MountainViews Gathering - Report
Fri 6th May, 2022
Having skipped 2021 due to Covid, we were delighted to host the return of An Irish Mountain Gathering on May 6th in The Lansdowne Hotel, Dublin. A sizeable crowd was treated to an evening of fascinating talks and presentations on hillwalking or related outdoor activities, along with the annual Mountainviews’ Awards for list compleations and contributions.
If you thought the Glenbeigh Horseshoe was tough, how about running across the mountains for twelve hours straight and then repeating that every day for a week? Such are the challenges of the incredible sport of Mountain Running, on which the audience enjoyed a presentation by enthusiast Richard Nunan. Among the epic adventures Richard has undertaken are the Wicklow Round, which involves running 100km over 26 mountains in 24 hours, and the Ultra Trial de Mont Blanc, which is a gruelling foot race 171km long with over 10k metres elevation gain!
Anne Morrissey
Anne Morrissey followed Richard (although not literally!) with an equally engrossing talk on her thirteen-year-long quest to bag all of Scotland’s 282 Munros. Anne described the unique challenges of bagging Scotland’s more remote peaks when compared to her hillwalking experiences in Ireland, along with some of Scotland’s more unwelcome natural aspects such as the Scottish midge, which were in some ways as much a challenge as the towering hills!
Simon Stewart also took us through the latest developments on the Mountainviews’ website, which is now celebrating its twentieth anniversary. We learned of the wealth of new information that has been added by a team of voluntary contributors as well as those of the large membership. Among the latest additions are the inclusion of audio pronunciations of mountains in Irish and English, improved information on summits, routes and issues such as access.
One type of cert
The evening ended with an extended awards ceremony, which took account of those who completed lists and made contributions for both 2020 & 2021. A total of 32 awards were made in all with 21 of those being made in person. And very well done to all who earned recognition for list compleation or for contributions! Roll on 2023!
Looking back towards the summit of A'Mharconaich while descending towards Balsporran Cottages
The summit is in the Loch Ericht to Glen Tromie and Glen Garry area of Scotland
. For
the original, click here.
Cirque de Mourèze
The unreal scenery of the Cirque de Mourèze with the very recognisable Pic de Vissou (480m) in the distance.
. For
the original, click here.
Photo: David-Guenot
Editor's pick - June
THE STURRALL
The dangerous, exciting spur into the sea that is the Sturrall on the Donegal Coast.
. For
the original, click here.
Exciting maybe but requiring scrambling or climbing skills.
Long Night's Journey Into Day
This month's selection takes the substantial challenge of the Maumturks Walk and ratchets things up a notch: an overnight traverse. Na Sléibhte mainstay gsheehy and his friend Darren took this on (after a memorable aborted attempt) in late May, and the track, text and photos give you an idea of the places that elevated fitness and hillcraft can take you.
GSheehy on Maumturk Manoeuvers In The Dark
Main walk Start: 19:26, End: 05:15, Duration: 9h48m, Length: 28.0km,Ascent: 2118m, Descent: 2341m Places: Start at L96125 49605, Corcóg, Cruiscín, Mullach Glas, Binn Mhór soir barr, Binn Mhór NE Top, Binn idir an dá Log (mullach thoir theas), Binn idir an dá Log, Cnoc na hUilleann (mullach thuaidh), Barr Log Riabhach, Binn Bhriocáin (mullach thoir thuaidh), Binn Bhán, Leenaun Hill Far North-West Top, end at L87205 61868 15km NW 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)
The full traverse of the Maumturks Challenge route is difficult on a good day and horrendous on a bad one. But, what’s it like at night? It’s true that I’d started traverses on them before 3 am but I’d always been walking into the, eventual, light of day. Walking into the blackness of night would be a different type of challenge.
Under Cassopeia
A conversation about this with Darren Frehill, who’s also a Na Sléibhte Hillwalking Club member and has a grá for the Maumturks mountains, on challenge walking plans ended with a “I’ll do that with you”. The plan was to be walking off Leenane Hill as the sun was coming up. On the 1st March 2022 we thought that the forecast was on our side. A car in Leenane, a car under Corcóg and, if things turned against us, a friend on stand-by that we could ring. As we were walking through Crúiscín Darren’s phone began to ring, and ring, and ring. It sounded urgent, so he rang back and was greeted with ‘Maam Garda Station’. Someone had seen the car at Corcóg, the light of the head torches and, fearing for our safety, rang the Gardaí. They did whatever they do in tracing a phone number from a car registration. We could see stars but no bit of moonlight at all. The levels of concentration that were required was like nothing we’d experienced before. We could barely make out the outlines of the mountains against the sky. Leaving aside the feeling of tiredness, we were doing pretty well up until just before Binn idir an dá Log (659m). The wind picked up, it got very cold and the rolling mist started to blow in and that made the navigation more difficult.
Middle of the night in the Col of Despondence
We decided to leave the mountain at Mám Ochóige. Rather than calling it a night and rousing our man on stand-by from his bed we made our way back to Leenane via Glenglosh and the road. We now know that it’s circa 6km longer to do this and you’re only cutting out about 750m of ascent via open mountain. It’s highly unlikely that anyone will ever do that walk - Corcóg to Leenane via Glenglosh and road - again, but sure there’s no point in doing half a walk when you’re out. During the post-mortem of that walk we agreed that we had learned a lot from the experience and that the full task would be completed next time. Roll on the 27th May and the forecast looked good. A no cloud/mist night, very little wind, lowest temperature of 3 degrees but still no moonlight. This time we had a car at the finish, a car in Glenglosh (with the knowledge of the landowner) and a lift to Corcóg.
Before Sunrise
If you're doing this walk with someone, they have to be able to navigate. You probably will have been up since 5am/6am on the day of the walk, you may have to drive for over 3 hours to get there and navigating in the dark is extremely tiring on top of that. The navigation load has to be shared. We had done the Galty and Knockmealdown crossings at night as part of the prep but I don’t think anything can prepare you for the pitch-black that we had on the Maumturks. Getting from Binn Chaoinigh to Mám Ochóige was difficult and Barrlugrevagh/Letterbreckaun to the Holy Well under Maumturkmore was a struggle. From our experience, whatever time it takes you on a good clear day to do the challenge route, just add about two hours to it for the difficulties of night.
NORTH: Arroo eastern route still available and described here.
Arroo in the Dartry Mountains Area (NE: Arroo Keeloges) has difficulties for access from the west, so it is good to hear it can still be reached from the east.
TommyV on Arroo Mountain, (Sliabh Aradh):
Approached Arroo from the East side as mentioned by others. This allows for an unrestricted approach and somewhat gentle climb to the summit. As this approach starts from about 250 metres height, you are basically shaving off half the height to be climbed. Lovely views over Lough Melvin. ... Click here ...
NORTH: Tangled Up In Bluestacks
Barnesmore Gap cuts through the southern section of Donegal's Bluestack Mountains, with rough craggy slopes rearing up on both sides. The summit on the south side, Cruach Eoghanach, is usually climbed by an easy service track leading to an assortment of radio paraphernalia, but dino was made of sterner stuff and has contributed a track that eschews such comforts to take bold lines up and down the mountainsides.
dino on Croaghonagh (Barnesmore) The Hard Way
The usual route for many to the summit of Croaghonagh is via the access track used to service the ugly crown of masts. T| walk, Len: 9.8km, Climb: 434m, Area: Cruach Eoghanach, Bluestack Mountains (Ir ... Click here ...
NORTH: Little coastal gem.
Sturrall in Donegal is a striking rocky pinnacle summited via a narrow ridge that can prove dangerous in poor conditions, writes srr45.
srr45 on Sturrall, (An Storral):
This is a true little gem of our fabulous coast. I summited it from the scrambling the ridge itself. No ropes needed but great care is needed and some hand hold rocks are loose. This climb is not for your average hiker and definitely to be avoided in high winds. The views from the summit are amazing. ... Click here ...
NORTH: Schwarzenegger and DeVito
A bit of work has been done on the notoriously boggy lower section of the path to Errigal in Donegal, and marchfixer has used this newly-less-cumbersome uplift to climb both that lofty sentinal and its runty twin Mackoght. It's not much of a secret how spectacular these mountains are, and those unfamiliar with them now have even less excuse not to make haste in their general direction.
march-fixer on Double the pleasure
We were blessed with magnificent weather for this trek. While the County Council is updating the carpark, we parked alon| walk, Len: 7.3km, Climb: 689m, Area: An Earagail, Derryveagh Mountains (Irelan ... Click here ...
NORTH: A memorable visit
On his first camping hillwalk around Slievenaglogh Hill in the Cooleys, member Geo encountered a WW2 crash site, high winds, solitude, beauty and ghostly voices…
Geo on Slievenaglogh:
2nd visit, this using the Annaloughan Loop.
I brought my camping gear and at 51 years of age spent my first night alone on a mountain!
On the way up, passed thru the aircrash site from 1942. Nice little perspex display unit with small parts of the B-17 and what looks like an Airfix model of same. There was also 3 large pieces of the landing gear on the ground nearby.
From the top I had a glorio ... ... Click here ...
WEST: Fans of imperial exceptionalism: Rejoice!
Corcóg in the 'Turks is confirmed to be over 2000 foot. New measurement by MV with a differential GPS puts the height at 610.077m which is 2001 feet and 6 25/32 inches and thus over the figure which some British lists state is the minimum height for a summit to be considered a mountain.
MountainViews has been wholly metric since it started in 2002 (continuing the tradition of Joss Lynam) and believes that 500m is a more appropriate minimum height for a mountain in the Irish context.
The new height for Corcóg will appear on the website shortly.
group on Corcogemore, (Corcóg):
Corcóg is the eastern end of the higher Maamturks, the spectacular linear range from near Maam Cross to Leenane. Its top is on an approximately NS ridge of over 1km. Famous for the Maamturks Challenge which starts on this mountain, it can be incorporated into shorter walks often from the south.
From the east start on the road at around L96487 49897. You can proceed straight to the summit but ... ... Click here ...
SOUTH-WEST: Straight from the horse's mouth
Going for a walk in the mountains rather than climbing mountains is InTheFade, who has broken away from the main trail up Mangerton in Kerry to explore the fastnesses of Gleann na gCapall past Lough Erhogh before climbing over the shoulder of the mountain for a more 'standard' return. Obviously visiting the various tops around Mangerton itself could easily be incorporated into this route.
InTheFade on Hike into Gleann na gCapall
A nice hike up Gleann na gCapall up to Lough Erhogh ascending up the back to saddle between Mangerton and Mangerton Nort| walk, Len: 11.6km, Climb: 733m, Area: Mangerton (Ireland) ... Click here ...
WEST: Falcon’s crest
An eventful climb of Bengorm in the Nephin Begs was had by pdtempan, which included an interesting mass rock and the cry of a peregrine falcon.
pdtempan on Bengorm, (An Bhinn Ghorm):
I climbed Bengorm on a clear, sunny day in May as a way of reaching the higher target of Corranabinnia. During the whole walk of 6.5 hours, my only human encounters were on the lower slopes of the mountain: a man working turf near the spot where I parked in Glendahurk and two ladies finishing their climb of Bengorm around midday as I was just 20 minutes into my walk. For the rest of the day I was ... ... Click here ...
WEST: Turkish Song of the Damned
Whilst the full Maamturks walk is one of Ireland's most formidable Challenge walks, the range has a scope and complexity that lends itself to multiple shorter but still substantial outings. simon3 has uploaded several such tracks recently, including this one taken from a surveying trip to the 'first quarter' of the walk. There are a lot of closely linked summits rising above some incredibly rough ground here, and it gives a good idea of the undertaking that a complete traverse would be.
simon3 on Visiting the eastmost quarter of the Turks from the south.
This walk starts from the access road to a small forest off the N59. Go through a gate and park near a second gate and a| walk, Len: 14.6km, Climb: 1083m, Area: Binn Mhór siar barr, Maamturks (Ireland ... Click here ...
WEST:
Something of a crawl for this somewhat hidden delight. Member JohnRea describes getting there.
sandman on Clifden Hill:
Looking at OS57 it looked a short walk over farmland to the summit R2526789531 from where i parked at R2545788670 but i was wrong this trig was well protected with forest that left the walk a lot longer than i had first planned. ... Click here ...
SOUTH-WEST: The Mighty(ish) (Castle)quin
On an evening on his honeymoon (yes, relax ladies, I'm married) your track reviewer took the chance to nip up and down Castlequin, a striking little hill looming large over the peninsula to the north of Cahersiveen. I took the documented Paddy Casey Loop walk with the way either along tracks and paths or (a small amount) of trackless ground with adequate waymarking. It's a lovely evening stroll with fantastic coastal views.
Peter Walker on Castlequin
Castlequin sits across the estuary on the north side of the town of Cahersiveen, slightly apeing the much more substanti| walk, Len: 9.1km, Climb: 347m, Area: Castlequin, Iveragh NW (Ireland) Castleq ... Click here ...
WEST: Mayo magnificence
Does Mweelrea have the best views from the summit of any mountain in Ireland, poses JohnFinn, who ascended it on a day that provided 360 degree panoramas.
JohnFinn on Mweelrea, (Maol Réidh):
Does Mweelrea have the best views from the summit of any mountain in Ireland? It certainly must figure in the top five. On the day we were there - 26th May, 2022 - we had perfect weather conditions and the views in all directions were magnificent. We ascended from the west side - not far from Silver Strand - and it was an easy trek to the top. A wonderful mountain. ... Click here ...
SOUTH-WEST: Good to the last drop(pa)
There's so much tangled mountain country in Cork and Kerry that it's sometimes difficult to work out where anything is in relation to everything else; so it was that the photos in Colin Murphy's track immediately reminded me of numerous places that they weren't. They are actually the ascent of Droppa and its neighbour Cummeenbaun, two rugged Arderins overlooking Kenmare Bay (well Droppa is an Arderin Beg only). It's a short enough walk to do something else with the day, or the more sturdy (with transport) could link into other outings over the main spine of the Cahas.
Colin Murphy on Droppa from the north
There is parking for a couple of cars at the end of the narrow remote road at V82637 59648. Go through the gate on the b| walk, Len: 7.3km, Climb: 535m, Area: Droppa, Caha Mountains (Ireland) Droppa, ... Click here ...
Featured summit comment Ghosts of the Past - and Present Geo
Geo's post of June 7 is called "A Memorable Visit". A very apt title for more reasons than one. The description of the crash site and its attendant bits and pieces would make you want to stop what you're doing and visit the place right now. The other reason for making this hill memorable for Geo will send shivers down your spine!
A Memorable Visit
2nd visit, this using the Annaloughan Loop.
I brought my camping gear and at 51 years of age spent my first night alone on a mountain!
On the way up, passed thru the aircrash site from 1942. Nice little perspex display unit with small parts of the B-17 and what looks like an Airfix model of same. There were also 3 large pieces of the landing gear on the ground nearby.
From the top I had a glorious sunset while I vainly searched for a piece of sheltered ground with a level stoneless footprint big enough for my home for the night.
I made do with a poor enough pitch and got myself into night mode.
After a couple hours' sleep, I was woken by flapping fabric, the wind direction and strength had changed and that was the end of any chance of sleep.
It was fully light at 5am and I struck camp and headed over to the little lochan to the east where I had breakfast with a glorious solitary view.
I then explored the second top, the one with the cairn, before returning back via the crash site to return to the Annaloughan Loop and use it to return to my car.
I had a slightly surreal experience at dusk the night before when setting up my tent, I could have sworn that I heard voices several times, but at no time did I see anyone, perhaps the ghosts of those young men who met their maker on the side of the mountain 80 years ago.
Photo: Peter1, Ridge to Corranbinnia from West of Summit
SOUTH: Kerry Coastal Delight
Lacking much prominence, Killelan Mountain East Top (Cnoc Chill Fhaoláin (mullach thoir), this summit never had a list to be part of until the advent of the Coastal Hills.
Now it does, and we have a description of how to get up it with a picture.
Fergalh on Killelan Mountain East Top, (Cnoc Chill Fhaoláin (mullach thoir)):
When climbing Killelan Mountain an easy walk to the east leads to this rocky summit which is much nicer than Killelan itself. Extensive views in all directions one of the finer coastal Hills ... Click here ...
SOUTH: The sharp end of the Reeks
Member cha enjoyed a spectacular walk/scramble with almost constant stunning views and interesting terrain on his ascent of The Big Gun in Kerry.
cha on The Big Gun, (An Gunna Mór):
Early morning start on Friday 27th May. I followed the route described in Adrian Hendroff's The Dingle, Iveragh & Beara Peninsulas Book. A bit of a trudge up to Lough Cummeenapeasta but from there almost constant stunning views and interesting terrain. While resting on Cruach Mhor the ridge across to The Big Gun looked daunting but following the detailed directions in Hendroff's book I bypassed th ... ... Click here ...
SOUTH: Small but beautiful
Despite being over 400m, Knockagarrane in the Cahas presents a fair challenge as the start is almost at sea level, but the rugged top presents tremendous views, writes Colin Murphy.
Colin Murphy on Knockagarrane, (Cnoc an Ghearráin):
Despite the fact that it's merely a Carn, Knockagarrane is quite the hill in terms of the challenge, the ruggedness of its upper slopes and the tremendous panoramas it offers. The starting point is only a little above sea level so expect a climb of almost 400m. As you ascend the views over Cloonee Lough Upper and Lough Inchiquin are terrific and the last stretch offers you a look at Kenmare Bay in ... ... Click here ...
EAST: The hidden summit
Despite being just 280m, Barrinisky in Wicklow attracts a lot of comments, mostly negative, usually regarding the elusive trig pillar, but srr45 reports it has become more findable of late.
srr45 on Barranisky, (Barr an Uisce):
Found it. Looks like it is easier to find than it was 10 years ago. One for the peak bagger for sure still. Pine trees have really got a hold of the summit now ... Click here ...
EAST: Dramatic cliffs, dramatic views, boggy top.
An updated short summary on Luggala in Wicklow by Simon3, who reports significant erosion near the summit due to its popularity.
group on Luggala, (Log an Lá):
Luggala is one of the more well known mountains in Wicklow. This is because it has dramatic cliffs plunging to Lough Tay, visible from the R759 which connects east and west Wicklow via the sally Gap. Luggala, its cliffs and Lough Tay probably feature in more tourist photos than most other views in Ireland.
There are a number of parking spots along the R759 such as at O17041 07245 and O16707 0 ... ... Click here ...
Sorry if we didn't mention what you posted .. there's a list of all contributors for recent
month(s) later.
MOTLEY GATHERING
STACKS AND STONES
The redoubtable Cra, casts an eye on where to start from.
BleckCra on STACKS AND STONES
Touring Ireland, always remember not "to start from here".
Croagh Patrick? "Well, I wouldn't start from here." O'Connell Street? "I wouldn't start from here". The Atlantic Ocean? "Not from here."
I have the Blue Stacks on the bucket list and have started from every wrong "here" .... there.
Still, I am tracking them down - with a run out into Brown's Hill, Croaghanirwore and Croaghnageer; anothe ... ... Click here ...
Volunteering for 2022: 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.
Italy is a big country with plenty of hillwalking possibilities other than the obvious. Fergal Hingerty goes off the beaten track.
Heading for the cross on Bals del Orra
If thinking of Italy the first things that might come to mind for mountainviews members are that it is the land of the Dolomites and the Italian Alps and the culture in the cities. However “La Dolce Vita” can be found in some other places as well. Just north of the old city of Pistoia are the Montagna Pistoiese, not as tall as the Alps and not as spectacular as the Dolomites but still well worth a visit.
We drove to the starting point on a winding road up the mountains which ended at a car park at Casetta Pulledari (1222m). From here it was a walk through the woods to the hut Rifugio Del Montanaro (1567m,) a gentle climb taking just over an hour.
As the nine of us were the only ones staying in the hostel, Luca opened it for the first time in a few months. There was a wonderful terrace outside where you could gaze down at the lights of Pistoia, where we played cards and had some wine, bread, meat and cheese. After giving the leftovers to a tame fox outside we retired early as the next day was to be a long one.
Corno Alle Scale
The following morning we set out through the fog and headed uphill. We passed through the Paseo del Maldrini and soon came to the first hill, Poggio Del Malandrini (1662m). The sun had burned off the clouds at this height leaving an impressive cloud inversion below. We headed along the ridge before descending north along a track through low trees and wild crocuses (track signage is excellent in this region). Next was Paso Della Nevaia before heading up Monte Gennaio as the sun came out. This was a long ridge walk with some steep sections, ending at a small cairn at 1814m with a visitors book which of course was duly signed. This isn’t the summit which was a bit further on at 1884m, and from here a steep descent track began the journey towards the distant high point of the day, Croce del Corne alle Scalle.
Heading up Corno Alle Scale
The track was very narrow and a descent of 200m lead to the col between the two summits and the start of the steep ascent. This became snowy after a while and we ploughed on up before arriving at the summit (1945m). This is close to some very steep cliffs and also close to the slopes where legendary Italian skier Alberto ‘La Bomba’ Tomba used to train.
From here we walked towards the huge cross at Bals del Orra (1936m); a very steep ascent from the south should you choose to go that way. From here we passed close to another refugio and walked over some narrow ridges through the returning fog and traversed some snow fields before entering the forest and heading back to the hostel and ultimately the short distance back to the car.
The town of Pistoia is close and has many hotels and Bed and Breakfasts, also the excellent Caffé la Corta on the corner of the main square does excellent meals run by Monica.
Map of the Montagna Pistoiese
-- Fergal Hingerty
The origin of contours - Part 2
In our April issue Brian Kennan described the origins of contours and how they were used as part of a proof of Newton's laws on gravity.
We posed a question:
A mathematical question and The Inverse Square Law, as applied to Pints.
First the question as posed by Brian:
In order to maximise the deflection of the plumb line, what is the optimum altitude for the observatory and why? If you get the answer right, I’ll buy you a pint.
Do have a go -- no cheating. Reply to our forum. Don't anticipate a pint.
Accepting the challenge and forsaking Google or Wikipedia or any looking up anywhere, your editor tried an answer, which was rejected. I tried again and requested a half pint should the second answer be correct.
Once again my answer was rejected and I was told "Be aware that the pint diminishes as per Newton i.e. by the square of the number of attempts."
We now have a possible answer, both erudite and using rather a lot of mathematical notation. While the HTML of this newsletter can be used to represent this, I have better things to do than spend four hours figuring it out, so here is the suggested answer
or if 'embedding' works in your email client, then here:
CHALLENGE
A place for those interested in Challenge Walks
THE MOURNE SEVEN SEVENS
6th August 2022
A very popular Walk as proudly hosted by Lagan Valley Orienteers.
The Mourne Seven Sevens Walk takes in, amongst others, the seven highest mountains of the Mourne Mountains. A route that consists of summiting Slieve Donard 850m first and then a route that heads towards The Silent Valley before its return to Newcastle. An “unsupported” walk but definitely a nice clean walk which for the most part follows well-worn trails and stone tracks that in places trace the incredible Mourne Wall.
Then with its August anchor... our good friends down Leinster way await our arrival!
THE FEI SHEEHY CHALLENGE
12th, 13th, 14th August 2022
A mighty Challenge over three days to cross the Galty, Comeragh and Knockmealdown Mountains. Organised in association with Galtee, Nire Valley Bogtrotters and Peaks Hillwalking Clubs - There are three variations of walks over three great mountain ranges! .
Distance (over the three days) : 95 km. Total Ascent: 4,200m.
Registration for 2022 is now closed!
It's no sin but... many a Challenge Walk sells out super-fast! Best way to think of it is that the Irish Challenge Walks fraternity has certainly become a victim of its own success!
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.
have been in touch with a generous offer available to the whole hillwalking community (and not just participants in their superb event which takes place every August). To quote Gerard Sheehy himself:
"You can use our Voucher Code: FSCHALLENGE10R to avail of a €10 voucher if you sign up to the Pro or Pro+ accounts with #OutdoorActive.
N.B. Enter the voucher code BEFORE entering payment details to ensure discount is applied."
*Terms apply. Discount is only redeemable against the Outdooractive Pro (currently 29.99 EURO) Pro+ (currently 59.99 EURO) subscription, and is applied to the first year only.
For information on how to redeem a voucher code
Galtymore Summit
The MountainViews ANNUAL 2021, brought out in 2022.
For 2022 the Annual has 64 pages in 18 Articles about walking on hills, mountains, coast and islands here and abroad.
SUMMITEERS and PLACE-VISITORS CORNER
A place for those interested in Summiteering, Bagging, Highpointing, visiting islands and coastal places.
MountainViews Surveying and Changes to Lists
MV Place Index
Placename
Area
Easting
Northing
Height
Prominence
46
Corrigasleggaun
Wicklow, W: Cen Lugnaquilla
304795.9
191084.7
794.6
43
40
Cloghernagh
Wicklow, W: Cen Lugnaquilla
305740.2
191896.9
800
17
143
Knocksheegowna
Comeragh Mountains, Cen: Knockanaffrin
227775.4
116532.9
675.7
50.6
133
Carrigvore
Wicklow, NW: Mullaghcleevaun
312269
210136.9
682.4
70.7
90
Seefin
Comeragh Mountains, S: Monavullagh Mountains
227410
106823.2
725.6
69
249
Coumaraglin Mountain
Comeragh Mountains, S: Monavullagh Mountains
228232.9
104248.6
614.6
99.1
505
Ridge of Capard
Slieve Bloom, E: Capard
234228.4
204545.9
482.1
44.5
438
Baunreaghcong
Slieve Bloom, E: Capard
232653.8
203735.1
508.2
74
97
Gravale
Wicklow, NW: Mullaghcleevaun
310490
209421.5
719
125.8
286
Luggala
Wicklow, NE: Fancy
315004.2
207402.3
593.3
100.3
1400
Binn Mhór siar barr
Maamturks, S: Maumturks South
91017.6
249446.1
595.8
30.1
172
Binn Mhór
Maamturks, S: Maumturks South
91841.2
249350.6
660.6
406
1500
Binn Mhór NE Top
Maamturks, S: Maumturks South
92467.9
249596
641.2
16.3
1394
Binn Mhór soir barr
Maamturks, S: Maumturks South
92851.4
249277.4
631.3
14.4
239
Mullach Glas
Maamturks, S: Maumturks South
93743.9
249214.9
621.3
88
256
Corcóg
Maamturks, S: Maumturks South
95263.9
249137.6
610.1
225.8
225
Binn Chaonaigh
Maamturks, S: Maumturks S Cen
90033.9
251558.5
633.5
110
174
Binn idir an dá Log (mullach thoir theas)
Maamturks, S: Maumturks S Cen
89376.1
252583.3
659.3
36
252
Binn Mhairg
Maamturks, S: Maumturks S Cen
90245.6
252016.4
612.4
21.9
108
Binn idir an dá Log
Maamturks, S: Maumturks S Cen
88816.7
252823.8
702
644
758
Binn Shleibhe
Partry & Joyce, SE: Cornamona
105017.6
254904.7
417.8
352
303
Glendoo Mountain
Dublin, S: Dublin South East
314167.9
220429.4
585.1
109
190
Lugduff
Wicklow, Cen: Glendalough South
307224.8
195378.3
653.2
91.9
604
Carriglineen Mountain
Wicklow, Cen: Glendalough South
311815.6
191123.9
456.6
88
536
Kirikee Mountain
Wicklow, Cen: Glendalough South
313915.4
191255.1
474.5
98
Binn Mhór West
Effect on lists and Summiteers Hall of Records from measurements:
Binn Mhór West in the Maamturks becomes an Arderin because it has a prominence scraping through at 30.1m and a height of 595.8m.
Binn Mhór NE Top in the Maamturks which formerly was thought to have a prominence of just 15m and thus just qualifying as a Vandeleur-Lynam has been confirmed, because of its 16.3m prominence.
Corcóg in the Maamturks is at 610.077m which is 2001 feet and 6 25/32" for those that prefer imperial measure and wanted it to be over 2000'
Luggala in Wicklow has a prominence of just over 100m making it a "Hundred Metre Prominence" summit. MV doesn't actually have a list of this type (known in Britain as a "HUMP").
Does this make any difference to the Summiteers Hall of Records? Well, it turns out that all of the completers of the Arderins as listed have also visited Binn Mhór West, except one person. As far as certificates go, the rule has always been that they are awarded on the basis of completing the list as it was when you completed it. Should the list go on to have new summits added, then that will apply as a requirement for new finishers. Of course, if you are a finisher of a list and another summit is added then it would be good to do that extra one too!
Recent History of the Arderins. There were 407 Arderins in 2019. Then it was discovered that Common Mountain in Donegal didn't quite make it for height. Also Carnanelly West Top in the Sperrins turned out to have an undersized prominence of 24m so there were then 405 Arderins.
Measurement of Croaghanmoira North revealed it had the required prominence and the same has happened with Binn Mhór West, so now we are back to 407.
There will be more changes as surveying proceeds. It is unlikely that the number of Arderins will drop below 400.
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:
500plusclub (2), BleckCra (1), Bunsen7 (9), Carolyn105 (1), Colin Murphy (18), Colmtheclimber (1), David-Guenot (1), Fergalh (21), Geo (1), Harry Goodman (1), InTheFade (1), JohnFinn (3), JohnRea (3), Louise.Nolan (1), Onzy (7), Pepe (1), Peter Walker (4), TommyV (3), Ulsterpooka (1), Wilderness (2), cha (1), chelman7 (2), conrad1179 (2), dino (2), eamonoc (11), eiremountains (2), ektich (1), garrettd (1), glencree (1), Communal summary entries (28), jgfitz (2), march-fixer (3), mcgrathe (1), melohara (7), michaelseaver (1), omurchu (1), osullivanm (3), paddyhillsbagger (1), pdtempan (3), simoburn (2), simon3 (14), spailpin (1), srr45 (5)
For a fuller list view Community |
Recent Contributors
Summary.
MountainViews now has 9926 comments about 1676 different
hills, mountains, island and coastal features out of the total in our current full list
(2204 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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Quarterly August 2023
GSheehy on Maumturk Manoeuvers In The Dark
Ghosts of the Past - and Present
Map of the Montagna Pistoiese
Mournes 7X7
Galtymore Summit
