto the forest track proper. From here another 10km of easy if slightly tedious walking on forest tracks following the Western Way brought me back to Letterkeen.

I was passed by a couple of 4-wheel drives on the WW, so if the barriers were up it would be possible to drive much of the way up here and shorten the walk greatly, though the track is rough enough. Walking the WW is certainly easier than the Bangor Trail, but to do it both ways would be tedious. The Bangor Trail provides pleasant, atmospheric walking in parts, though the final few km before Tawnyunriddia are grim, even in fine weather. I would give the place a very wide berth in poor weather.

Is Slieve Carr Ireland’s remotest mountain? It is if you go this way.

Coire na nGarru

Timing of the stages of the walk worked out approximately as follows:
Letterkeen R.L. Praeger Centre - tin hut: 10.5 km - 130 minutes (Bangor Trail very rough track)
Tin hut - summit of Tawnyunriddia: 1.2 km - 40 minutes (open hillside)
Tawnyunriddia - summit of Slieve Carr: 3.2 km - 55 minutes (open hillside)
Slieve Carr - forest edge: 4.1 km - 50 minutes (open hillside)
Forest edge - Letterkeen R.L. Praeger Centre: 10 km - 105 minutes (forest tracks)
Plus total breaks of around 40 minutes. Total time just under 7 hours.

[The Walkmeter track of the walk gave 965m ascent, but the file as uploaded to MV is giving 1071m ascent. I think the Walkmeter figure seems more accurate, but I could be wrong.]





NORTH: With a nod to Paul McCartney and TLC...
Shamefully your track reviewer, who has presented himself as some sort of waterfall expert (see the last MV annual), had never actually visited the feted cataracts that decorate the floor of Glenariff in Antrim. This criminal omission has now been remedied, and following a quick round of the Waterfalls Walk with Eric the Slightly Puzzled Terrier he can reveal that yes, this is a cracking quick shlep on prepared paths into a deep gorge concealing three substantial cascades, two of which are genuinely stunning. Anyone wanting a slightly longer walk can take the Scenic Trail instead (or 'as well as').
Peter Walker on Glenariff Waterfalls Walk
In those fairytale days before we weren't allowed to go anywhere that we couldn't walk to from our front doors, | walk, Len: 3.2km, Climb: 163m, Area: Antrim Hills (Ireland) ... Click here ...


Featured summit comment
A Quiz Question ...
Q35om

While away the time while stuck at home answer this: what is the name of Ireland's most photogenic mountain? Judging by the winner of last month's pic-of-the-month, and the stunning photo accompanying April's comment-of-the-month, the answer could well be ... Errigal. In a post dated March 7 and headed "Hiking in Snow", Q35on captures the magic of winter walking in the photo that accompanies the following words:

I went to Mount Errigal at 27.02.2020. It was a perfect day for hiking because the sky was blue and the mountain was covered with snow. I started around 4 pm from the car park on the main road and I was on the summit around 5:30. The view from the top was awesome as always and I had Errigal for myself. That was my 7th time on this summit but probably the best one because of the snow. I will definitely be back

Photo: Q35on, Summit area of Errigal

SOUTH: Port in a storm
When storms scuppered his plans to ascend Masatiompa, strangeweaver took solace in a climb of the more diminutive Kerry coastal hill, Beennaman.
strangeweaver on Beennaman, (Binn na mBan): Calm during a storm
On a day when storm Dennis scuppered my plans to ascend Masatiompa Binn na mBan offered some solace and magnificent views off to the west. It is easily taken in by a slight detour from the Dingle way with a fence line providing a guide to just below the obvious summit. ... Click here ...


EAST: The best for less!
Panoramic views of Wicklow are to be had from Croaghanmoira, reports march-fixer, and without too much effort to boot.
march-fixer on Croaghanmoira, (Cruachán Mhaigh Rath): The best for less!
This spectacular summit can be reached without much effort from the nearby Military Road. A good track leads straight to the top. Please note that this is a permissive path. The views from up there are the best to be had except for a clear day on Lugnaquilla. ... Click here ...


EAST: Moira Maan
In a post-social-distancing-but-pre-full-lockdown world march-fixer took himself off into the Wicklow Mountains in search of a bit of solitude. It's Wicklow so it wasn't THAT quiet, but Slieve Maan certainly seems like I Am Legend compared with Glendalough. His route climbs over the aforementioned 'charming' double-topped jungle of Slieve Maan before cutting over the Military Road to Fananierin and Croaghanmoira. The second half is fine, open walking with a sense of height not found in much of the area.
march-fixer on Slieve Maan to Croaghanmoira Circuit
In view of the COVID-19 warnings, we decided to pick an out of the way route that would hopefully provide plenty of soli| walk, Len: 12.4km, Climb: 666m, Area: Slieve Maan, Dublin/Wicklow (Ireland) S ... Click here ...


EAST: Decent little undemanding Carn.
A fairly unremarkable top but on a fine day presents very good views, says Colin Murphy of Ballycumber Hill.
Colin Murphy on Ballycumber Hill, (Cnoc Bhaile an Chomair): Decent little Carn doesn't demand too much.
A relatively easy ascent mostly up decent tracks. Followed the suggested route from Mangan's Lane (which I discovered is opposite the entrance to the local GAA Club.) It was a fine spring day so I enjoyed good views around South Wicklow, but otherwise a fairly nondescript little top. ... Click here ...


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

EASY TO SEE, HARD TO CLIMB

Happy as we are in the current unpleasantness to bring you something interesting and different to read and, Anxious also we are not to tempt you into running out the door, We thought that now is the time to present truly inaccessible mountains, Ones we can often see, but no-one has touched.

They are hills Jim, but not as we know them...

By Finbarrc

 

So, we may feel a sense of accomplishment from conquering our local peaks, and some may venture to distant lands for more challenging adventures, but what about those truly exotic summits, which tower dizzyingly over us on a clear night... the Mountains on the Moon?

 

Yes, our celestial neighbour boasts over a dozen named mountain ranges  including the Apennines, the Caucasus and the Alps (not the most imaginative naming-scheme admittedly...). The Apennines are possibly the most impressive, containing thousands of separate peaks. Its foothills provided the landing spot of Apollo 15, one of the most scientifically productive of the lunar missions. There are also easily-identifiable summits not belonging to any range; the 2,400 metre Mons Pico just south of the crater Plato being a prime example. Although earthlings of this era may not get to know the exhilaration of trekking up these silent expanses in one-sixth gravity, and gazing in awe at the magnificent desolation, we can let the imagination wander as we survey these alien outcrops through binoculars or a telescope.

Measuring the heights of lunar mountains is somewhat complex, as there is of course no 'sea-level' reference point, but sources generally agree that the honour of being the loftiest peak, at some 5,500 metres, goes to Mons Huygens in the Apennines. This is not the highest point however, which is the Selenean Summit adjoining the vast Aitken basin near the lunar south pole. As part of the rolling southern uplands, it is not designated as a conventional peak, but tops out at an impressive 10,786 metres, some 1900 metres higher than Everest. It is located on the lunar far-side and therefore not visible to Earth-bound observers.

There is no plate tectonic or volcanic activity on the Moon, and its mountains result from the tremendous upheaval of surface material caused by the giant asteroid impacts of several billion years ago. It is worth mentioning that the great lunar craters which were dug up by these gargantuan collisions themselves have walls which reach literally mountainous dimensions, up to 3,000 metres in places. So we can see that, despite being airless, dead and one-quarter the diameter of the Earth, our fair celestial companion is not without interest to those of our hill-walking brethren of the future who may be seeking that something a little bit different...

FinbarrC




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MOTLEY GATHERING

The Annual 2020

View the 2020 ANNUAL

We put out our call for contributions for the Annual in early Jan 2020. We got a great response with eventually 36 articles of various sorts coming in. As a community we can be proud of this response.

Next year.

OK, it is a long way off. But consider this, the requirement is for well illustrated, concise articles. And these can take some advance thought. So think of what photos might look well in an article when out walking during the year. Perhaps take notes to keep what you eventually write vivid and fresh.

We will consider any topics of interest to hillwalkers. in Ireland, for example articles on Challenge Walking (both organised and individual), Way Walking (ie walking Way Marked Ways), Summiteering, Family Walking, Gear, Flora & Fauna, Holiday Walking, Scrambling, Coastal or Island walking, things you may see on the hills etc are all welcome as are new ideas. We welcome articles from people who are starting out hillwalking, or experienced or professionals etc.


If you are thinking of contributing or would like to discuss topics etc get in touch.



Volunteering for 2020: 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 18 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.

Contact us at admin -at- mountainviews.ie

Where are you located?


What you can see all around.

You can sharpen your skills at home for whenever we can return to the hills.

Mist, mist, mist

 

For example, you are out on the mountains somewhere between Gravale and Duff Hill when a dense fog quickly descends. While crossing the rough peat hags you stumble and badly injure your knee. You quickly realise that you are unable to extract yourself and need rescuing. Don't worry - not only do you have a physical map but you also have your smart phone and a GPS device so you can easily summon help! Luckily there is good mobile coverage.

 

 

You do have a Map with you – Don’t you?

 

There are a number of assumptions in the above example. The first is that you have properly prepared yourself before heading out! Bring a physical map of your area, even though there may be a mapping application on your smart phone, it is light and compact. Ensure you have completed one of the redily available courses on how to properly read your map. Take up Orienteering if you feel interested!

 

 

Go Digital?

 

Do not set out unless you have fully charged your phone and GPS device before departure. There is nothing worse than finding yourself in trouble and your electronic device is low on charge. And, how many of us think of including a torch. Dedicated GPS devices are designed to be robust and weatherproof. While many smart phones are now waterproof, being caught out on a mountain is not the time to find out that your is not! The availability of GPS on most smart phones should not stop you having a dedicated GPS device. Most good GPS devices allow you to switch power source but that is not possible on many smart phones, unless you have brought a power brick along with the correct connector cable. 

 

Where am I?

 

Assuming you have sufficient power and there is mobile coverage, how are you going to tell the Emergency Services exactly where you are? You are now quite stressed and the constant pain is causing you to shake with the shock. Getting cold and wet is not helping either! Trying to get accurate coordinates from your map could prove difficult since your concentration is also affected. You do know how to read coordinates off of a map? Don’t put off the inevitable, learn now before it’s too late!

 

Here I am ... I think?

 

If your map skills are lacking, it is probably best to check with your GPS system. You hopefully are familiar enough with the device to get a fix and see that it is 53.1168,-6.3582 at your location. You have to pass these digits precisely to the Emergency Service so that they can pinpoint your location. Have you passed the numbers correctly and in the right order? Stress causes errors. Have they heard you correctly?

 

Help me!

 

The Mountain Rescue (MR) services now have a brilliant solution called SARLOC which is simple and free to use - providing of course that you have data coverage available to your smart phone. Having called either 999 or 112 for help they will will send you a text containing a URL (techie for a web address). By clicking and loading this in your phone’s browser it automatically queries your location, sends the details back and displays it on their mapping system. This allows MR to tell  you they know where you are and will be with you in a much shorter time than if they had to search for you. This Golden Hour is essential in critical situations. This information can also significantly boost your moral.

Oh dear! ... No data coverage!

If there is no data coverage there are other options – providing you have certain applications already loaded on your phone.  Both MAPCODE or NAVMii, for example, can provide your location, but you would have to have them already on your phone and have downloaded your section of the local map before heading out. So, what else can you do?

 


Screen shot of what3words

You could have a free App called What3Words already loaded on your smart phone. While it is not advocated by MR, they do accept its output. With location turned on, you start up the App and it will give your location with the following code calculation.admirals.fitting. Telling them this code will specify your location, with 3m x 3m accuracy, in a human-friendly method rather than latitude and longitude. While this App can be used offline without a map, it is only of use as a location utility when nothing else is possible.

 

Is there a charging point nearby?

 

Again, the presumption above is that you have sufficient battery power! So, don’t always rely on your phone or on proprietary applications that could disappear – or radically change their business model – at any time. It does not replace what has existed for ages – it has just repackaged it!

 

Planning is paramount for a successful and safe outing. Get a paper map of the area and pop an old fashioned compass plus a torch in your kit bag. Don’t be a slave to digital technology. When out with a group it is also a good idea to keep one designated fully charged phone, with relevant applications and data preloaded, set it aside for any emergencies. If you intend to rely on technology then consider bringing a spare battery or power brick. Learn how to read map coordinates and you will not be found wanting – instead, you will be found and that is the important thing!

 

Also, to prevent injuries, makes sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. And, if you find yourself in trouble, it’s better to call sooner rather than later. I won’t give you the standard theatrical greeting ... just enjoy yourself!

 

Author: Tom Condon, member march-fixer.

 

 



Thank you to all those who donated.

Last month we asked for donations in this newsletter and we got a good response. Enough to really help with our running costs. Like every other group our insurance is skyrocketing due to the rapacious insurance industry and the extraordinary awards of the courts. Our hosting needs to be updated as a result of the amount of material we have.

You can donate at any time, see below.

The website request for donations will be removed in a week or two.

The MountainViews ANNUAL, brought out in 2020.

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 16)

emVee-Tube

Videos this month:

MV user gerrym celebrates his birthday by dandering up a wintry Slieve Donard
Carl and Ellie of Tough Soles enjoy a walking festival and the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail
YouTube user Kevin Sage takes his drone to one of Ireland's most distinctive peaks

Videography by Peter Walker.

CHALLENGE
A place for those interested in Challenge Walking


Click here for the Challenge Walk Calendar to remember what we hope to get back to.


Newsletter April 2020

 

 

RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS AND KITTENSOFT TWO-PLY!


Solo adventure, from Pier Gates.

Understandably pretty much all Hillwalking at the moment is at the mercy of the present COVID-19 virus as reported earlier in this month’s Newsletter – so it is with great sadness that many a Challenge Walk has had to be cancelled or at least postponed.

Taking a very responsible decision early in the crisis (well before mandatory directions had been published) was the Maumturks Challenge – one of the most iconic in the Challenge Walks Calendar. As is the norm with this great event, tickets sold out quicker than double quilt toilet roll on aisle 6 in Tescos – so not just the organisers were bitterly disappointed – but again, totally understandable.

The Knockmealdowns Crossing then became the next Challenge to fall by the wayside (again erring on the side of caution, as opposed to the government directives at that exact time).

Peaks Mountaineering Club conveyed their sincere sadness at these uncertain times. But no doubt these Walks will return . . . and return with gusto!

The Knockmealdowns Crossing is a great example of a powerful Walk built from the ground up as it were. The Challenge has gone from strength to strength and even though those first inaugural years saw some fairly atrocious weather – spirits were never dampened (unlike one’s Hillwalking clobber, right down to your undercrackers!) as Peaks Mountaineering continued to build on the true community spirit that makes these Events such a success . . . and no doubt it’ll be this focus that’ll help us all battle through. And more recently both the Causeway Coast Challenge and the Blackstairs Challenge have announced that these Walks won’t take place this year. This pushes any normality not returning any time soon – of course, of course for improvement and understandable reasons.

 

 

BEHIND EVERY SILVER-LINING . . . THERE’S A CLOUD!

At least (let’s be thankful for small mercies) the Hills are still open for business – well at time of typesetting at least . . . But now alas at time of going to press – social isolation has had to shrink one’s movements to what is only necessary. So back to the planning, or rather the “looking forward to” phase.

I can remember back to the Foot and Mouth restrictions during the summer of 2001 when no walking was allowed up in the hills at all, at all! And although The Lug Walk Challenge that year had already been cancelled owing to the blanket ban, it was too late to reorganise the Walk when the restrictions were lifted, by chance, in time for June. Undeterred, a small group of friends and myself said we’d have a crack at it anyway and off we pottered on a plenty nice day. Now in these days GPS for Hillwalkers was in its infancy – you should have seen how your position would hop all over the place on purpose (it was still a US military entity and they were still worried that their own tech could be used against them!). So the incredible “gpx breadcrumb trail” that we take for granted nowadays moved continuously twenty meters or more either side of a given track that you were trying to follow. So on this day in mid June, back in the year of our Lord 2001 – we couldn’t find any of the worn paths that we all know and use whilst ascending and descending those well-known hills in Wicklow . . . !

 

In those six weeks of restrictions the trails and tracks had recovered incredibly with nature’s vibrant regrowth totally cloaking any steps that were previously imprinted on the landscape! So it had to be said – this was a positive that came from the crisis that was. So it is in this vain that we’re hopeful of some positives from the current crisis.

 

OUR DAY WILL COME! OUR PICNIC DAY THAT IS!

“This will either make us fit or fat” certainly sounds an honest outcome of these uncharted times. So here at MountainViews we’re pushing for the “fit” option. A small positive – but always important to look forward with optimistic sunglasses on!


Time for a Picnic, Luggala.

The Loneliness of the long distance Hillwalker has been recalled before, mostly by me! Many a Challenge Hillwalker is a solo entity – as social-distance compliant as is humanly possible! When I think of all the times I couldn’t find Lough Firrib in thick mist on the also iconic Lug Walk – little did I realise how I was doing my part for social isolation years in advance! Basically I was lost! But will totally deny all in a Court of Law! And of course (back to business), MountainViews has forever championed the “alternative” routes and tracks helping to keep erosion to a minimum and helping to show all the other possible ways up a well known hill or even beautiful circular walking routes where you’d be forgiven for only seeing a linear ridge!

. . . . So in this vain, do absolutely rediscover somewhere off the beaten track, away from the possibility of mass gatherings . . . or perhaps now, more than ever, is the time to start planning a grand day out when all uncertainty rolls over and some kind of normality returns.

 

Onwards and Upwards Boys and Girls,

Keep Positive, we’ll enjoy our picnics back up the Hills and back down the Corries with good friends as soon as safety dictates!

Big Hug (from a social distance),

Jim Holmes.

 

 

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.


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.

SITE NEWS

Track Profile for uploaded tracks.

We have a new system for showing an elevation profile of an uploaded track. simon3 on New elevation display for shared tracks.
When a track is displayed it can be useful to see a representation of the ascents and descents. MountainViews now includes a graph or outline of the height that a track reaches at different points along the track. The "Elevation Profile" shows the points on the track. The main source of information about the height a track reaches at different points comes from the GPS unit. While often this wo ... ... Click here ...


This is a community website, so we give you the Anti-Hype.

We hope this is a useful tool for showing what to expect if you follow a track. However both of the methods for determining heights along the way have their weaknesses. And in some cases what the new feature shows is that tracks that were previously uploaded have various issues such as unexplained dips or spikes in the GPS heights. At least this explains why sometimes the ascent or descent based on the "GPS" figure and shown for a track was erroneous.

and more information: click here

Comments welcome.


New placename information from Paul Tempan
We are glad to report that we have some new work from Paul to mention.

simon3 on Revised place names from Paul Tempan
Many of the placenames and Irish forms for names in MountainViews came from the work of Paul Tempan, a qualified scholar in the area. He has issued a revised document with various changes and improvements and this is available here: /resourceitem/names/List2019/IrishLandscapeNames2019.pdf or through the Resources page of the website: /resourc ... ... Click here ...


Creative Commons

Take a look at creativecommons.org/share-your-work/ and see below:

simon3 on Creative Commons and material sharing on MV
Creative Commons provides a legal way to share material with conditions. They say "Our licenses enable collaboration, growth, and generosity in a variety of media." and you can see their website at https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/ MountainViews currently offers sharing under a somewhat similar regime to Creative Commons as outlined at /conditions/ The websit ... ... Click here ...

This month.
Kudos to our contributors.

We welcome the following new members who enrolled this month. 12Kevin, abeach, ACooke, Aido89, AlanN, alfiezee, bearnadunkid89, Berniebyrne, Bolton90, BrandonCreek, briancallaghan, Carmelmaguire, Cathyjo, Chrismcg89, Colmoconnor, conormcg, conorpower, cotterclaire, curtinbill, Danbrosnan, davefw, Desi, dgrehan25, DonegalHiker, Donovanu87, Drewy16, dstevenson15, DunphyC, edmaggs, Emcs, Enda66, fergusmccarthy, fiachm, fionuala, Fral, gabhan, Geraldo, ger_the_sea, Gillianm, Glandart, gstack1974, Haphaz99, Helenb, Iain_P, JacquesKinane, jamesdev, JFulton, jm78, JohnBohan, juldobson, Kevintor, Kianb, kmurna, Lauragraham1999, leahmcp123, liamrua, liamsf, Lmcguane, louieg, LouLou, magscollins, Maire-Ni, mazz1965, mazz65, mcgartyc, micealh, michael1956, MichelleD, mikado, Monstera, Mort1969, odrisceoil146, Patmal, PawCz, Phyllis, pjosull, pmca, Pmor, podge_sull, pognoose, pollyanna, pshirshov, Raykeane, Redser11, RobertSzczecin, ruwhelan, sandground, Sineada, Situatedness, slimsineady, soodonum, Sp1ke, swordfish, TMurf, TonyCorbet, Wexford, womble (97)

Our contributors to all threads this month: Bunsen7 (1), Colin Murphy (2), David-Guenot (1), Fergalh (1), Geraldo (1), Peter Walker (5), Q35on (1), ceadeile (2), ewen (1), Communal summary entries (4), jgfitz (3), magnumpig (1), march-fixer (6), markwallace (1), mcrtchly (3), melohara (2), moggy40 (1), ochils_trekker (2), simon3 (8)
For a fuller list view Community | Recent Contributors

There were comments on the following places , Annacoona Top, Ballycumber Hill, Ballyteige, Camenabologue, Croaghanmoira, Doonvinalla E Top, Errigal, Fananierin, Muckish, Ridge of Capard, Slieve Maan, Slieve Maan North Top
and these shared tracks Antrim Hills Ireland, Brown's Hill, Bluestack Mountains Ireland, Dublin/Wicklow Ireland, Dublin/Wicklow Ireland, France, Occitanie , North Mayo Ireland, Orkney Islands Britain, Slieve Maan, Dublin/Wicklow Ireland, Slieve Muck, Mourne Mountains Ireland tracks were created.

Thanks to all 1383 who have ever contributed place or routes info and forums.

For a full list view Community | Contributors Hall of Fame

Summary. MountainViews now has 9525 comments about 1808 different hills, mountains, island and coastal features out of the total in our current full list (2197). 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 (389) 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.

BYGONE SOCIAL DISTANCING


Licensed for reuse CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Display link to MountainViews.ie

Quiz Answers

Emoji Quiz Part 1

Answers

 

 

1 Lough Mask

2 Mullacor

3 Knockmealdowns

4  Galtybeg

5 Mourne Mountains

6 War Hill

7 Djouce Mountain

8 Mullaghcleevaun

9.Lough Ouler

10 Camaderry

11 Seahan

12  Knocknapeiste

13 Hellfire Club

14  Slieve Commedagh

15  Lough Erne (urn)

16 Blackstairs

17  SlieveMuck

18 Knocknagun






Hillionaire Quiz


Licensed for reuse CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Display link to MountainViews.ie

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.
  • MV Facebook page. Visit the MountainViews Facebook page.
  • ChallengeWalksIreland 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 & cartoons: madfrankie
Development & support volunteers: Vanush "Misha" Paturyan, Mike Griffin
USING MATERIAL FROM THIS NEWSLETTER. Other websites can link to MountainViews newsletters at /newsletter
For clubs, individual users, non-commercial users some specified items in this newsletter (principally, graphics, quizzes etc) are explicitly shown as Licensed for reuse using this licence: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Display link to MountainViews.ie as part of your attribution.
Commercial users for individual items: please contact us.
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE. View previous newsletters mountainviews.ie/newsletter/
View newsletter, quarterly and annuals index mountainviews.ie/newsletter/index/
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