The potential of our uplands The Nativity Trail - Irish Uplands Forum report Walking in Mary and Joseph's footsteps - Mountaineering Ireland
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Winter 2019 €3.95 UK£3.40 ISSN 0790 8008 Issue 132
The potential
of our uplands
Irish Uplands Forum report
The Nativity Trail
Walking in Mary and Joseph’s footsteps
www.mountaineering.ie
BA Hons in Geography
and Outdoor Education
Learning Through Adventure
www.gmit.ie/outdoor-education
2 Irish Mountain Log Winter 2019
A Word from the edItor
ISSUE 132
The Irish Mountain Log is the
❝
membership magazine of
Mountaineering Ireland. The
Welcome
organisation promotes the interests
of hillwalkers and climbers in Ireland.
Mountaineering Ireland
Mountaineering Ireland Ltd is a
company limited by guarantee and
C
éad míle fáilte! Christmas is here registered in Dublin, No 199053.
again! Well, in fact it seems to have Registered office: Irish Sport HQ,
been with us for some time now, National Sports Campus,
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Ireland.
with the seasonal decorations on
Tel: (+353 1) 625 1115
display in the streets, etc. Weather We are always looking for Fax: (+353 1) 625 1116
permitting, when we get to the Christmas
break, it is always a good time to get out articles from our members info@mountaineering.ie
www.mountaineering.ie
into the hills to try to clear our heads and to to include in the magazine. Hot Rock Climbing Wall
counter the excesses that seem to go with
Tollymore Mountain Centre
the Christmas celebrations.
the AGM for my work on the Irish Mountain Bryansford, Newcastle
It has been another good year for County Down, BT33 0PT
Mountaineering Ireland. The CEO Murrough Log. It was a great surprise to me but also a
Tel: (+44 28) 4372 5354
McDonagh and his excellent staff have great honour. Over the more than fifty years
youth@mountaineering.ie
continued to be very active in so many of that I have been involved in our sport, I have
the areas that are important to our sport on got so much out of it. I am immensely Editor: Patrick O’Sullivan
the island of Ireland. grateful to the members of the Board for Tel: (+353 1) 837 8166 (pm, wknds)
nominating me for that life membership. iml-editor@mountaineering.ie
This year’s AGM was held in Irish Sport HQ Literary Editor: Peter O’Neill
in Blanchardstown. It was a very successful I must also thank the other members of the
iml-literaryeditor@mountaineering.ie
meeting, but it would perhaps have been Editorial Team for their support with the
more enjoyable had it been hosted by a magazine, particularly Peter O’Neill, Literary The Irish Mountain Log is published by
member club, as has been the tradition in Editor, and Cóilín MacLochlainn, who does Mountaineering Ireland four times a
recent years. the layout. year, in March, June, September,
I would like to thank all of the contributors December. The material published in
The Autumn Gathering was kindly hosted the Log by the voluntary editorial team
in the Comeraghs by the Kilmacthomas to our magazine this year for their support
and contributors must not be taken as
Walking Club, who were celebrating their for the Irish Mountain Log. We very much official Mountaineering Ireland policy
club’s fifteenth anniversary. Congratulations depend on those contributions and are unless specifically stated.
to them on their anniversary but also for always looking for articles from our
hosting such a successful Gathering, which members to include in the magazine. Copy deadline for the Spring 2020
I will finish by wishing all Mountaineering issue of the Irish Mountain Log is:
was enjoyed by Mountaineering Ireland Friday, February 28th 2020.
members from around the island (see Ireland members an enjoyable Christmas
report, pp8-10). and New Year, and an active 2020 on behalf Advertising: info@mountaineering.ie
It has also been quite a special year for of the Editorial Team, and the Board and the
me personally, in that I was given Honorary staff of Mountaineering Ireland. Production: Cóilín MacLochlainn,
environs@iol.ie
Membership of Mountaineering Ireland at Patrick O’Sullivan, Editor
Printing: GPS Colour Graphics Ltd,
Alexander Road, Belfast BT6 9HP
Tel: +44 (0)28 9070 2020
Write for the Log PARTICIPATION AND RISK
Readers of the Irish Mountain Log are
reminded that hillwalking and climbing
are activities with a danger of personal
Contributions of features, news items and photographs for injury or death. Participants in these
the Irish Mountain Log are always welcome and should be activities should be aware of and
sent to the Editor at: iml-editor@mountaineering.ie. accept these risks, and be responsible
for their own actions and involvement.
Contributors’ guidelines can be downloaded from the Mountaineering Ireland publishes and
promotes safety and good practice
Mountaineering Ireland website, www.mountaineering.ie.
advice and through the Mountain
Training Board of Ireland administers a
To join Mountaineering Ireland and receive four issues of the ON THE COVER range of training programmes for
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walkers and climbers.
on Slieve Binnian in the mournes
also go to the website, www.mountaineering.ie.
PHOTOGRAPH
heleN lAWleSS
Winter 2019 Irish Mountain Log 3
CONTENTS Winter 2019
Walkers approaching the standing stone at
Bearna na Madra in the Comeraghs during the
Autumn Gathering in October. See story, page 8
News 17 Deadly disease found in 36 The Munro-bagging
Irish hares and rabbits brothers
5 Luggala Estate sold Helen Lawless reports By Chris and Michael Quinn
Helen Lawless reports 18 Get Climbing Project 40 A walk in the woods
6 Mourne Heritage Trust AGM Natasza Berlowska reports Ronan Concannon reports on the
Photographs: Helen Lawless (walkers in the Comeraghs), Noel & Lynne Hanna Collection (themselves on Manaslu), Dave Hunt (Nastia climbing)
Nicky Hore reports ‘Howl at the Moon’ charity walk
19 Hiking in the Tyrol
7 No hiking on a dead planet By Patrick O’Sullivan
44 Rock climbing on Owey
By Conor McGovern & Chloe
The Hillwalkers Club adopts an
environmental policy. Michael
22 UIAA 2019 Mountain Condron
Quinn reports Protection Award 49 Summer Alpine Meet 2019
Patrick O’Sullivan reports A report by Patrick Duffy
8 Autumn Gathering 2019
A report by Brian & Eileen Coate 23 Ex-Gurkha climbs world’s 52 Climbing in Kyrgyzstan
and Nicky Hore 14 highest peaks in 189 days By Freja Shannon
10 Notes from the Members’ 23 Over 130 Himalayan peaks
Forum opened
Regulars
A report by Siobhan Quinn 56 Access & Conservation
11 Remembering Nora Lynam 24 Donegal Climbfest 2020 Helen Lawless reports
Alan Tees reports
12 Barrow Way Walk inaugurated 58 Training
Jane Carney reports
‘Get Ireland Walking’ news from
Programme Manager Jason King Climbing 61 Crossword Competition
14 Spring Gathering and 25 Precarious time for 62 Books
2020 AGM climbing walls Reviews of recent books
Ruth Whelan reports Damien O’Sullivan reports 66 The Last Word
16 Two women complete Irish 25 2020 Climbing Competitions Christopher Quinn
summits lists Damien O’Sullivan reports
Simon Stewart reports
26 Lead Climbing
Championship 2019
A report by Damien O’Sullivan
28 Youth Trad Climbing Camps
By Damien O’Sullivan
29 Climbing wall seminar 2019
A report by Damien O’Sullivan
News Features
30 The uplands’ potential
By Helen Lawless
32 An Irish ascent of Manaslu
By Noel Hanna & Patrick O’Sullivan
Nastia Strižakova
Lynne and Noel Hanna on Manaslu summit
Features
32 IRISH ASCENT OF MANASLU 34 The Nativity Trail 25 2020 CLIMBING COMPETITIONS
By Regina Flynn
4 Irish Mountain Log Winter 2019
Newsdesk
Staff & Board
General enquirieS
info@mountaineering.ie
Staff
Chief executive Officer
Murrough McDonagh,
murrough@mountaineering.ie
administration Officer
Siobhán Quinn, info@mountaineering.ie
Hillwalking Development Officer
Ruth Whelan, ruth@mountaineering.ie
access & Conservation Officer
Helen Lawless, helen@mountaineering.ie
training Officer
Jane Carney, jane@mountaineering.ie
training Office administrator
Laura Griffin, laura@mountaineering.ie
Climbing Officer
Damien O’Sullivan,
damien@mountaineering.ie
Youth Development Officer for
northern ireland
Kevin Kilroy, kevin@mountaineering.ie
Project Coordinator, indoor
Climbing/Social inclusion Project
Natasza Berlowska,
natasza@mountaineering.ie
Get irelanD WalkinG initiative
Programme Manager, Get ireland Walking
Jason King, jason@getirelandwalking.ie
MOuntaineerinG irelanD
BOarD OffiCerS
President
Paul Kellagher
Luggala Estate sold
president@mountaineering.ie Iconic Wicklow Mountains landscape purchased by private buyer
Chairperson resident in Switzerland
Paul Barron
chairperson@mountaineering.ie
By Helen Lawless estate’s guests and tenants, their
BOarD MeMBerS residences and the main lodge as
Imelda Buckley Following an initial report at the end well as their grounds.
(Chair of Finance, Audit & Risk Committee) of August, it has been confirmed A press statement on behalf of the
imelda-board@mountaineering.ie that Luggala Estate in County new owner and on-the-ground
Helen Donoghue
Wicklow has been sold in its entirety observation indicate that the new
(Chair of Access & Conservation Committee)
helen-board@mountaineering.ie
to a private buyer. owner is maintaining the previous
Trish Kane Mountaineering Ireland arrangements in relation to
trish-board@mountaineering.ie campaigned, along with others, for recreational access at Luggala.
Colette Mahon the State to purchase the mountain The new owner of the property is
colette-board@mountaineering.ie lands of Luggala Estate as part of Luggala Estate Ltd, which is
Michael Maunsell Wicklow Mountains National Park. ultimately owned by L Padulli, who
mike-board@mountaineering.ie
The scenic estate, which includes lives in Switzerland. It has been
Gráinne McLaughlin
(Chair of Hillwalking Committee)
Lough Tay and the mountains of reported that the sale price was in
grainne-board@mountaineering.ie Luggala and Knocknacloghoge, is the region of €20 million.
Clare O’Connor surrounded on three sides by the Mountaineering Ireland has been
clare-board@mountaineering.ie national park. in touch with the Directors of
Dawson Stelfox For many decades – courtesy of Luggala Estate Ltd and a meeting is
(Chair of Mountain Training Board Ireland) the late Hon Garech Browne – planned to discuss and agree
dawson-board@mountaineering.ie
Photograph: Helen Lawless
members of Mountaineering Ireland proposed changes, if any, to the
Geoff Thomas
have enjoyed selected access to the existing access conditions, for the
(Chair of Climbing Committee)
geoff-board@mountaineering.ie mountains, cliffs and valley of the continued enjoyment of this special
Luggala Estate, while at the same landscape by our members.
time respecting the work We hope to be able to report on
commitments of the estate (filming, progress in the next issue of the Irish
grazing, etc), the privacy of the Mountain Log ■
Winter 2019 Irish Mountain Log 5
NEWSL0G
Walking by the Mourne Wall between
Slieve Meelmore and Slieve Meelbeg
Mourne Heritage Trust AGM: a brief report
The Mourne Heritage Trust held its 2020 AGM at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre on October 16th
last. Nicky Hore attended on behalf of Mountaineering Ireland and reports here.
In a nutshell, the Mourne The Chair of Newry, Mourne biodiversity in this Area of the last few years. This project
Heritage Trust provides and Down District Council, Outstanding Natural Beauty. has now ended, but
environmental services for the Councillor Charlie Casey, also Two short videos were Mountaineering Ireland will
Mourne Area of Outstanding addressed the meeting and shown. One was on ‘cribbing,’ continue to support the Trust
Natural Beauty (AONB), an highlighted the fact that the a method of stabilising an with their work to improve the
area of 57,000 hectares. landscape of the Mourne eroded forest path by using mountain experience for
At its AGM in Tollymore AONB features prominently in branches backfilled with hillwalkers and climbers, and
National Outdoor Centre, the the council’s corporate plan, aggregate. This method has to engage with clubs,
Trust’s Chairperson, Desmond community plan and tourism been used on the Glen River organisations and individuals
Patterson, outlined the works strategy. path. The other video used the who are active locally.
undertaken by the Trust over He also reflected on the latest technology to deliver an
the last year. These included many benefits that come ‘augmented reality’ experience FIND OUT MORE Mourne
heathland restoration, path from this special asset, telling the story of the Silent Heritage Trust’s online annual
repair work, wall restoration, including economic Valley. report, featuring more detail
the provision of new stiles and development through tourism, Mountaineering Ireland has on the above and on other
the release of red squirrels, and the health and well-being liaised with the Mourne activities, can be found at
Photograph: Helen Lawless (Mourne Wall), Cian Reinhardt (smartphone with app)
plus other environmental and gains from people enjoying Heritage Trust on the EU- www.caringformourne.com
visitor management work. the outdoors and the funded ASCENT project over ■
Ballyhoura Trails Guide App launched
Last July, Ballyhoura Tipperary and south There are numerous through historic sites such as
Country officially to north Cork, functions in the app. The user the Battle of Darragh site and
launched the Ballyhoura Ballyhoura Country can choose a loop walk to the Seefin Mountain climb,
Trails Guide App to help encompasses eleven explore based on distance, plus the ancient Ardpatrick
visitors navigate the looped walks that difficulty or their current monastery, remnants of a
looped walks in the area. provide spectacular location. The walks range in water mill and a holy well.
Famed for its beauty scenery for hikers. distance from 5km to 18km, The Ballyhoura Trails Guide
and wild places, The app is and vary from easy strolls to App is available on the
Ballyhoura Country intended to highlight challenging hikes on sandy Playstore for android and IOS
provides the perfect the breadth of what roadways, woodland trails and in four languages (English,
setting for an action-packed, Ballyhoura Country has to forest paths. Spanish, German and French),
activity-based holiday, giving offer. It allows visitors to With the app, you can learn making it accessible to
walkers an opportunity to stroll instantly find out what is in about local heritage and visitors from around the
through its medieval historical their vicinity and the range of folklore in parts of Cork and world. The app is designed to
sites or unwind alongside its walks on offer. It also gives Limerick. No matter the trail, function well even when you
riverbanks. Stretching from them the distance to the start there is so much to explore are in an area with weak
north Limerick west to point of their chosen trail. and learn, with adventures internet access ■
6 Irish Mountain Log Winter 2019
No hiking on a dead planet
The Hillwalkers Club adopts an environment policy
The environment policy of not occur.
the Hillwalkers Club observes Commenting on the new
that solutions to the twin policy, Helen Lawless
challenges of increasing complimented the Hillwalkers
pressure on the Irish uplands Club and remarked that this
and the imminent climate should encourage all clubs to
change crisis are think about how we do our
interconnected and activities.
complementary. Helen added that clubs can
It concludes by stating also help to raise awareness
that the Hillwalkers Club is that more sustainable
dedicated to achieving an management of Ireland’s
ethical approach to mountain environment can
organised hillwalking and to assist in addressing the
making their serious challenges of climate change.
concerns on climate change
known to Mountaineering FIND OUT MORE The
Ireland, to the Irish environment policy of the
Hillwalkers Club is available
government and to
for download on
www.hillwalkersclub.com ■
international agencies, so
Our blue planet rising on the moon that the worst predictions do
By Michael Quinn addresses a range of issues
under two broad headings:
Crossword results
Motivated by two urgent
The winner of our Autumn Crossword in IML 131 was Aileen Clifford from
environmental challenges – the Ethical walking Tralee, Co Kerry, who won a Mambo 40m rope, a Petzl belay plate and a
impact of the greater numbers ■ Safety, preparedness and Boreo helmet, a prize worth almost €200 from our crossword sponsor,
involved in hillwalking, and the food on the mountain Basecamp. The solution to the crossword is shown below. Mountaineering
■ Travel to the club coach
impending crisis of global and Ireland will contact the winner to arrange the collection of her prize.
Irish climate change – Michael
O T T A B A N F F
Quinn, Environment Officer ■ Travel to the mountains 1 2 3 4 5
■ Access to and courtesy
X V O A I
with the Hillwalkers Club,
M A L L O R Y D O G
Photograph: NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University (Earthrise on the moon)
started a process a year ago to in the mountains
■ Litter on the mountains
6 7
O C N I U
develop an environment policy
■ Treading lightly on the
for the club.
U L T R A E R R O R
Following consultation within
mountains 8 9 10 11
■ Restoring mountain paths N O A E
the club and a talk by
12 13
T Y R O L F L A K E
Mountaineering Ireland’s
Access and Conservation ■ Linking with kindred 14 15 16 17
A O A L I
Officer, Helen Lawless, in organisations
■ Supporting mountain
I C U C R A N N O G
March 2019, the Hillwalkers
18 19
N T E S H
Club unanimously adopted the communities
environment policy at its AGM ■ Nurturing members’
S L E D S K A R S T
in October. appreciation of nature and 20 21
The policy was guided by culture in the mountains
■ Club administration:
Mountaineering Ireland’s Good
Practice Guide for Hillwalkers
use of paper and plastic.
and Climbers, the principles of
‘Leave No Trace’ and the report
of the United Nation’s
Climate change
Intergovernmental Panel on ■ Predicted general adverse
Climate Change from October impacts on Ireland
2018. ■ Likely impacts on
The policy comprehensively mountain areas.
Winter 2019 Irish Mountain Log 7
NEWSL0G
Participants on the Environmental Walk during the Autumn Gathering
Autumn Gathering 2019
This year’s Autumn Gathering was hosted by Kilmacthomas Walking Club in the
Comeraghs, Co Waterford, over the weekend of October 18-20th. The following
reports are by Brian and Eileen Coates (Dingle Hillwalking Club), Nicky Hore (Blayney
Ramblers) and Siobhan Quinn (Administration Officer, Mountaineering Ireland).
Kilmacthomas Walking Club officially opened the Gathering. Saturday morning was all go weather delivered lovely views
hosted a very successful Then the host club’s as buses transported people to early on, but low, grey cloud
Mountaineering Ireland Chairperson, Con Murphy, hidden corners of the descended over the plateau,
Autumn Gathering based in welcomed everyone and Comeraghs, to send them on blocking the scenic vistas we had
Dungarvan, Co Waterford, introduced the guest speaker, their way to magical places like all prayed for. As we descended
over the weekend of October Grace O’Sullivan, a Tramore Coumshingaun, Knockanaffrin later to our transport, the
18-20th. native and Green Party MEP. and Mahon Falls. weather seemed to mock us by
The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, Grace gave an account, There were nine walks of lifting its cap slightly... but maybe
acted as base camp for the supported by photos, of her varying grades on offer, also to say “Come back again”?
various forays into the interesting life as a Greenpeace including the Environmental
Comeragh Mountains over the By Brian & Eileen Coates
activist, an ecologist and an Walk, and the host club’s
weekend, as well as being the (Dingle Hillwalking Club)
environmental activist, leading leaders were helped by
Photographs: Brian & Eileen Coates (main picture), Helen Lawless (Grace O’Sullivan & Con Murphy)
venue for the talks and to her present role as an EU volunteers from Comeragh Of the nine walks on offer on
workshops, and for providing Saturday, we chose to join the
politician. Mountaineering Mountaineering Club and
hospitality for the hungry and Environmental Walk with
Ireland members would Dungarvan Hillwalking Club.
thirsty hillwalkers and climbers its two multi-talented leaders,
certainly be in agreement with There was also an all-day
as they arrived back from their Helen Lawless, Access and
Grace that looking after our scrambling skills session run by
various outdoor activities. Conservation Officer for
environment leads to much Mountaineering Ireland’s
The host club kickstarted the Mountaineering Ireland,
improved quality of life for all Training Officer, Jane Carney.
weekend on the Friday and Jim Bowdren from
afternoon at the Coach House people. There was optimism as the
Kilmacthomas Walking Club.
in Kilmacthomas, leading a Our first stop was just below
group from there to Croughan the access to Mahon Falls to see
Hill. the site where, in 2015, a local
As others drifted into the community group had created a
hotel, some took themselves track along the Mahon River with
off for short walks to the likes local funding from Waterford
of Croughan or dropped over to County Council but without any
the local Greenway for a environmental impact study.
ramble or a cycle. By late Repair of the damage to this
afternoon the hotel bar was Special Area of Conservation
jammed with Mountaineering (SAC) was begun in 2018 and is
Ireland members from dozens being monitored by
of clubs around the island. Mountaineering Ireland and by
Everyone looked delighted to local environmentalists.
be catching up with friends The main part of the walk
from this and other clubs. started at the Mauma Road and
There was a big crowd in the we headed up towards
hotel for the evening talk. Farbreaga. To avoid the cold wind
Murrough McDonagh, CEO of Grace O’Sullivan, MEP, with Con Murphy (Chairperson, Kilmacthomas we lunched just below the ridge,
Mountaineering Ireland, Walking Club) after she delivered her talk at the Autumn Gathering beside an unauthorised
8 Irish Mountain Log Winter 2019
installation – a rusted container
surrounded by scaffolding poles
adorned with telecommunications
dishes, sitting on the
mountainside at about 700m.
A recurring topic during the
day was the need for better
awareness of the impact that
people have on the landscape,
walkers included. The route up to
the broadband aerial was less
pleasant at times because of
the severe damage caused by
quad bikes. The vegetation has Participants listening to Grace O’Sullivan MEP as she delivers her presentation on Saturday evening
been almost completely
stripped away, leaving slippery, wide-ranging conversations en Insurance, access and training A separate workshop took
bare peat. Mountaineering route. We covered tensions in meets were among some of place on club training, led by
Ireland generally advises walkers EU policies for agriculture, the items discussed. Jane Carney, Mountaineering
to keep within the damaged tourism and the environment, Afterwards, the hotel served Ireland’s Training Officer.
lines on our hills. We did so on the need for more ecologically up a beautiful meal to a large The other choice was to join
the ascent, but on the descent friendly walking gear, and the crowd of hungry mountaineers. a walk along the Greenway
we looked at the impact our low price of wool. As we were digesting our food from Durrow to Dungarvan.
footfall was having on the soft, We enjoyed spectacular with a cuppa, we were served
wet peat on the steeper part of It was an informative and
views and covered a variety of an extra course by the “French
the slope and decided that, in terrains: deep rifts of peat, pleasant way to spend a
Chef,” who entertained us with
those conditions, we would rocky tracks and some ‘wild’ songs from Luciano Pavarotti Sunday morning. A local
cause less disturbance to the walking, where the help of to Joe Dolan and made us historian outlined the history of
peat, and be safer, by spreading guides and good navigation laugh all the way to the bar… the disused railway, which the
out, well away from the existing were essential. where, indeed, he continued to Greenway followed, with vivid
path. On the saddle, we walked for croon for those who still had detail of the building of the
After lunch, we hiked across to five minutes without the energy to listen. tunnel at Ballyvoyle and the
the standing stone at Bearna na conversation to concentrate Sundays at these Gatherings viaduct over the River Dalligan.
Madra, at 500m on the saddle on our individual experience of are always quieter affairs. One Further on, the Greenway
between Farbreaga (‘scarecrow’ being in the landscape and to group pored over Ordnance brought views of Clonlea Bay
or ‘ghost’) and Seefin We met up engage more with our senses Survey Ireland’s 1:25,000 until it reached the Causeway,
with some of the ‘moderate’ of touch, sight and hearing. maps and compared these
group, who had been on Seefin
which was followed back into
Overall, we had a memorable with other similar maps
and who were returning by the Dungarvan, having covered a
day in the Comeraghs with our available in order to give
route we had ascended. two inspiring and generous total distance of just over
feedback to the OSi. The group
As the views opened up leaders. 10km. Lunch was available in
looked at colouring, contours
through the mist, Jim Bowdren the hotel and then we all
and other features.
pointed out some of the started our journeys home.
Photographs: Helen Lawless (audience), Brian & Eileen Coates (coastal walkers)
By Nicky Hore This group then discussed
Coumaraglin archaeological (Blayney Ramblers) All in all, it had been a very
ongoing issues of access to
sites, many buried, unmapped or successful and enjoyable
After changing and some the uplands and got updates
still unexplored in this historic Gathering, and it was great to
refreshments, there was a from Helen Lawless,
landscape. see the weekend so well
well-attended Members’ Mountaineering Ireland’s
From Bearna na Madra (‘the supported by members from
Forum on Saturday evening, Access and Conservation
all corners of the country. ➤
dog’s gap’), we retraced our
where all issues were open for Officer.
route to the broadcast mast and
descended via Treenearla discussion. Firstly, Paul Barron,
Commons to another standing Chair of the Board of
stone a short distance from our Mountaineering Ireland,
cars. congratulated Kilmacthomas
During the day, we looked Walking Club members on
closely at tiny blue milkworts, their organisation of the
identified ling and bell heathers, Gathering and praised all the
and associated them with dry walk leaders for their excellent
heathland. work. He also mentioned the
We found Sphagnum moss and Mountaineering Ireland HQ
cross-leaved heath on office staff, most of whom
the wetter heaths, and learned were present, for their hard
to identify a raven by its work in making the weekend
diamond-shaped tail. so enjoyable. Staff members
This was a spectacular walk in were then on hand to answer
typically changing weather, with queries from the floor. Participants on the coastal walk on Sunday
Winter 2019 Irish Mountain Log 9
NEWSL0G
Autumn Gathering 2019... (cont’d)
Notes from the
Members’ Forum
Mountaineering Ireland’s Administration Officer
Siobhan Quinn reports on some of the issues raised
at the Members’ Forum on Saturday, October 19th, in
the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, during this year’s Autumn Participants at Barnamaddra standing stone during the Gathering
Gathering
■ An update on the sale of Ireland communicate with both Community Development, insurance, which protects
historic Luggala Estate in the the club’s secretary and the Michael Ring, TD, had landowners against claims
Wicklow Mountains was membership administrator by promised would be in place arising from the negligence of
requested by a member of email about membership by the end of last year (2018). our members. It does not
Mountaineering Ireland. renewals, and not just with the Helen Lawless, Access and cover the landowner’s
Helen Lawless, Access & administrator. Conservation Officer, said negligence or protect the
Conservation Officer, had the Initially, the system was set up there had been landowner against claims from
following information: for just one contact person per disappointingly little walkers and climbers who are
“The estate has been sold in club, that being the person who progress. The indemnity not members of
its entirety (see also our administered membership would require legislation, Mountaineering Ireland.
■ It was asked whether
update, page xx??). renewals, as this provided the which was a reason for the
Mountaineering Ireland has most accurate information. hold-up.
been in contact through the There is now a separate role in Mountaineering Ireland could
Mountaineering Ireland did
agent, requesting a meeting the club administrator mode for purchase the insurance and try
put the option to the
with the new owners. There has secretary. The club administrator to recover the fee from the
Department to go the
been only one statement from or club membership secretary Department, but it was felt
commercial route, i.e.,
the agent, saying the new must keep this role up-to-date that that would go beyond the
purchasing an insurance
owners will continue the to ensure that the club receives role of the national governing
policy; this is currently being
practice of allowing hillwalkers communication from body.
looked at.
■ Members were reminded of
Photograph: Helen Lawless (group near Mahon Falls), Mario Macrory (walkers at standing stone)
and climbers to use part of the Mountaineering Ireland. Member clubs were
■ Alan Tees from Colmcille
land for recreational use.” the Club Support Meetings
encouraged to highlight to
■ Donal O’Brien from Climbers asked for an update on landowners the public taking place around the
Blackrock Hillwalking Club the rural indemnity scheme liability cover under country. Individual members
requested that Mountaineering which the Minister for Rural and Mountaineering Ireland’s can benefit from the first half
of such meetings, while the
second half of the meetings is
geared more towards club
administrators.
■ There was a query about
cooperation with the Scouts,
which had been announced a
couple of years ago by
Mountaineering Ireland. There
hadn’t yet been any evidence
of it, a member commented.
Jane Carney, Training Officer,
responded, saying there was
an existing memorandum of
understanding (MOU) between
Mountaineering Ireland and
Scouting Ireland. An updated
one was under review and in
progress. Mountaineering
Ireland was also working on an
MOU with the Irish Girl Guides
■
Participants near Mahon Falls during the Environmental Walk on Saturday
Winter 2019
10 Irish Mountain LogJoss and Nora Lynam in Dalkey Quarry in June 2004 when the then 80-year-old Joss completed a charity climb on his birthday
in aid of the Clinical Cancer Research Trust
Death of Nora Lynam, wife of the late Joss Lynam
By Patrick O’Sullivan and editor of the Irish Mountain Log for many years. He was
a founding member of the Irish Mountaineering Club (IMC).
Mountaineering Ireland wishes to express its sincere Nora was also one of the early members of the IMC and
condolences to the family and friends of Nora Lynam (née they met at club meets and were married in 1951. Nora
Gorevan), who passed away peacefully at Donore Nursing shared her husband’s passion for the mountains and would
Home in Bray on November 6th. Nora was the wife of Joss often sit in on the Irish Mountain Log editorial meetings, when
Lynam, who predeceased her in January 2011. Joss was one they were held in their home. She was a delightful hostess.
of Ireland’s best-known mountaineers at home and abroad, May she rest in peace ■
Photograph: Helen Lawless (Joss & Nora Lynam)
Winter 2019 Irish Mountain Log 11NEWSLOG
Pictured at the launch of the Barrow Way Walk event in Athy, Co Kildare, in September, from left, Cllr Mark Wall (Cathaoirleach, Athy), Syl Merrins
(Coordinator, Kildare Sports Partnership), Peter Carey (CEO, Kildare County Council), Gerry Murphy (Laois County Council), Michael Brennan (Carlow
County Council), John Boyle (Director, Waterways Ireland), Andrea Dalton (Mayor of Carlow), Anne Duff (volunteer, Laois Sports Partnership), Alice Carroll
(volunteer, Laois Sports Partnership), Sean Ward (proprietor, Fisherman’s Inn), Colm Ward (Fisherman’s Inn), Deborah Foley (Kildare Sports Partnership),
Martha Jane Kehoe (Coordinator, Carlow Sports Partnership), Hugh Fanning (Waterways Ireland), Sandra Corrigan (Carlow Sports Partnership), Jason
King (Get Ireland Walking), Emma Jane Clarke (Sport Ireland), Majella Fennelly (Laois Sports Partnership), Damien McWeeney (Waterways Ireland).
Barrow Way Walk: inaugural event
Barrow Way Walk 2019 celebrated the European Week of Sport in September
By Jason King (Get Ireland support and encourage utilise the incredible scenery are immediate and extensive.
Walking) participants in rehabilitation that Ireland is blessed with, in In an attempt to involve as
services to engage in gentle order to support and improve many people and as many
Friday, September 6th, 2019, exercise in and around Green their mental and physical demographics as possible, the
saw the launch of the Barrow and Blue spaces. health. The benefits seen and Barrow Way Walk was born.
Way Walk at the Horse Bridge The emphasis is on showing vocalised by participants in After linking in with the
in Athy, Co Kildare. In participants how to best this gentle outdoor exercise Local Sports Partnerships in
attendance that morning were
representatives from
Waterways Ireland, Sport
Ireland, Get Ireland Walking,
and Carlow, Laois and Kildare
County Councils.
The clue is in the name, the
Barrow Way Walk, as in
essence it was announcing a
free event, held on September
29th, comprising a walk along
the River Barrow in the three
counties of Carlow, Laois and
Photographs: Get Ireland Walking
Kildare.
The event is the brainchild
of Waterways Ireland and
Get Ireland Walking, who
developed the idea on the
back of the Waterways for
Health initiative. Pictured at the launch of the Barrow Way Walk event in Athy, Co Kildare, in September, from left, Andrea Dalton
Waterways for Health is a (Mayor of Carlow), Peter Carey (CEO, Kildare County Council), John Boyle (Director, Waterways Ireland), Emma
Jane Clarke (Sport Ireland), Jason King (Get Ireland Walking), Gerry Murphy (Laois County Council).
programme designed to
12 Irish Mountain Log Winter 2019Passionate researcher commences
study with Get Ireland Walking
Dylan Power (pictured) is a PhD
researcher with the Centre for
Health Behaviour Research at
Waterford Institute of Technology.
Dylan’s research is co-funded by
Get Ireland Walking and will be
conducted over the next four years.
Walkers enjoying the Barrow Way Walk on September 29th
Before undertaking his PhD, Dylan
● It was very well organised
worked at a climbing wall, where he
present at the start and finish
managed an initiative, Bun Go Bárr,
of the walks to encourage a and the route was lovely
which helped children and adults with disabilities to try
climbing.
‘leave no trace’ approach – no ● The water, fruit and bars
plastic bottles were available provided along the way
on any of the walks. and the spread at the end
About this study
● They never knew there was
Further to this, each
Ireland’s National Physical Activity Plan, part of the registered participant was
a walk along the canal
given a draw-string bag with
● Getting out and about and
Healthy Ireland initiative, contains a specific action to
promote community walking programmes nationwide and some goodies provided by the
Local Sports Partnerships. meeting new people
explicitly prioritises a research programme to inform
effective interventions. Little is known about the When we factor in the ● The beautiful surroundings
implementation and delivery process of community
uncertainly of the weather in ● A great initiative not tied
the week leading up to the to any fundraising, etc
walking groups in Ireland or their link to public health, social
event, the turn-out was – i.e., walking just for the
inclusion, societal and enterprise outcomes. This research astounding. A huge success
will evaluate sustainable models of implementation and the sake of walking
● Great to have a coach to
overall and something to build
scale-up of community walking initiatives across a variety on for next year as part of the
of counties in Ireland, using a system-based approach. Any European Week of Sport and take you to the starting
questions about this research should be directed to Dylan the National Community point
at research@getirelandwalking.ie. Walking Day. ● The scenery
Get Ireland Walking is delighted to have Dylan on board ● It was a superbly-run
and is excited to be working closely with him and his Feedback event
supervisors, Dr Niamh Murphy and Dr Barry Lambe from When we asked participants ● It was easy, safe and so
the Waterford Institute of Technology. Between them, his what they liked most about peaceful
supervisors have an abundance of knowledge and expertise the 2019 Barrow Way Walk, ● It was so relaxing and the
to support Dylan and to help steer this research over the they were delighted to share
next few years ■
atmosphere was lovely.
what they really enjoyed
about it:
Roll on next year! In the
● The company
meantime, why not get out
and explore Ireland’s
Carlow, Laois Kildare, it was and 18 km available within ● The peace and quiet waterways on the towpaths
decided that the best time to each county. The advantage of ● The fabulous scenery, that overlook our stunning
hold the event would be during these walks was that each friendly organisers and canals and rivers? You won’t
the European Week of Sport, route had a meeting point and friendly fellow-walkers be disappointed! ■
September 23-30th, 2019. time when a bus would collect
With the backing of Sport participants and ferry them to
Ireland, it was confirmed that the start point of their AUTHOR: Jason King is Programme Manager of
Get Ireland Walking. Get Ireland Walking is an
this mass participation event respective walks. initiative of Sport Ireland, supported by
would take place on Each person then simply had Healthy Ireland and hosted and delivered by
September 29th, 2019. In order to walk back to their car at Mountaineering Ireland.
to accommodate all levels of their own pace, with a walk FIND OUT MORE: To find out more about Get
fitness, mobility and time leader, first aid support and a Ireland Walking, visit the website
Photographs: Get Ireland Walking
constraints, there were three sweeper on every route. There www.getirelandwalking.ie, contact us on
routes of about five km, 10 km were also hydration stations (01) 625 1109 or email Jason at
jason@getirelandwalking.ie.
Winter 2019 Irish Mountain Log 13NEWSL0G
Enjoying the Wicklow Mountains in winter
Spring Gathering and 2020 AGM
By Ruth Whelan encourages all clubs to send a minimum of intermediate+ and a long hike. From May to
two delegates to the AGM and to avail of August, they also organise mid-week
The 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) their voting rights. Individual members also evening walks to take advantage of the
of Mountaineering Ireland will take place have voting rights and can attend too. longer days.
on Saturday, March 28th, 2020, at The As an environmentally-aware club, they
Avon, The Burgage, Burgage More, Spring Gathering carpool to the start of their hikes in order
Blessington, Co Wicklow, during the Spring Next year’s Spring Gathering will be based to reduce congestion and their carbon
Gathering weekend. in Blessington over the weekend of March footprint. The hikes are led by a member of
27-29th, 2020. The Wayfarers Association the club with navigational experience. New
AGM timeframe from Dublin has kindly offered to organise members coming out for the first time will
The timeframe for the AGM and Members’ the Spring Gathering as part of the club’s be buddied up with an experienced hiker
Forum is as follows: celebrations for its fiftieth anniversary. for the day.
The Wayfarers are celebrating fifty years After an enjoyable day’s hike, they all
5.00pm Meeting of Honorary and of hiking in the sun, wind, rain and snow, gather to socialise in a nearby café or pub.
Individual Members bringing people together with one thing in
5.30-6.00pm Registration for common: a love of hillwalking. Hiking is good Monthly bulletin
Mountaineering Ireland AGM fun, great exercise and it is good for you! A monthly bulletin is sent to all existing
members informing them of any new
6.00pm Mountaineering Ireland AGM
Who are the Wayfarers? developments in the club and welcoming
6.45pm Mountaineering Ireland The Wayfarers are a very active and any new members. There are also articles
Members’ Forum energetic Dublin-based hiking group with about weekend-away trips and a hike
more than two hundred members. They schedule for the forthcoming month.
Motions and nominations do most of their walking in the Wicklow To join the Wayfarers Hiking Club, you
Mountaineering Ireland clubs and and Dublin Mountains, but also organise can apply for membership via the website
individual members are invited to put trips to other parts of Ireland and abroad. www.wayfarersassociation.com. All hikers
forward motions for discussion at the Every Sunday, they offer four scheduled are insured on hikes as members of
AGM and also to nominate members for hikes: a short, an intermediate, an Mountaineering Ireland ■
positions on the board of Mountaineering
Ireland.
Motions and nominations may be
submitted by any member club or by any
three full members. Board members are
elected for a three-year term.
Photographs: Wayfarers Association
Motions and nominations must be
submitted by email to Mountaineering
Ireland’s Honorary Secretary at
secretary@mountaineering.ie or by post
to Honorary Secretary, Mountaineering
Ireland, Irish Sport HQ, National Sports
Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, to
arrive not later than 5.00pm on Friday,
February 28th, 2020.
Mountaineering Ireland strongly
14 Irish Mountain Log Winter 2019Mountaineering Ireland continues to provide the
book service previously operated by Joss
Lynam. We can supply you with guidebooks
and maps to almost any part of the world.
For the walker, there is a large collection of
Cicerone guides and books, or the wider
selection of books and guides distributed
by Cordee which also includes many
climbing guides. Books reviewed in the
Irish Mountain Log can usually be
purchased through Joss Books with a
members’ discount. To place an order,
ring the Mountaineering Ireland office
on (01) 6251115 or email
info@mountaineering.ie.
DISCOUNTS for early bookings
Come along and develop your winter and group bookings
mountain skills, expand your
knowledge and meet fellow walkers,
mountaineers and climbers who
enjoy snow and ice
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Call the Training Office on 01 625 1112
or email jane@mountaineering.ie
Main photograph View from the slopes of Buachaille Etive Beag looking across Glencoe to Aonach Eagach Ridge. Photograph by Andy RavenhillNEWSL0G
Christine Gordon near
Croaghaun on Achill Island
Two women complete Irish summits lists
By Simon Stewart and the 2,000-footers (609.6m) in the subjective definition, a climbing on the island of Ireland.
MountainViews Committee book The Mountains of Ireland. prominence figure for all MountainViews is supported in
The final basis for selection of summits, and surveying for the UK by the Database of
Elizabeth Ashton (pictured the summits was that of an specific cases, as well as British and Irish Hills and the
below) has become the first “on-site appraisal” by the extensive user feedback. Long Distance Walkers
woman to visit the summit of guidebook’s author, Paddy MountainViews also Association.
all the Vandeleur-Lynams, the Dillon, to use his own words. publishes several other lists, In summary, the modern
273 mountains in Ireland of Even considering just the mostly with bigger prominence Vandeleur-Lynam list contains
600m or more in height with a summits over 609.6m, some requirements, such as for the 273 summits, and the Paddy
prominence of at least 15m. forty were not included. Hundred Highest list. Dillon book has 212. Summiting all
Elizabeth completed her Overall, many hillwalking gems A memorandum of on either list is an achievement
round in June this year. She is a are missing from the list, such understanding provides a which we should celebrate. We
member of the MountainViews as Knocknahillion, Corcóg, basis for cooperation between congratulate Elizabeth Ashton
Committee and has been Croaghan Kinsella and the MountainViews and and Christine Gordon on being
visiting Vandeleur-Lynam Faha Ridge. Conversely, the Mountaineering Ireland, the the first women to complete the
summits since 2008. Our national governing body for respective lists of summits they
chose to tackle ■
Dillon list does include White
congratulations to Elizabeth, Hill in Wicklow, a hill of slight sports of hillwalking and
known as ‘Liz50’ on the prominence.
MountainViews.ie website. Paddy Dillon’s book should be
Another female first has been regarded today as an early
announced also, this one for
Photographs: Christine Gordon (herself on Achill), Elizabeth Ashton (herself)
inspiration but with an older list
completion of the Irish summits approach, produced without
listed in Paddy Dillon’s book, the benefit of the 1:50,000
The Mountains of Ireland, which maps that only became
includes 212 peaks. Christine available later in the 1990s.
Gordon (pictured above) The MountainViews
completed visiting those 212
Vandeleur-Lynam list was
summits on May 20th, 2019.
formalised in 2009, based on
Christine also claims to be the
the Joss Lynam incrementally
first woman to have climbed all
developed tradition, which
the 2,000-footers in Britain and
ended with his 600m lists
Ireland. Our congratulations to
(1997 to 2001). The Vandeleur-
Christine, who visited her Irish
Lynam list was published in
list from Oct 2017 to May 2019.
print form in 2013 by The
Collins Press, Cork. It will also
Comparing the Paddy appear in the Mountaineering
Dillon and Vandeleur- Ireland book Irish Peaks, due
Lynam lists out shortly.
The Paddy Dillon list was first Many innovations have been
published in 1992 by Cicerone, incorporated in the Vandeleur-
the prestigious UK walking Lynam list on a continuing
guide publishers, as a list of basis, including a non- Elizabeth Ashton completing the Vandeleur-Lynam list
16 Irish Mountain Log Winter 2019Deadly disease found in hares and rabbits
Public asked to report any sightings
By Helen Lawless (based on National
Parks and Wildlife Service information)
A disease that is fatal to rabbits and hares
but is of no risk to humans has been
confirmed in the wild in Ireland for the first
time. The Department of Culture, Heritage
and the Gaeltacht’s National Parks and
Wildlife Service (NPWS) is asking the public
to report any suspected cases that they
become aware of in rabbits and hares.
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD)
was first reported in domestic (farmed)
rabbits in China in 1984, killing millions of
animals within one year of its discovery. By
1986, this viral disease had been found in
continental Europe and it has since spread
globally, leading to significant mortality in
wild populations of rabbits.
In 2010, a new, more virulent strain of
this virus, RHD2, emerged in France. It
causes death within a few days of
infection, with sick animals having swollen Irish hare: as the hare’s eyes are set in the side of its head, its field of vision is almost 360°. During
eyelids, partial paralysis and bleeding from snowy winters, white or partially white hares can occasionally be seen in Ireland.
the eyes and mouth. In the latter stages,
close to death, animals exhibit unusual through the Irish hare population.” has suspended licences to capture hares
behaviour and may emerge from cover Native and unique to Ireland, the Irish for coursing, which may also help to ease
into the open. hare is a sub-species of the mountain pressure on hare populations in certain
Dr Ferdia Marnell of the NPWS Scientific hare found throughout northern Europe. upland areas.
Unit outlined his concerns: “Rabbits are
Should this disease prove as infectious
central to wild ecosystems, being the main HOW YOU CAN HELP: Members of the
and lethal here as it has done elsewhere in
food for many predators, from stoats to public can help by reporting any signs of
Europe, the impact on Ireland’s hare
eagles, that in turn regulate other animal this disease in wild animals they come
populations. A decline in our wild rabbits population could be catastrophic. across to the National Parks and Wildlife
will have numerous knock-on Rabbit haemorrhagic disease can be Service by phone – 1890 383 000 – or by
consequences. Of further concern is the spread by direct contact between email – nature.conservation@chg.gov.ie
potential for the disease to spread animals, and also in faeces and urine. Due – or you can contact your local NPWS
to the risk of disease spread, the NPWS Conservation Ranger ■
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Photograph: Mario Macrory (hare)
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Winter 2019 Irish Mountain Log 17NEWSL0G Bouldering in Glendalough
Get Climbing Project: climbing and health
By Natasza Berlowska (Get who are too exhausted to talk!), of an additional group, which personal stories but also
Climbing Project Coordinator) it was clear that the group had will continue climbing until reports of medical research
enjoyed the experience. So Christmas. from Europe, where rock
After a relatively quiet summer, much so that they were asking There is a lot going on on the climbing and bouldering were
when September finally arrived for more! north side too: Awesome Walls used as a clinical intervention,
it felt like an explosion – an Having a choice between in Finglas currently provides particularly for people who had
explosion of new energy, of new another bouldering trip or weekly sessions for young experienced depression.
participants and of climbing climbing with ropes in Dalkey, pupils from the Aisling Project After the lecture, which
adventures. they voted for the first option in Ballymun and for an older attracted approximately
Hoping for some early and, two weeks later, we were group from Ballyfermot Youth seventy people, there was a
autumn sunshine, we took our out again, this time in Reach. On top of that, there is chance to try rock climbing for
most experienced group of Glendasan near the Wicklow the process of recruiting for two
anyone who had never climbed
young climbers for their first Gap. Despite the heavy rain a more taster sessions for
before.
outdoor bouldering session. The day before, the rock was dry, children from local schools,
The Dublin Climbing Centre
Miner’s Village in Glendalough is warm and perfectly suitable for which hopefully will be finalised
was really crowded that
a perfect location for someone challenging yourself on new by the middle of November.
evening, not only full of people,
who has never been bouldering grades. As many readers might be
In the meantime, with the but also full of laughter, joy and
outside, with easy access, safe aware, each year in October a
landing zones and a wide beginning of the new school Mental Health Week takes positive energy. It is reassuring
selection of routes. year, the indoor sessions have place, which results in various that, even if we experience
After four long hours of resumed. The new group from events across the country. This some difficult times in life or
having fun, losing skin on the the Killinarden Community year the HSE Mental Health simply have a bad day, the
sharp rocks and getting wet Centre Youth Project seems to Services in Tallaght, together climbing community is out
during the river crossing (one really enjoy learning new skills with Dublin Climbing Centre, there to help. It is worth
person out of five is not bad!), at Dublin Climbing Centre, the Irish Mountaineering Club remembering that, especially
it was time to walk back to the while a taster session organised and the Get Climbing Project, during the dark winter months
cars and head home. Despite for transition year students organised a talk, ‘Rock Climbing ahead and, if you still have not
being visibly tired (it is weird from Killinarden Community and Mental Health.’ The tried climbing, you know where
being with a group of teenagers School resulted in the opening discussion included not only to go ■
Photographs: Get Climbing Project
Trying out some bouldering in Glendalough Crossing the river in Glendalough
18 Irish Mountain Log Winter 2019SPONSORED
Hiking in the Tyrol
Irish Mountain Log makes an inspection visit to Erhwald in the Austrian Alps
By Patrick O’Sullivan there after about another hour.
The following morning, we walked For more information on Topflight
At the end of September, I was invited to holidays, see advertisements on
through Ehrwald village, heading up the
join a Topflight hillwalking inspection tour next two pages
valley towards the nearby village of
to Erhwald in the Austrian Tyrol. Ehrwald Biberwier. We got onto one of the valley’s
lies in a broad valley to the south of the many well-maintained hiking trails and glacier below the summit, a hike that took
Zugspitze (2,962m). It is on the border gradually made our way up through the them into Germany. The other group took
with Germany, where it is the highest trees. We eventually came to a mountain the easier option of two cable cars to get
mountain. In Austria, it is well down the list hut, which was closed, and stopped for up to the summit viewing platform. The
of highest mountains, the highest being lunch at the foot of a wooden cross on a summit group then descended in another
the Grossglockner at 3,798m. nearby rocky outcrop. The packed lunches cable car to the glacier behind the peak,
I have to say I really enjoyed the trip; it provided by the hotel were very welcome. before returning to the summit to take the
was a delightful experience. The Topflight After an enjoyable break perched on the cable cars down. It was another great day
staff whom I met were all lovely people, top of the outcrop, we made our way with impressive views all round.
and the group I travelled with gelled nicely, round to the cable-car station at On the third day the weather did
so the five-day introductory tour worked Sunnalm. The track we walked in the deteriorate. We took the cable car up to
well, despite the differing interests within afternoon was less well maintained but Ehrwalder Alm and then hiked mainly on
the group… and the craic was mighty! still easy to follow. We then took a cable four-wheel-drive tracks up through the
A majority of the participants were car down to the lower station. forest to the Seebensee lake at 1,653m.
members of hillwalking clubs who were The options from there were to go by On the last day, we checked out of the
looking at Erhwald as a possible cable car or toboggan down to Biberwier. hotel and drove back to Munich airport
destination for club trips. Many of us fed the inner child and took a and took our flight home, but not before
Ehrwald is a small Tyrolean village at an toboggan, which followed an artificial run stopping en route to walk through the
altitude of around 1,000m in the down. Once down in Biberwier, we set off impressive Partnach gorge in the Reintal
Wetterstein mountain chain in the Tiroler walking back down the valley to Ehrwald valley.
Zugspitze Arena. It is a popular skiing area after a very enjoyable day. Overall, the trip was an impressive
in winter and is well-served with chair-lifts The next day was forecast to be clear, introduction to what appears to be a great
all year round. Topflight have a hotel there, so it was decided to go up the Zugspitze area for hikes of all grades. It is certainly
the Sonnenburg Hotel, where they are (2,961m). One group hiked up to the one that I would like to visit again ■
able to offer packages to groups
combining flights, transfers, Sonnenburg Hotel with Zugspitze (2,961m) behind
accommodation and activities, mainly
Photographs: Patrick O’Sullivan
walking holidays in the summer and skiing
holidays in winter.
We flew on an early morning flight from
Dublin airport to Munich, from where we
were transferred by coach to Erhwald.
After about two hours we stopped at
Oberammergau, site of the annual
Passion Play. We then drove on to the
Sonnenburg Hotel in Erhwald, arriving
Winter 2019 Irish Mountain Log 19You can also read
