Report Leenaun Weekend 26th to 29th October

A selection of photos taken by John Cotter and Victor Hurley are available Here

Friday 26th October,
10 a.m. Advance party of 3 set off for Leenaun. The long awaited attack on the Bens, Mweelrea and the Turks was underway. A good start, 2 hours into the weekend an emergency stop in Claren Bridge for one hungry member of the party. The first of two dinners that day. On with the reccy, all parking at start and finish points were sussed out and it was a weary trio who got the Leenane Hotel after 6 pm the meet up with the remainder of the party.
Saturday 27/10, dawned crisp and clear. A+ Walk
6.30am rise with a 7.30 breakfast and by 8.30 we were away. The climbing commenced at 10 a.m. The Glencogan Horseshoe, the best in Ireland beckoned. With just a few exceptions this was new ground to the group. Leaders with fingers crossed that what was studied on maps corresponded with the ground. No need to worry, with sun and great visibility it was a doddle. The views were fantastic (no need to go abroad for the scenery). And with scree slopes like the Alps, it was a happy crew who returned 15.5 km, 1450m & 7.5 hours later for our gourmet meal and a few pints of water! A pleasant evening followed. An attempt to reduce numbers by selling of some of the party failed.
Sunday 28th October, heavy rain and gales. A Walk
Woke to some very nasty weather so Plan B kicked in. Up what is known as The Ramp near to Doo Lough and on to Ben (the) Bury a 795m.. A good 5 hours later, back by the famine monument. A few enthusiastic (fanatical) decided they were not wet enough, so on to the Diamond, Hill near letterfrack. Too much for the rest who retired to Gaynors pub (of The Field fame). While here, our matchmakers struck lucky with a big local sheep farmer, our thrilled maiden was over the moon. However it proved to be a short lived affair as the sheep farmer failed to show later in the evening. We were delighted though, to learn the following day, that there was a good reason the bride-to-be was stood up. The excitement was too much for Farmer Joe, he expired that evening.
Monday 29th Oct, started clear. A+ Walk
Day 3, packed up and ready to go at 9; climbing by 10. The first section of the Mammturks, it was strange to climb Corcoge in daylight (easier in the dark when the top cannot be seen) the occasion was too much though for a few who thought they were on the challenge. Not a bad day, great views. Sun, rain and wind rounded off the weekend 4.5 hours later. Back in Cork at 10.30pm all safe, sound & sober!

In summary thanks to entire group who contributed to a wondetful weekend, relishing the early starts and the sessions after even more.

Well done to all,
Victor Hurley and Pat Broderick.

Walking in Nerja Aug 2012

Towards the end of August two members, Victor Hurley and Michael Carey were by a happy coincidence holidaying in Nerja and decided to take advantage of the situation by climbing two of the highest peaks around, Maroma at 2066m and the highest peak in mainland Spain, Mulhacen 3485m. Climbed may be an exaggeration as in truth they are two very fine hikes which assuming you can handle the altitude are both attainable by regular A or B level walkers.

MAROMA - From Nerja we drove an hour to the start at the Sendero el Robledal which I

believe is the easiest and most scenic route. Starting at approx 1050m (height of Carrauntoohil,it is approx 1000 meter ascent to the top (2066m) from here.
To begin with you climb steadily through forest and along a track to some beautiful viewing points. Continuing to climb we reach a plateau where we get our first glimpse of the sea. Need to be careful here as there are some steep cliffs. Stay away from the edge if you have any issues with vertigo. Another 300 meters and a few more kilometers until we reach the top and a most impressive Trig point standing 4 meters tall. Seeing this as a challenge up we went!!! Up on top with a wind blowing you are glad to hang on to the post. The terrain on top is not dissimilar to the Burren in County Clare.

MULHACEN - it is a much longer drive of approx 2 hours to the start at Hoya del Portillo located above the village Capileira at approc 2100m. From here it is a long hike of 25km with an ascent of 1385m. We allowed for a 7 hour round trip. There is a bus from Capileira to 2700m but that would be cheating!

Climbing away from the start through the forest we get to a dirt road which we followed until we reached Alta del Chorillo (2700m) where the climbing started proper. Along the way we pass the Mirador de Trevélez, a lovely viewing point on a good day but we were unlucky as the clouds had rolled in for most of our journey. We struck off up along a meandering track but soon started to take various shortcuts (steeper and rougher but ok when you have visabilty). Eventually we arrive at the summit-it has taken 3.5 hours. We are happy hikers. Having taken the obligatory photos, eaten lunch and explored a bit it was time to set off back down. Despite the long day we made good time on the return journey arriving back at the start 10 minutes under the 7 hours. Allowing for the break on top it took approx 2 hours 40 to return back down.

Equipment - Walking boots and a plentiful supply of water especially in the summer as there are no water sources available on either walk. No matter what season I would recommend you carry some warm clothing and a map & compass as clouds can roll in and effect visability. Indeed the Bishopstown Club were here in late April and had to forge our way through three foot of snow on our way to the top of Maroma whilst Mulhacen was inaccessable.

A link to photos is available Here

Michael Carey & Victor hurley

Report on Trip to Dolomites in May

Click on the link below to view an article which was published recently in the Bishopstown News. Victor as many of you will know is one of the Clubs walk leaders.

(click here for article)

Comeragh Challange Walk 7th July

Well done to all 12 members of B.H.C who completed the Comeragh Challange.  This walk extends for approx 42 kilometers and climbs 2000 meters.  Of the 46 who started the challenge, 10 changed to a different walk at the Nire Valley, so 34 finished challenge, which gives B.H.C one third of the people that finished.

VEHICLE SECURITY REMINDER

We have heard of a number of break-ins to vehilces so please while on walks do not leave anything visible in your car, put change of clothes into the booth of the car and carry all of your valuables (keys, money, credit cards, jewellery, mobile phone, etc) with you (put them into a plastic bag and into your rucksack). - Michael C

Hags Glen Saturday 10th March

Excellent days walking in the Hags Glen last Saturday for the large group who completed the Hags Tooth - Beenkeragh - Carrauntoohil - Cahir - Heavenly Gate circuit. The views from ground level were excellent but as we climbed the visability got poorer. (see image of Carrauntoohil taken from Beenkeragh.) Not easy to climb all 3 of the highest peaks in Ireland in one walk but the group succeeded. All in all 7 hours of excellent walking and scrambling.
For those members planning on doing the Maamturks Challenge Walk this was an excellent training opportunity. Keep up the good work. Michael C