Open to all walkers and hillwalkers whether members or not of MountainViews.
New Venue: Hampton Hotel, details below.
Coumshingaun (Comeraghs)
Guest speaker Michael Guilfoyle writes for the Irish Times on hillwalking and is a lifelong adventurer.
Ounacrin (N Africa)
His talk is entitled "Coumshingaun to Vatnajökull (Iceland)". He has told us "Everywhere I went in Ireland I saw glaciers and wondered when the last iceberg off Tory Island was spotted, when and where the last snow patch melted ..."
Another guest speaker may be arranged.
Awards Ceremony There will be our annual awards ceremony for the people who have completed various lists or have contributed to MountainViews or walking in general.
Photo and video awards this year we will have a popular competition for best pictures -- see elsewhere in this newsletter.
There will be a short presentation on new features of MountainViews. There will be opportunities to meet other members and summiteers. This meeting is being organised by the MountainViews committee and will be held in the Hampton Hotel. Information here
www.hamptonhotel.ie.
There is parking in the hotel and nearby. There is a bar to allow you to have a drink with other hillwalkers before or after the event. You can get a meal before the meeting also. Should you wish to stay overnight then please consider staying with the Hampton.
Details
Date: Fri, 24th Feb 2023
Venue: Hampton Hotel, 19 - 29 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, D04 Y6K4,
Time: 7:30 for 8pm start.
Charge: €15 (sorry, cash only)
Printed Annuals: will be available for sale.
Open to all.
Notes
Last year with Covid uncertainties we delayed the Gathering to May. We prefer Feb however since many people are out on the hills in May! And we prefer Fridays because people come from all over Ireland to the meeting and going into a weekend makes it easier for many.
Featured Track of the Month Speaking of the Devil...
This month's selection has billbaggins visiting a beautiful range of hills to the south of Ben
Nevis in the Scottish Highlands, the Mamores. His walk traverses the western section of the
group, culminating in a crossing of the notorious Devil's Ridge (Track Editor's note: this isn't
bad but it's slightly harder than the Beenkeragh Ridge IMHO) and an absolutely knee melting
final descent.
billbaggins on Ramble over some of the Western Mamores
Main walk Start: 09:47, End: 17:53, Duration: 8h 6m, Length: 16.7km,Ascent: 1619m, Descent: 1618m Places: Start at NN1426368376, Mullach nan Coirean, Meall a'Chaorainn, Mullach nan Coirean SE Top [South Top], Mullach nan Coirean East Top, Stob Ban, Sgor an Iubhair, Stob Choire a'Mhail, Sgurr a'Mhaim, end at NN1454368308 289m E from Start(statistics such as Ascent or Length etc should be regarded as approximate. Duration depends on the speed of the person making the track)
Parking available at Lower Falls car park at NN1452 6834. The route may be walked clockwise or anticlockwise but going anticlockwise gives the option of omitting Sgúrr a'Mháim. The descent of Sgúrr a'Mháim at the end of the day can be character building but ascending it from Glen Nevis, while tackling the route in a clockwise direction, is probably more of a challenge. Leaving the car park, walk back along the road to Fort William for 275 m, crossing a bridge, to the entrance to a forest track on the left at NN1426 6839. Follow the well signposted track through the forest to emerge at NN1326 6813 where a stile, with a dog gate beside it, helps hikers and their dogs negotiate a deer fence and access the open hillside.
Stile over deer fence with dog gate - lifting the centreboard allows dog through There is a steep, rough and at times, eroded and muddy path along the edge of the forest which leads onto a path along the ridge between Coire Riabhach and Coire Dearg.
Ascent ridge between Coire Dearg and Coire Riabhach. After ascending the ridge, a walk around the corrie rim will bring you to the large cairn marking the summit of Mullach nan Coirean, at NN1224 6623, 939m, the lowest of the Mamores. Meall a’Chaorainn can then be visited by walking around the rim of Coire a’Mhuilinn. Stob Bán is approached by walking around the ridge above Coire Dearg, visiting Mullach nan Coirean’s two cairned tops at NN1313 6546, 918m and NN1373 6559, 917m.
Approaching Stob Bán, 999m. After visiting Stob Bán, there is the option of omitting Sgúrr a'Mháim by descending to the col at the top of Coire Mhusgain and using a rough path on the east side of Allt Coire a’Mhusgain to reach the start point, Lower Falls car park. The other option is to visit Sgúrr an Iubhair, NN1652 6550, 1001m, and then approach Sgúrr a’Mháim im via the Devil's Ridge.
Summit Cairn of Sgúrr an Iubhair with Devils Ridge and Sgúrr a’Mháim. Sgúrr an Iubhair was a Munro until the 1997 revision of Munro’s Tables. It is now considered to be one of Sgúrr a’ Mháím’s two tops. The other, Stob Choire a’Mháil, 990m, is located on the Devil’s Ridge at NN1633 6599.
The Devil’s Ridge is not too difficult on dry, calm days. It would be more challenging on a very wet or windy day or in snow or ice.
The ascent of Sgúrr a Mháim from the Devil’s Ridge is not too taxing but the descent along its northwest ridge to the start point requires patience.
Harvey's SUPERWALKER XT25 map, Ben Nevis, Mamores and Grey Corries, ISBN 978-185137402-1 recommended for this route. Scale is 1:25,000 and the map is really tough, durable, light and totally waterproof.
NORTH: Easy enough climb to nondescript summit.
A new short summary to guide you up the relatively straightforward route to Crockalough
in the Antrim Hills.
group on Crockalough, (Cnoc an Locha):
On starting point is from D19944 23284 where you see a low white sign reading Cloch Ghlas, and there is parking for a single car. Cross the road, hop a gate and fence and proceed up the grassy slope in a NE direction for approx 1km. The summit area is broad and a bit rougher than the ascent, boggy in parts with some peat hags, and the precise high point is difficult to ascertain although maps indi ... ... Click here ...
NORTH: Cry Me A River
Away from the obvious dramas there's a lot of rough and tough terrain within the
interior of Donegal, replete with unfrequented summits. Summiteering machine eamonoc has visited
a couple of these tops, Leahanmore and Cionn Bheatha, finding a lot of water underfoot (heed the
warning about river crossings) but also some fine views. It could possibly be linked to
Farscallop, but there's quite a deep col in the way.
eamonoc on A bit of a slog in the Glendowan Mountains
Parking just off the R254 at a small track, room for one car only. Headed over some very rough ground to Croaghanamph, | walk, Len: 13.0km, Climb: 657m, Area: Leahanmore, Donegal Central (Ireland) L ... Click here ...
NORTH: Many ways to hit the high point.
An updated short summary by markmjcampion adds to the multiplicity of approaches to
Ulster’s highest point - Slieve Donard.
group on Slieve Donard, (Sliabh Dónairt):
Slieve Donard on the eastern edge of the Mournes is a peaty mound topped off by a rocky crest. The 35k Mourne Wall passes over the summit. Fine views in most directions incl. the Coolies, Sperrins and Antrim Hills. In very clear conditions the Galloway Hills, Isle of Man and the Wicklow Mts are visible.
NE. From Donard Park J37499 30597 head SW through Donard Wood up the Glen River track, then ou ... ... Click here ...
WEST: A quick dash in West Clare
Member fergalh too a brief detour off the Mid Clare Way to make a dash up the
appropriately named Ben Dash..
Fergalh on Ben Dash:
On a recent stroll along the Mid Clare Way (Map 9) i took a dash off the track at the second of two communication towers (the smaller one !) to revisit Ben Dash. There is a track to the left (as you see it) of the green container....It fizzles out quickly but take a north north west bearing on soft ground through thinned out trees and climb a minor 5 metre ridge to summit. Here is a photo of the c ... ... Click here ...
WEST: To hillwalk or hilldrive?
A gravel track to a quarry provides an easy driving option for those wishing to ascend
Gortrumnagh in West Connemara, writes sandman.
sandman on Gortrumnagh:
The gravel track at L61338 51903 will bring you up to the second quarry workings allowing you to park at L62136 51955 and enter the open hillside via a gate just inside the quarry to the left. No signs exist forbidding entry that is usually expected in an active quarry. Based on the machinery present this is not an every day working outfit . Although the summit has its trig an unusual cairn exists ... ... Click here ...
Featured summit comment A Christmas tradition as old as the hills. Peter1
Conorb’s post of November 10th is makes an early reference to Yuletide due to the fact that Carrigfadda Hill in Cork, locally known as Sticín, was the location of some strange Christmas rites involving ‘stone throwing and leaping’ among others, customs dating back to Penal Days it seems.
Climbed An Sticín during Halloween instead of Christmas Day
After parking at the church, I took the bóithrín up past the farmyard to the base of the woodland which was clearcut a couple of years ago. Then it was a climb up to An Sticín as it is know locally.
At one time it was a popular place for locals on Christmas Day as recorded in the Schools Collection.
"The highest point of Carrigfadtha hill - a few miles due south of Drinagh is called the Sticín. From this hill a great view is obtained of the southern sea board, from Roaring water to Bantry Clonakilty Bay. People from all parts assemble here on Christmas day and indulge in stone throwing and leaping. It seems strange that this day should be selected for such a cold exposed place at this time of year with poor visibility. Some old residents think that the custom has come down from Penal days when Mass on the Mountain was celebrated and of course Christmas Day would attract an immense number of people to the spot at such a time. If not disturbed by military there would be a tendency to diversion after Mass and the usual games of strength and skill would be indulged in between the champions of the different parishes."
Photo: conorb, Local Farmers getting into the Samhain spirit
SOUTH: Morning glory
Making an early morning ascent of Caherconree via the Derrymore Valley in the Slieve
Mish area provided member mh400nt with spectacular sunrise views.
mh400nt on Caherconree, (Cathair Conraoi):
Having been up Caherconree a few times over the last 12 months(i'm relatively new to this walking) and its 50/50 for clear views.
for me, the easiest ascent is coming up via the fort, starting at 71597 05585
You can set your target for the fort, then depending on the weather and how you're feeling you can push onto the summit.
Up through the Derrymore valley is spectacular, but the pull ou ... ... Click here ...
SOUTH: A bird’s eye view of history
Member Kilgarvan enlightens us greatly on the history and legends associated with the
impressive Carn called Bird Hill in the West Cork Mountains.
Kilgarvan on Bird Hill:
Bird Hill is named after a natural rock formation in the shape of an eagle near the summit. It can be clearly seen from the road below. From the same viewing point can be seen the Comhla Bhreac (speckled door) known in English as the yellow castle. It is a slightly yellow rock formation half way up the rock face. Legend has it that when an O’Sullivan Beara dies the door of the yellow castle (dún ... ... Click here ...
SOUTH: A stone’s throw from the past
Carrigfadda Hill in West Cork is the scene of a strange, Christmas stone-throwing custom
that probably originates in Penal Times, explains conorb.
conorb on Carrigfadda, (An Charraig Fhada):
After parking at the church, I took the bóithrín up past the farmyard to the base of the woodland which was clearcut a couple of years ago. Then it was a climb up to An Sticín as it is know locally.
At one time it was a popular place for locals on Christmas Day as recorded in the Schools Collection.
"The highest point of Carrigfadtha hill - a few miles due south of Drinagh is called the Sti ... ... Click here ...
SOUTH-WEST: I wish I was on the N70...
The Ring of Kerry has multiple opportunities to make a short sharp excursion into the
mountainsides and coastline lining the road. simon3 has made just such a diversion, visiting the
Coastal summit of Knocknasullig near Caherdaniel, and discovered some great coastal views and a
high percentage of rough, trackless ground. But it shouldn't take long and could form part of a
day of multiple little treks like this.
simon3 on Turbulent terrain, great views.
This route goes over very rough ground which has multiple outcrops with gorse and heather in between. It is easy to see | walk, Len: 1.7km, Climb: 111m, Area: Knocknasullig, Dunkerron Mountains (Irela ... Click here ...
EAST: The Gap Band
An easy shlep (outwith of the August heatwave) from the Wicklow Gap (the Wexford one) courtesy
of jgfitz, making an ascent of Annagh Hill via a new marked loop walk. There's a pub at the
trail head too, as an added incentive.
jgfitz on An easy hike at the Wicklow Gap in County Wexford
Whilst this is an easy hike, it's still a struggle on one of the hottest August days on record. This is a recently i| walk, Len: 9.0km, Climb: 299m, Area: Annagh Hill, Wicklow (Ireland) Annagh Hi ... Click here ...
EAST: Up stairs, down stairs
Both Simon3 & Harry Goodman explored the unlisted Slievebaun in the Blackstairs to see
if it could be incorporated into a longer route along the southern end of the range.
Harry Goodman on Slievebaun, (Sliabh Bán):
If this hill had not been listed in MV's I would not have sought it out and only did so as an extension of a walk over Blackstairs Mt from the Scullogue Gap to Knockymullgurry. From Caher Roe's Den rather than drop down SSW directly to the Cooliagh Gap we headed down ESE and out across the trackless long grassy expanse of the Bantry Commons before climbing up to the shallow saddle below Slievebaun ... ... Click here ...
MIDLANDS: Rough and tumble
The 2km approach to Tooreen in Tipperary is a pleasant stroll at first. But the final
300m are hellish, writes Colin Murphy.
Colin Murphy on Tooreen:
As mentioned in the short summary the first 2km SSW along the track is a pleasant stroll. Then it took me roughly the same time to traverse the final 300m to the summit. The last section from R91259 56239 is across extremely rough ground consisting of very old clear fell, scutch grass, heather and reeds, all on uneven ground - I fell twice in 300m and was also prodded numerous times by old branche ... ... Click here ...
MIDLANDS: Cold comfort
An otherwise ordinary landscape was transformed by winter weather as he ascended
Gortnageragh in Tipperary, reports Colin Murphy.
Colin Murphy on Gortnageragh, (Gort na gCaorach):
This is a nice little hill with good tracks most of the way to the summit, which is marked with a trig pillar. I always think it's nice to reach the top and find it marked in some way, either by a trig or cairn. Anyway, I was also fortunate to do this on a crisp, blue sky winter's day, which transformed otherwise ordinary fields of growth into things of beauty. ... Click here ...
SCOTLAND: Monarch of the Glens
A lifetime's ambition realised for march-fixer as he climbs the mighty Ben Nevis,
Britain's highest mountain. While pondering the very long ascent (it's pretty much a sea level
start) and descent (it's worth noting that the descent of this mountain is particularly
gruelling) he also sadly notes the attitudes that some folk seem to bring to the most popular
summits. The crowds are unfortunate but understandable, the litter is unforgiveable.
march-fixer on Reaching for the Stars
It has been one of those mountains that has held a mystical fascination since childhood. It was time to see it for mysel| walk, Len: 17.4km, Climb: 1338m, Area: Ben Nevis, Fort William to Loch Treig a ... Click here ...
ITALY: Il nome della rosa
Seemingly so impressed by his surroundings or the heat that he forgot to turn his GPS app on,
Colin Murphy has visited a magnificent part of Italy's Abruzzo region. There's rugged mountain
scenery and glorious historic architecture of an ecclesiastical and defensive nature, some of it
featured in several noteable Hollywood films of the 1980s. Looks like a classy way to spend time
in the outdoors.
Colin Murphy on Near Italy, Abruzzo ()
Ok, the track I uploaded appears upside down as I forgot to start my AllTrails app recording until I was at the top. I b| walk, Len: 1.1km, Climb: 16m, Area: Italy, Abruzzo () ... Click here ...
Sorry if we didn't mention what you posted .. there's a list of all contributors for recent
month(s) later.
Call for the Annual 2022 - to be published in Feb 2023
The Background. For the last seven years we have brought out a PDF style magazine.
We plan to do the same this again, "The MountainViews ANNUAL
2022". We are looking for feature length
illustrated articles. And photos. And shorter
items for "Your Walking Highlights of 2022".
For the highlights we are mainly looking for
experiences in Ireland though as last time we
will include some adventures abroad - your short notes not necessarily your crafted paragraphs.
(Note, for highlights we are not looking for your long notes. Either give us short notes or a
longer, crafted article.)
We will
consider any areas of interest to hillwalkers
in Ireland, for example articles on what we did now that the lockdowns recede, Summiteering,
Challenge Walking (both organised and
individual), Way Walking (ie walking Way Marked Ways),
Family Walking, Gear, Climate Change mitigation for hillwalkers, 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.
Photos We want good quality photos. We need captions for them!
Copydate: Ideally by Sun 15th Jan 2023.
If you are thinking of contributing or would like to discuss topics etc. feel free to contact or
have an article
at admin -at- mountainviews.ie
If more material comes in than there is space for, then we will try to include it in later
newsletters.
Volunteering for 2023: 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 1400 people's contributions over 19
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.
Take a look at two collections of photos, which were Pictures of the Month during 2022. We
request your help in choosing 2022 Pictures of the Year for international and Irish
pictures.
Take a look at the collections.
Include something like this in the email body for your choices:
Choice from guestuser
Video of the Year 2022:
My choice. Video Number XX
Email your choice by 11th Jan 2022.
Kozi Wierch - Tatra Mountains
The roof of Poland
Kozi Wierch is a dramatic summit, the highest mountain completely in Poland. Fergal Hingerty takes a crack at it.'
Fergal Hingerty
A aerial view of the lakes
A pre-dawn start had me still yawning as we arrive at Palienca Bialczanska car park at 06.15; cleverly my Polish Mountain guide Marta had booked ahead. All the 500 spaces were taken for the day; already it was more than half full and the sun was not even up yet! This is also the starting point for the very popular Morskie Oko Lake walk, and after paying the entrance fee for the National Park we joined the other walkers and headed 3km along the track as far as Wodogrzmoty Mickiewcza waterfall at 1100 metres.
At this point we took the Green track which would wind its way along the Roztoki Valley. This mostly stone track leads through green woodlands and open spaces, across rivers, and all the while mighty peaks soar overhead. It should be noted that it is illegal to leave the tracks in the national parks in Poland and there are big fines for doing so. However, that may be preferable to coming across one of the 200 or so black bears that live in the Polish mountains! Thankfully they avoid the tracks and prefer the peace and quiet away from them.
Wielka Siklawa waterfall
After a generally ascending walk of 6.5km we arrived at the Wielka Siklawa waterfall at around 1600m. This is the highest cataract in Poland and a magnificent sight. The track runs to the side of the fall, and after a steep enough ascent we arrived into the valley of the five lakes.
We saw the first of the lakes in front of us as we took the Blue route and crossed the wooden bridge over the river above the waterfall on a wooden bridge, winding our way through the vegetation until we arrived at another junction at 1718m. Now we took the Black Route to the summit with the first steep climbing.
As we headed up Szeroki Zleb the track turned steeper and steeper and vegetation became bare rock. Soon the twisting route joined a section of the Orla Perc route, notorious for its exposure (supposedly the most exposed route in Poland). But this section we did was not one of the more ‘interesting’ parts and after a short while we arrived at the summit and joined other climbers there.
A view from the summit
Kozi Wierch (or Goat Peak in English) is the highest mountain wholly in Poland and stands an impressive 2291m high. There are extensive views towards Zakopane to the north, Slovakia to the South, the five lakes in the valley and numerous peaks in all directions.
After a sandwich and the obligatory photos we headed down off the summit back towards the lakes. Soon we arrived back at the bridge and instead of heading down towards the waterfall we headed for the local hostel PTTK Schronisko Górskie. A Piwo (Beer) and some apple tart followed to fuel the long walk back to the car park.
Looking east
We got to the main route at Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza as the heavens opened, but as we were wearing rain gear the 3km back to the car park were not so bad in essence. The old adage of there is no bad weather just bad equipment sprung to mind, sure aren’t we used to rain in Ireland!
This mountain is a long day out: a 21km round trip and an ascent of 1526m which took around 9 hours.
The route: the start is off the right edge of the map
Regular readers of MountainViews.ie will know that MV does surveys of Irish summits and the cols
that define their prominence. Often these are focussed on specific summits of interest such
those that constitute the MV list of the Highest Hundred, which forms the basis of
Mountaineering Ireland's "Irish Peaks" book. Sometimes they are more opportunistic measurements,
done when it suits. The surveys here are of the second, opportunistic variety.
MV Place Index
Area
Subarea Name
Placename
Grid Reference
Height
683
Wicklow
S: Tinahely Hills
Ballycumber Hill
T02804 75837
429.7
637
Blackstairs Mountains
S: Blackstairs South
Slievebaun
S81464 42982
441.8
Blackstairs Mountains
S: Blackstairs South
Slievebaun Keycol
S81764 43435
408.6
Blackstairs Mountains
S: Blackstairs South
Carrigroe Keycol
S79638 43241
371.9
Surveying at Ballycumber Hill
None of the above are particularly significant as in changing what list a summit is in. For the
Ballycumber Hill height the result was a little surprising because there was an OSI (Ordnance
Survey of Ireland) trig pillar on it and the OSI had a figure of 431m for the height. OSI round
their figures to a whole number, so their original measurement could have been 430.5m Our figure
was 429.7 +/- .1m so our figure could have resulted from a true height of 429.8. The difference
therefore (430.5-429.8) is at least .7 of a metre which is unusually high for an OSI measurement
with a trig pillar, though we have seen such and more before.
-- Simon Stewart
CHALLENGE
A place for those interested in Challenge Walks
Now that we're well into 2023, no doubt there'll be many a New Year's resolution
that'll include getting out and up the Hills a little more! As Hillwalkers, and
especially those new to this great pursuit, begin to get stronger and stronger from their
weekly endeavours (and sometimes even more frequent outings) - this is when the Challenge
Walk calls.
Challenge Walks are a tough day's Hillwalking that can last anything
between 8 and 15 hours! Whilst there may be a shorter "Guided" option on the day - these
Walks for the most part, are what we call "Self-Navigating".
These fantastic days tend to be the flagship events of the given Hillwalking Clubs who
so proudly host them. As such they entail the would-be participants to coming and visiting many a
corner of this island from The Giant's Causeway on the Antrim coast to the Mountains of the
Central Dingle Peninsula, from the plateaus and ridges of Maumtrasna to the rolling hills of
Wicklow.
And it is here on the MountainViews website, where for near on fifteen
years now, we have been a foremost resource to both inform and promote this discipline
within the greater world of Hillwalking!
The Challenge Walks Calendar continually updates as
details emerge from the various host Hillwalking Clubs. Here on this part of the website the
Walker can find all required information including how to register and GPX tracks of the
given routes. You may even find a previous report on a previous Walk that will go a long way
in giving an honest overview of what one can expect on the day.
So it is with great anticipation that all of the Walks within the Challenge Walks
Calendar will gladly return with gusto this year, after many having to be cancelled owing to
previous Covid concerns. Whilst some events may indeed take place first... the
following are those that have been confirmed so far...
Organised by The Bannside Rambling Club, the Walk starts and ends at Portballintrae -
this walk follows a beautiful coastal route along the North Antrim Coast passing by the
world famous Giant's Causeway.
A mighty challenge inspired by the mighty Tom Crean! Hosted by the Annascaul Hill and
Roadwalking Club, County Kerry - The Tom Crean Endurance Challenge starts by besting the
fantastic Mount Brandon and then on and up, and over, to traverse adjacent to the
spectacular Coumanare Lakes before journey's end at Annascaul.
The Fei Sheehy Challenge. 11th, 12th and 13th August 2023.
The Fei Sheehy Challenge
2023 A mighty Challenge over three days to cross the Galty, Comeragh and
Knockmealdown Mountains. Organised by Na Sléibhte Hillwalking Club - There are three
variations of walks over three great mountain ranges.
Many of these Walks can see full registration very quickly! In the case of the ever popular
Fei Sheehy Challenge for example, once the participants number 90 souls - registration
closes until the following year! So be sure to avoid disappointment as they say…
Be sure to remember also, how the Challenge Walks Calendar will continue to update and
publicise as more and more of these great Events are confirmed throughout the year.
So now as we’re starting to see a co ck-step in our daylight hours and barring the next
serving of wild weather or a “cold snap” that seem to be a whole lot more
frequent these days… there’s no real acceptable excuse for not getting muddy and
boggy upon a hill or two in your own near vicinity.
This forthcoming year will see many a Hillwalking Club only delighted to welcome back the
avid Challenge Hillwalker as old friendships are renewed and new ones forged true.
Support a Challenge Walk Near You!
Onwards and Upwards Boys and Girls,
Keep Safe and Enjoy Your Day!
Jim Holmes.
Reports of many of the Challenge Walks and indeed news, blogs and more - can be found on . . .
CHALLENGE WALKS NEWS, REPORTS, BLOGS & MORE . . .
mountainviews.ie/challengenews
You should be able to find this link easily off the main Challenge Walks Page.
Another feature that's closely related to Challenge Walking and other services provided by
MountainViews is our page listing Irish Compleatists of the Scottish Munros. We could use some
recent compleaters reports for this!
mountainviews.ie/IrishMunroists
See some more info below on this new feature.
SUMMITEERS and PLACE-VISITORS CORNER
A place for those interested in Summiteering, Bagging, Highpointing, visiting islands and coastal places.
Mountain to Glen, the Podcast, mentions Irish Peaks and MountainViews.
MountainViews were mentioned in Episode 20 of Mountain to Glen, the Podcast which is an interview of Helen Lawless from Mountaineering Ireland, by Cindy Doyle about the MI Book “Irish Peaks” which is based on MountainViews’s Highest Hundred list.
After some initial information about Mountaineering Ireland, the section on Irish Peaks starts at about 14m11. MountainViews is mentioned starting at 30:03 in connection with the surveying we did to check possible changes for the second Irish Peaks book.
MV was mentioned again at 31m12 to 32m43 describing the different places we had to check (including Iveragh not Beara). The cooperation between MI and MV was described and also the support for the Arderins, Ireland’s answer to the Munros of Scotland.
As an aside could I mention that at 30m03, Joss Lynam’s work on setting up the Waymarked Ways was commended. I vividly remember being on a trip with him to the west, probably 1994 where he was systematically discussing various possible routes for the Western Way with some local people as he did for many other areas. He wasn't the first however. The Wicklow Way was well underway by then, (JB Malone) and the even earlier Ulster Way (Wilfrid Capper, from 1946).
A Guide to Ireland's Mountain Summits - The Vandeleur-Lynams & The Arderins
The first reprint with numerous
minor amendments is available.
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 ...
(Information above and below are since we last presented such figures, which is generally a
month but can be longer when we don't have an html newsletter.)
Our contributors to all threads this month:
BrianKennan (2), Carolyn105 (1), Colin Murphy (11), Declan Foley (1), Fergalh (25), Geo (1), Harry Goodman (2), JohnFinn (1), Kilgarvan (1), Lauranna (1), Onzy (10), Taisce (1), TommyV (1), andreos97 (1), billbaggins (55), ceadeile (5), conorb (1), dino (6), eamonoc (9), glencree (1), Communal summary entries (27), jackill (2), kernowclimber (1), markwallace (1), mcrtchly (2), mh400nt (2), mrfleetfoot (3), ochils_trekker (1), sandman (7), seamusdoohan (1), simon3 (10), srr45 (1), tempy (1), wicklore (1)
For a fuller list view Community |
Recent Contributors
Summary.
MountainViews now has 10077 comments about 1714 different
hills, mountains, island and coastal features out of the total in our current full list
(2205 on island of Ireland). 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
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
2700 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 & cartoons: madfrankie
Development & support volunteers: Vanush "Misha" Paturyan, Mike Griffin
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Material is subject to our conditions of use, see mountainviews.ie/conditions/
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Quarterly May 2023
billbaggins on Ramble over some of the Western Mamores
A Christmas tradition as old as the hills.
MountainViews were mentioned in Episode 20 of Mountain to Glen, the Podcast which is an interview of Helen Lawless from Mountaineering Ireland, by Cindy Doyle about the MI Book “Irish Peaks” which is based on MountainViews’s Highest Hundred list.
